Isolated Raft Cove Park on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island is wonderfully scenic, attracting wilderness adventurers on day hikes or backpackers carrying in overnight gear to set up camp on the long crescent shaped sandy beach.
This undeveloped, rustic park features a long spit and sandy bay at the mouth of the meandering Macjack River, rocky headlands and a wild coastal environment. Visitors should dress warmly and bring good rain gear at any time of the year, as Raft Cove is extremely exposed to the Pacific weather systems that pound this rugged coastline. Waterproof clothing is a must if you hope to stay dry.
Wilderness camping on the beach is popular at this park, as is surfing, fishing and hiking. During low tides, long shore walks over rock and beach can be made north or south of Raft Cove, at the edge of the pounding Pacific surf.
Access to the beach from the road is via a rugged 2 km route that cuts through coastal old growth forest of hemlock, western red cedar and Sitka spruce. This unmaintained route has some challenging sections and is extremely muddy in areas.
Three surfers are geared up and walking towards the ocean with their boards. In the misty distance you can view the mountains and forest.1 / 2