The Rainforest Trail is a pair of loops, Trail A and Trail B, in the Long Beach Unit of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Each loop is about one kilometre and rated moderate, and both run through temperate rainforest with no beach access, so the whole experience is trees, moss, ferns and the sound of water. Most of the route is a narrow wooden boardwalk, with some gravel sections, and it climbs and drops through a ravine on many staircases and box steps, with wide decks and interpretive panels at intervals. Handrails protect the stairs and raised sections. Trail A starts across the highway from the small parking lot at a pedestrian crosswalk, and Trail B starts at the back of the same lot, so you can walk one loop, or both for a longer ramble beneath trees that are centuries old.
What you see
The forest here is the kind that defines this coast, with western red cedar and hemlock rising out of a floor of nurse logs, sword ferns and moss that seems to cover everything that stands still. The boardwalk keeps your feet off the roots and lets you look up, which is the whole point.
Interpretive panels explain how fallen trees feed the next generation, why the forest is so wet and how the shoreline and the forest depend on each other. It is a place to slow down, and in mist or steady rain it feels more like a cathedral than a trail.
Planning
The trail is short, so it fits easily between a beach walk and lunch. Expect stairs, so it is not a good choice for anyone who cannot manage them, and bring grippy shoes because boardwalk planks are slick when wet. The small parking lot fills quickly in summer and does not take RVs or buses, which are directed to use the larger Combers lot and walk about two kilometres along the pathway.
There are two outhouses at the trailhead. A park pass applies in the Long Beach Unit, so buy the one you need before you park, and check Parks Canada's trail conditions page before you set out in case a section is closed.
Fitting it in
The Rainforest Trail sits along the highway between Tofino and Ucluelet, which makes it an easy stop on the way to or from Long Beach and the Kwisitis Visitor Centre. Children who like a boardwalk adventure tend to enjoy it, and it is one of the best things to do on a wet day, when other plans are washed out.
Keep to the boardwalk to protect the shallow roots of the old trees, carry out any rubbish and keep your voice low if you want to hear the forest. Check Parks Canada's current rules before you bring a dog.
A few extra tips make the walk better. Go early or late if you can, because the boardwalk is narrow and the forest is at its most peaceful when other visitors are few. Stop at the interpretive panels, which explain how salmon, nurse logs and fog feed the forest, and take a moment to stand still and listen for wrens, ravens and dripping water.
Bring a light rain jacket even on a bright day, since the canopy holds moisture and drips long after the rain stops, and pack a small snack for afterwards because there is no food at the trailhead.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk on two one-kilometre boardwalk loops through old-growth rainforest, with stairs, decks and interpretive panels.
Best time
Any time; a misty or rainy day brings out the greens and the atmosphere, and an early start avoids the summer crowds at the small lot.
How long
About 45 minutes for one loop, or up to an hour and a half for both loops with time to stop and look.
Tips
Wear shoes with good grip, expect staircases, keep to the boardwalk and check Parks Canada for any trail closures before you go.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants to stand among old-growth trees without a long hike.
- Families
- A good adventure for children who can manage stairs, with plenty to look at, but hold hands near the ravine.
- Couples
- A quiet, atmospheric walk that works well in drizzle or mist.
- Pair with
- Long Beach and the Kwisitis Visitor Centre are a few minutes away along the highway.
- Time needed
- One to one and a half hours.
Good questions
How long are the Rainforest Trail loops?+
Trail A and Trail B are each about one kilometre and rated moderate. Most visitors walk one loop in under an hour, or both loops with time to look around.
Is the trail suitable for wheelchairs or strollers?+
Not really. The boardwalk is narrow and includes many staircases and box steps, so it is better suited to walkers who can manage stairs.
Where do I park?+
There is a small parking lot at the trailhead, with Trail A across the highway at a crosswalk. RVs and buses cannot use it and are directed to the Combers lot, a walk of about two kilometres along the pathway.
Does it lead to a beach?+
No, both loops stay in the forest and have no beach access. Combine the trail with a short drive to Long Beach for sand and surf.
Do I need a park pass?+
Park fees apply in the Long Beach Unit, so buy the pass you need before you park and check the park's site for current options.
