I must admit, the "usual tourist traps" sometimes earn their stripes.  As
is the case with the UPPER CARMANAH Valley, accessible by logging roads
Port Renfrew or Cowichan Lake.  Last time I checked-in there (~ 20 years
ago), there was a parking lot and an opportunity to camp at a trailhead
that lead immediately into this spectacular valley.  You would be rewarded
in just a few hours of hiking with a really very special place.  Something
you would remember for the rest of your life.  (The Three Sisters, etc.).
Only the most jaded person could think this is not one of the most special
places you can visit.

For a time, the Lower Carmanah was accessible only from the West Coast
Trail.  Not sure of the current status.

Here are a few links to get you started if you care to research.

http://www.ancientforestalliance.org/old-growth/carmanah-walbran.php#upper

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/carmanah/

NOTE: as of about 10 years ago, the native run park at Port Renfrew had no
services: no water, no sanitation, no camp fire wood.

If you find yourself at Bamfield, there used to be a 3 hour hike down to
KEEHA BEACH.  A relatively abandoned pristine beach.  (Turn left onto the
last gravel road before you drive into Bamfield, and park at the end of the
road.  Find the trailhead down to the beach.)  If you must know, this was
the site of the 1990 RAINBOW GATHERING, which would make a good Fraeday
story for the list, if ever I get motivated.

gab

On Mon, May 9, 2016 at 2:08 AM, Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:

> hi guys,
>
> I am in Oregon now near Eugene... heading North to Vancouver Island at the
> end of this week...
>
> :-)
>