This hike was definitely a random adventure that turned out to be a lot of fun. We wanted to look for this plane that we had heard was in the area of Radar Hill in Tofino. We weren’t really sure where exactly to go but knew it was somewhere at the end of a trail. (Note: we found our way ok but some don’t. The trails get a bit convoluted so take great care watching where you came from and make sure you remember how to get back.)

Off we go.

We parked at the bottom of Radar Hill and hiked south along the highway for a few hundred metres. Just after one of the big bends about a kilometre away from the parking area turn into the bush on a fairly well used trail. It should be good single track. You shouldn’t have to duck through many brambles or branches. If you have, then you’ve turned off too early (or late). The trail is around the telephone pole marked 300 with the airplane drawn on it. (Late 2012 the telephone poles were changed. The trail is 15 poles from the Radar Hill parking lot and has a small airplane drawn on it. Thanks to Soccermom for updating us in the comments.)

Continue on up this single track up a hill and down the other side. You will have to go around an old creep abandoned building to do this. You can go inside if you want, there shouldn’t be anything there. At least there wasn’t anything(one?) in it when we were there!

Heading down the other side you’ll get into some pretty muddy territory. It’s quite low and wet in this area so take good boots. I was in trail runners when we did and had to be extra careful but that kept the trail interesting. A couple people ended up in the mud up to their calves, so pick your footing well.

Follow the marked ribbon all the way across the flat marshy area. If you can tell direction we’ll keep heading in the direction of the ocean. You’ll see the land start to slant up before you get to the water in a ridge that runs parallel to the beach. The crash site is on the near side of that ridge. You should come across a couple large pits filled with water that are left from detonating the explosives that were on the plane when it crashed.

[UPDATE]: Please be careful continuing up the hill past the bomber. I wrongly assumed that there would be views of the ocean from the ridge but according to Randy from the comments below that is not the case. There really isn’t much up there and only looks like a trail because of people taking a few steps further every time. Always be careful taking a trail you do not know. If in doubt turn around or go with someone who knows the area. Thanks for the information Randy.

GPS for this trip: Having the gps for the trip  was nice but not required. It would definitely help finding the entrance to the trail off the road and the correct trail on the way there. Most of it is marked fairly well.

Gear for this trip

Colorado 300 GPS – nice to have, not required

Salomon Wings Trail Runners – boots would have made it easier, just pick your footing carefully with runners when it’s muddy.

Food and Water – Never head out on a trip without extra food and water. Even if you are just going for the day, you might find yourself overnighting somewhere.

Cell Phone – A communication device is always a good idea to have when going out into the woods. If you get lost you’re going to be very happy you had it.

Extra Links about the trail:

Trailpeak track: http://trailpeak.com/trail-Canso-Crash-Site-near-Tofino-BC-5053

Flickr Images: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rcthink/sets/72157605969155301/

The post Hike in Tofino: Canso Bomber Crash Site first appeared on Pack & Trail.

Where’s the gate?

I had been dirt biking by the Arlington years before and assumed it was quite easy to get back to. The Pub is on the highway, but the gate was not where I remembered it being. The road to the left of the pub is called Sea Blush Drive and it carries on a lot further into the bush than I thought. We drove right to the end of road thinking it was the obvious place for a gate to be. There was an entrance to some trails, but not the gate I was looking for.

Not able to find the gate, we started walking along the power lines at the end of Sea Blush Drive, taking every turn we could find, exploring the trails there.

Hiking along all the trails we could find in the direction we thought was suitable for waterfalls to be in, we hit Sundew Main, the main logging road in the area. We followed that to the start of the road and eureka, we found the gate. It just so happened to be at the end of Sundew Place, one of the side roads off Sea Blush Drive.

Armed with the knowledge that the trail to the waterfalls would be just 10 minutes up this road, we took a couple pictures, turned around, and started walking.Almost a kilometre up Sundew Main we found the double track trail that branches off the main on the right-hand side. We followed this trail straight down to the waterfalls.

Taking another right turn 5 minutes down this trail will lead you to a pretty view off the entire chain of waterfalls. There are a few sections, which are separated by large pools. The tallest level of these waterfalls is at the bottom. We headed back to the main trail and carried on (continuing straight if you didn’t take this detour), and then descended a very steep section with a long rope. It was fairly muddy here the day we went and I imagine it always is. Don’t slip here, it’s very steep.

Once at the bottom of the steep section, we were right beside one of the pools. To the left were two smaller falls and one larger set to the left. Overhead was something that is still a mystery to me.  A net about 3 meters by 3 meters was suspended 5 metres above the water. It hangs lower now since one of the trees it is tied to had fallen some time ago. I’ve come up with a few theories for what this net is for but none have made a lot of sense.

To the right of the ledge we stood on was another rope leading down a drop, which was steeper but shorter. To the left was a very steep, rocky section that didn’t really go anywhere. But I got curious and crossed this part. Then promptly decided there was nothing to see and got stuck trying to get back. After some awkward footwork and finding some mossy, almost nonexistent finger holds I pulled myself back to the other side.We had lunch here, right beside the waterfalls, and washed it down with some almost-hot hot chocolate (apparently my stove fuel canister was getting low).

Right after lunch, we headed straight back up the rope and jogged a bit on the dirt road and trails back to the car.

All in all, it was a pleasant day trip and highly recommended for those seeking some picture opportunities or a short trip around in the bush. Careful with younger and older folks as the descent down to the falls is very steep!

-Ross

Related Links:

Bonnell Creek Falls on Trailpeak.com

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