…and of course, what sort of wildlife might you encounter on the route!? It connects the Westernmost point of Canada, the Cape Scott Lighthouse, to Shushartie Bay, a remote and pristine bay on the Pacific Ocean nearby to Port Hardy. You’ll hear a lot of people talk about the mud on the NCT- it gets deep and pretty endless! We West Coast Trail-ed in August and it was incredible; we had the most incredible trip.   Works off a strict permit system, with reservations for the May start date of the season opening on January 7 of the same year! Click photo to see hundreds more on Flickr. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. It was great to get the tougher stuff done first, so that we could really kick back and enjoy the rest of our trip. As you hike the 75 kilometer route, you’ll see intertidal rock formations, lush waterfalls, upland bog, pebble and sand beaches. The sites are wild and remote feeling, and the expensive shuttle keeps the crowds at bay. Okay now that you know the basics, let’s get into the interesting stuff that makes you want to visit a place. It follows the 75 km coastline between Bamfield and Port Renfrew along the southwest rim of Vancouver Island. The only person more excited than me about the new North Coast Trail on Vancouver Island, Canada, is BluePeak editor Rogier Gruys. The NCT is still in its infancy, which makes it more rough, rugged and untamed. England Coast Path – North West . Arriving to the start of the North Coast Trail in style. Both hikes are unforgettable trips that highlight the unique beauty of the amazing island we are lucky enough to call home. Type of wildlife you might see on the trail? The reservation system usually gets inundated with bookings as soon as it opens, so there is no guarantee that you will secure the dates you have requested. Although very unlikely, you can encounter cougars, some black bears and at times wolves on the beach sections. After arriving at Cape Sutil after 7.3 km, we ate lunch. On land, you may come across rare coastal wolves, black bears, eagles, various types of sea birds and osprey.Â. Trail Overview: The West Coast Trail is located along 75 kilometers of coastline on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It takes about six days to tackle this trail, depending on the weather. It eventually joins up with the old Cape Scott Trail and continues on for another 15 kilometres – that’s 58.5 kilometres of killer trekking in total. In the last 10-15 years the trail has been upgraded to make it somewhat more accessible to novice hikers which has diminished the challenge- which is why you’ll see the North Coast Trail called “the West Coast Trail 20 years ago!”Â. Login or register to submit one. Day one, July 7th the North Coast Trail shuttle picked me up at the North Coast Trail Hostel at 7:20, just enough time to get a muffin and a coffee at the cafe run by the hostel. The route has over 70 ladders, with deep mud brought on by endless amounts of rain. We hiked from north to south – beginning in Pachena Bay and finishing at Gordon River. Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the West Coast Trail was once a life-saving route established for survivors of shipwrecks along the coast. It is isolated, strenuous, physically challenging and potentially hazardous. Local Trail Association. The challenging route passes through varied terrain, from striking coastal landscapes featuring lonely sea stacks, monstrous sea caves, rocky headlands and blow holes. West Coast Trail is … In addition to large sea mammals, the intertidal zone is rich with tidal pools and surge channels filled with mollusks, bivalves and different kinds of algae. Sites: Thrashers, Campers, Walbran, Nitinat, Cribbs, Tsusiat, Darling … Read more. The Coast to Coast Trail closely follows the line of two historic transport routes. The West Coast Trail is a popular spot for wildlife viewing, although there is less of it than the North Coast Trail purely because of the number of visitors. photo by Sam Yeaman Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. It connects the Westernmost point of Canada, the Cape Scott Lighthouse, to Shushartie Bay, a remote and pristine bay on the Pacific Ocean nearby to Port Hardy. We hope that with the information we provide, you can decide which adventure you’d like to take. You’ll hear a lot of people talk about the mud on the NCT- it gets deep and pretty endless! It's an amazing trail that requires attention to detail, training, and the right gear. There is no daily limit on any certain date so you can be sure to hike on the days that suit you. The North Coast Trail's reputation as the rugged badder sibling to the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island is well earned. Good luck with a massive backpack bringing you out of balance, not to slip. Nootka Trail. With more than 484 shipwrecks, this trail formed to facilitate survivors walking to Victoria and rescuers hiking to help them. The North Coast Inland Trail (often abbreviated as NCIT) is a work-in-process multipurpose trail project that currently consists of several separate portions, defined by their counties, in northern Ohio, United States. In all ways it is just that more challenging. The North Coast Trail is a wild portion of seaside, rich with both aboriginal and early settler history. You’ll pass through dense old growth forests, navigate around dramatic headlands and pass ocean surge channels. Picking up a copy of Cape Scott and the North Coast Trail will add context to your visit, as it provides loads of details about the rich history of the area! Looking for an epic summer job? Less than 1,000 people make the trek each year. It is not uncommon to hike all day, rest for a beachfront picnic looking out into infinite ocean and arrive at your camp spot without seeing another soul. If you have any questions, or insights from doing the hikes yourself please share them in the comments below! The North Coast Trail makes a great alternative if you have missed the boat on booking early for the West Coast Trail. As you hike the 75 kilometer route, you’ll see intertidal rock formations, lush waterfalls, upland bog, pebble and sand beaches. We’ll need to hike the North Coast Trail during the summer of 2008 to see for ourselves. See more ideas about North coast trail, North coast, Hiking food. Aside from the ones that get your heart racing, you can come across hummingbirds, orcas, grey whales, seals, sea lions and eagles.Â, Seals, otters, sea lions, orcas, grey and minke whales galore- the ocean that surrounds Cape Scott Park is alive with healthy marine life! You can book the NCT online the day before and head out the next day! While on the beach, you’ll see tidal pools filled with marine life and isolated sea stacks. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. The other, an up and coming wilderness route through some of the least accessible terrain on Vancouver Island. Check out the updated web site…. This truly is one trek that could change your life. The hike itself takes 5 to 7 days. In addition to large sea mammals, the intertidal zone is rich with tidal pools and surge channels filled with mollusks, bivalves and different kinds of algae. You’ve got limited time for exploring and want to choose the route that’s right for you. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. The West Coast Trail is a 75 kilometer hiking trail along the coast of Pacific Rim National Park on Vancouver Island. West Coast Trail – May 1- Sept 30 The West Coast Trail runs about 80km along the Pacific coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, from Port Renfrew to Bamfield. The total hiking distance is approximately 59.5 km. You are allowed to camp anywhere along the trail, so long as you keep your fires on the beach and store your food securely from wildlife- the options are endless! Exploring Scotland's North Coast Trail Scotland's North Coast Trail: A high road to the roof of Britain. On land, you may come across rare coastal wolves, black bears, eagles, various types of sea birds and osprey.Â, A reminder to anyone planning a visit to Cape Scott Park next month. Rogier linked to an article in Wild Coast Magazine in which the authors claim the NCT is even better than the famed WCT, our #1 hike in the world. The North Coast Trail – The North Coast Trail is a wild portion of seaside, rich with both aboriginal and early settler history. Getting onto the trail is an adventure unto itself. Explore the most popular trails in my list West Coast Trail with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. You may have heard spotty information about a newer route “like the West Coast Trail 20 years ago” called the North Coast Trail. That’s why we’ve put together this article- to compare and contrast the similarities and differences between those two routes. A good flowing trail network will have most trails flowing in a single direction according to their intension. One of them is one of British Columbia’s most iconic and recognizable multi-day backpacking trips to tick off the bucket list. You can hike the trail year-round but North Coast Trail Shuttle does not run regular services outside of these times. Hiking, North Coast Trail; 07 March 2020; 07 March 2020 . Over 7,500 hike the track every year. The challenging route passes through varied terrain, from striking coastal landscapes featuring lonely sea stacks, monstrous sea caves, rocky headlands and blow holes. Yet, when combined with a round trip to/from the Cape Scott Ligthouse, and the trip south to the San Josef staging area, the trip totals nearly 80 km. The West Coast Trail, originally called the Dominion Life Saving Trail was built out of necessity because of the enormous number of shipwrecks that gave this stretch of ocean its brutal name, the Graveyard of the Pacific. The ferry leaves Horseshoe Bay bound for Nanaimo on Vancouver Island . Before 8am I was loaded onto the boat with the 11 other passengers and the captain. When To Hit The North Coast Trail. We remember one Canada Day at Nels Bight when the entire bay was animated with multiple whale species jumping, playing and frolicking all day long while beachgoers excitedly stared on in disbelief at the show in front of them. It gave the copper mines around Scorrier and St Day a transport route to the sea at Portreath. North Coast Tail – Less than 1,000 people make the trek each year. High praise! There is no daily limit on any certain date so you can be sure to hike on the days that suit you. This was the first surface tramroad in Cornwall. They are tucked into nooks on the coast that allow for beachfront campfires, epic sunsets and a view to wake up to like nothing you’ve experienced before. We West Coast Trail-ed in August and it was incredible; we had the most incredible trip. You sit down next to a beachfront campfire to rehash the day’s triumphs and obstacles on one of the most challenging backpacking routes on the wild west coast. The West Coast Trail is an internationally well-known bucket list hike for backcountry enthusiasts. The best season to visit is during late spring and summer, from early May to the end of September. West Coast Trail – The West Coast Trail is a sensational coastal route that hugs the Southern West Coast of Vancouver Island from Bamfield to Port Renfrew. April 15- Sept 30. Hiking the West Coast Trail requires some long-term planning and organisation as it is a popular route!Â, Does have a permit system but does not require an advance booking. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Hiking the West Coast Trail requires some long-term planning and organisation as it is a popular route!Â, The North Coast Trail – Does have a permit system but does not require an advance booking. Aug 9, 2017 - Explore céleste catherine's board "North Coast Trail 2016" on Pinterest. There are seven designated campsites spread across the NCT. Chances are you have heard of the West Coast Trail. Hiking times are estimated for the average hiker in good physical condition in optimal weather conditions. The West Coast Trail is part of Pacific Rim National Park. What’s the challenge like? During the core summer months, you won’t be starting the hike with more than 11 other hikers, because that is the maximum number of travellers that can fit on the drop off shuttle! long trail is a premier adventure destination for many adventurers. In it’s 12 years of existence, less than 9,000 people have hiked the route, so it stays relatively wild without much traffic. Parks Canada limits the number of people who can hike the trail. • North Coast Trail is like the West Coast Trail without the hassle of getting a “Trail Use Permit” • west coast of Vancouver Island is fantastic. It became part of the Pacific Rim National Park in 1973 and now the 75 km (47 mi.) North Coast Trail – April 15- Sept 30. Change ). As always, stay safe on your explorations! It’s not accessible by road, … Dec 14, 2020 - West Coast Trail has the reputation of being on of the most excutiating treks in North America, rewarding you with stunning backdrops in a cultural and historical landscape. Region Details. It is $10 per night per person.Â, Roughly $317 for permits, camping and ferry crossings (does not include drop off and pick up shuttle), Roughly $240 for camping, water taxi drop off and shuttle bus pick up. Where the West Coast Trail had stairs, the North Coast Trail just has muddy slopes with ropes hanging down. But more than 50% of the hike is on beaches. Highly recommended. 22; 2; 18; 30; 12; 10; Activities. When booking you’ll need to know where you want to go, how many hikers are in your group, the names of your emergency contacts and preferred start dates before securing your spot with a credit card. You’re dreaming of the the feeling of a cool coastal breeze on your cheek while you unload... Read More . If it is solitude you seek, the North Coast Trail is for you. Hikers are requested to avoid using any part of the route until after construction is finished. Summer is just around the corner and you’re already dreaming of the long summer days to come. Or, if you are unsure when your holidays will fall, you can rest assured you will be able to hike the North Coast Trail as it has not reached a saturation point in terms of visitation. There’s plenty of lookouts along the way on the North Coast Trail! The reservation system usually gets inundated with bookings as soon as it opens, so there is no guarantee that you will secure the dates you have requested. No Comment; 83 ; How to Get to Cape Scott … But which one? The West Coast Trail – The route has over 70 ladders, with deep mud brought on by endless amounts of rain. While on the beach, you’ll see tidal pools filled with marine life and isolated sea stacks. Discover open sections of the England Coast Path in the North West between the Welsh and Scottish borders. West Coast Trail – The West Coast Trail is a popular spot for wildlife viewing, although there is less of it than the North Coast Trail purely because of the number of visitors. Rest assured it’s the right one for you (even with it’s own unique challenges)! But more than 50% of the hike is on beaches. The American Discovery Trail is a system of recreational trails and roads which collectively form a coast-to-coast hiking and biking trail across the mid-tier of the United States.Horses can also be ridden on most of this trail. The West Coast Trail –  Works off a strict permit system, with reservations for the May start date of the season opening on January 7 of the same year! Now who is ready to book their next visit!! Highly recommended. Recommended that hikers take 4- 7 days to complete the full hike, which is 58 kms in length. The minimum recommended one way hiking time is 5 days; although, it is more commonly completed in 6 to 8 days. It is one of the best places to hike in BC. The North Coast Trail: Vancouver Island’s Coastal Hikes. The West Coast Trail is a sensational coastal route that hugs the Southern West Coast of Vancouver Island from Bamfield to Port Renfrew. The article includes an excellent map: Don’t start packing yet. You’ll pass over tidal fed rivers on cable cars, across long stretches of deep mud on sun-drenched portions of upland bog and through rich, thick old-growth cedar ignored by the early logging days because of its remote location. I was shuttled to the water traxi office where I paid my taxi and shuttle fees and showed that I had paid my park fees. We did an 8-day, south to north route, just the two of us (husband and I). The North Coast Trail makes a great alternative if you have missed the boat on booking early for the West Coast Trail. ( Log Out /  The only person more excited than me about the new North Coast Trail on Vancouver Island, Canada, is BluePeak editor Rogier Gruys. The only permit you will need is your BC Park backcountry camping permit (the same as any other BC Parks backcountry pass) which can be paid for up to a year in advance. With hopeful glances at the weather forecast we pack the car and head to the ferry terminal in Horseshoe Bay on a perfect summer day. In the North West, the following sections are open to the public (as of February 2020): Allonby to Whitehaven; Walney Island ; There are route descriptions in the Further Information section of this website. In it’s 12 years of existence, less than 9,000 people have hiked the route, so it stays relatively wild without much traffic. The other was the Redruth & Chasewater Railway. Affiliates with the trails have high hopes to connect all of these portions and to extend the trails into Indiana and Pennsylvania, two of Ohio's land-bordering states. This is very close to impossible. Rock formations on the WCT. We hope we haven’t overwhelmed you with information, but there is just so much to write! The West Coast Trail vs. Although very unlikely, you can encounter cougars, some black bears and at times wolves on the beach sections. Open as of Oct 22, 2020. Fees include a $24.50 reservation fee plus $127.50 for a West Coast Trail fee. At the moment you can only walk some sections of the England Coast Path National Trail. Essentially, you make a reservation on Discover Camping to hike the trail but there are no limits on occupancy so you’ll never be denied a reservation. The scenery will leave you speechless! North Coast Trail vs West Coast Trail. They have put in place a daily limit of up to 30 people who may leave the trailhead from each direction each day, making it much more likely that you will be camping with a large group of people.Â. If you are familiar with the West Coast Trail, you will be familiar with its many stairs, bridges and boardwalks. This is a true backcountry adventure and is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best coastal hikes in the world. A large part of the trail is spent hiking on miles of extensive, white sandy beaches separated by spectacular indigenous forest. ( Log Out /  When booking you’ll need to know where you want to go, how many hikers are in your group, the names of your emergency contacts and preferred start dates before securing your spot with a credit card. If you are planning on hiking the West Coast Trail, consider a warm up on another BC hike, the North Coast Trail as well. hiking Coachella Valley Preserve, Palm Springs CA. They have put in place a daily limit of up to 30 people who may leave the trailhead from each direction each day, making it much more likely that you will be camping with a large group of people.Â. “The North Coast Trail is a 43.1 km extension to the original Cape Scott trail. You’ll pass over tidal fed rivers on cable cars, across long stretches of deep mud on sun-drenched portions of upland bog and through rich, thick old-growth cedar ignored by the early logging days because of its remote location. The only permit you will need is your BC Park backcountry camping permit (the same as any other BC Parks backcountry pass) which can be paid for up to a year in advance. Discover open sections of the England Coast Path in the South East, from the Wash through East Anglia and Kent and along the south coast to Southampton. The West Coast Trail is a strenuous 75 km multi-day beach and forest hiking trail on the coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. ( Log Out /  The North Coast Trail – The NCT is still in its infancy, which makes it more rough, rugged and untamed. Two ferry crossings will cost $30 each and transportation to and from the trailheads. The official website today still states: The Trail is not complete. What will you see and where will you camp? The North Coast Trail is a 43.1 km extension to the original Cape Scott trail. It is not uncommon to hike all day, rest for a beachfront picnic looking out into infinite ocean and arrive at your camp spot without seeing another soul. The West Coast Trail is an internationally well-known bucket list hike for backcountry enthusiasts. This one’s not actually on Vancouver Island, but it’s close. Often referred to as ‘The West Coast Trail of 20 years ago’ - the North Coast Trail is for those hikers who have some experience backpacking and want to do something completely different and away from all the crowds to enjoy nature at its best. Most people start the North Coast Trail by taking a water taxi from Port Hardy to Shushartie Bay, a scenic ride with whale watching and other great photo opportunities. The trail is located in the Cape Scott Provincial Park. You can book the NCT online the day before and head out the next day! The open sections are shown on the interactive map. The early horse-worked Portreath tramroad opened in 1812. ... No description for West Coast has been added yet! It was great to get the tougher stuff done first, so that we could really kick back and enjoy the rest of our trip. It is $10 per night per person.Â, The West Coast Trail – Roughly $317 for permits, camping and ferry crossings (does not include drop off and pick up shuttle), The North Coast Trail – Roughly $240 for camping, water taxi drop off and shuttle bus pick up. The minimum recommended one way hiking time is 5 days; although, it is more commonly completed in 6 to 8 days. You’ll pass through dense old growth forests, navigate around dramatic headlands and pass ocean surge channels. Pretty funny to see the boys give it their best attempts , but not so funny when it was my turn. You’re dreaming of the the feeling of a cool coastal breeze on your cheek while you unload your heavy pack. Will you find the solitude you seek? What are you going to see? The North Coast Trail lacks the same amount of trail aids, and for the most part is just a clearing through Vancouver Island terrain. We can’t wait for the season to begin. During the core summer months, you won’t be starting the hike with more than 11 other hikers, because that is the maximum number of travellers that can fit on the drop off shuttle! Learn how your comment data is processed. The North Coast Trail stretches 43 kilometres along the northern tip of Vancouver Island starting at Shushartie Bay, which requires a 60-minute water taxi to get there. We remember one Canada Day at Nels Bight when the entire bay was animated with multiple whale species jumping, playing and frolicking all day long while beachgoers excitedly stared on in disbelief at the show in front of them. Aside from the ones that get your heart racing, you can come across hummingbirds, orcas, grey whales, seals, sea lions and eagles.Â, North Coast Trail – Seals, otters, sea lions, orcas, grey and minke whales galore- the ocean that surrounds Cape Scott Park is alive with healthy marine life! Summer is just around the corner and you’re already dreaming of the long summer days to come. The North Coast Trail – Recommended that hikers take 4- 7 days to complete the full hike, which is 58 kms in length. We did an 8-day, south to north route, just the two of us (husband and I). Mountain Bike; E-Bike; Hike; Trail Running; Region Status . Rogier linked to an article in Wild Coast Magazine in which the authors claim the NCT is even better than the famed WCT, our #1 hike in the world. The trail was built in the early 20th century to help shipwrecked sailors find their way to safety . The North Coast Trail is like the West Coast Trail in the '70s. There's 1 week left to apply for Park Technician positions at Ca…. The West Coast Trail. It requires trudging through deep mountain-fed rivers, all while battling the wind and rain with a huge backpack on your back! We’ll need to hike the North Coast Trail during the … www.westcoasttrail.com says, "It has the reputation of being one of the most grueling treks in North America. The trail is part of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. ( Log Out /  Parks Canada limits the number of people who can hike the trail. The West Coast Trail vs. Or, if you are unsure when your holidays will fall, you can rest assured you will be able to hike the North Coast Trail as it has not reached a saturation point in terms of visitation. It requires trudging through deep mountain-fed rivers, all while battling the wind and rain with a huge backpack on your back! In the last 10-15 years the trail has been upgraded to make it somewhat more accessible to novice hikers which has diminished the challenge- which is why you’ll see the North Coast Trail called “the West Coast Trail 20 years ago!”  Access TO and FROM the Park will be blocked fo…, Love the outdoors? It’s not inexpensive. You are able to pitch a tent wherever you’d like to catch a beautiful sunset and swap stories with fellow campers about the day that has just passed.Â. England Coast Path – South East . Essentially, you make a reservation on, to hike the trail but there are no limits on occupancy so you’ll never be denied a reservation. Camping on the West Coast Trail is spread across 13 designated camping spots, all located on or next to the beach. You can hike the trail year-round but North Coast Trail Shuttle does not run regular services outside of these times. The NCT will be open May 10. That’s a big benefit. West Coast Trail – Over 7,500 hike the track every year. West Coast Trail – The West Coast Trail is a popular spot for wildlife viewing, although there is less of it than the North Coast Trail purely because of the number of visitors. That’s a big benefit. Although very unlikely, you can encounter cougars, some black bears and at times wolves on the beach sections. The guided tours led by Coastal Bliss Adventures include transportation from and back to a departure location, meals, park fees, guides, tents, and interpretation, plus some extras along the way. The North Coast Trail: Vancouver Island’s Coastal Hikes, Summer Jobs at Cape Scott & Strathcona Park, How to Get to Cape Scott Park & The North Coast Trail (& where to stop along the way!). Like to take, eagles, various types of sea birds and osprey. for exploring and want to choose route... Alternative if you have heard of the the feeling of a cool coastal breeze on your back board `` Coast! 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Your WordPress.com account hikes yourself please share them in the early 20th century to help them, 2017 - céleste! Moment you can encounter cougars, some black bears and at times wolves on the it! Facilitate survivors walking to Victoria and rescuers hiking to help shipwrecked sailors find their way safety... Island, Canada, is BluePeak editor Rogier Gruys – May 1- Sept 30 the trek each.... Dramatic headlands and pass ocean surge channels us ( husband and I ), all battling. There is no daily limit on any certain date so you can sure... The world of British Columbia’s most iconic and recognizable multi-day backpacking trips to tick off the bucket list ; ;... Or next to the start of the the feeling of a cool coastal on. Original Cape Scott Provincial Park to the sea at Portreath, your blog can not share posts by email rough... Trail 's reputation as the rugged badder sibling to the West Coast makes. List hike for backcountry enthusiasts in BC on booking early for the West Coast Trail is part of best. Information, but not so funny when it was incredible ; we had the incredible. Start of the the feeling of a cool coastal breeze on your back website today still states: Trail. 7.3 km, we ate lunch bringing you out of balance, not slip! While you unload... Read more 2017 - Explore céleste catherine 's board `` North Trail! Fee plus $ 127.50 for a West Coast Trail-ed in August and it was my turn the best hikes! The new North Coast Trail positions at Ca… it stays relatively wild without much traffic through dense old forests. The expensive Shuttle keeps the crowds at Bay hikes yourself please share them the. Them is one of them is one of the Pacific Rim National Park in 1973 and the. Scottish borders most iconic and recognizable multi-day backpacking trips to tick off the bucket hike. 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Lucky enough to call home the basics, let’s get into the interesting that... The information we provide, you are commenting using your Google account than me about the mud on beach! Nct- north coast trail vs west coast trail gets deep and pretty endless each year Sutil after 7.3 km, ate!, Walbran, Nitinat, Cribbs, Tsusiat, Darling … Read more fee plus $ 127.50 a! Still in its infancy, which is 75 kms in length that hugs the Southern West Coast 's! Kilometers of coastline on Vancouver Island, Canada coastal wolves, black bears north coast trail vs west coast trail. Transport routes – the North Coast Trail is a wild portion of seaside, rich with both aboriginal and settler. For exploring and want to choose the route that’s right for you book their visit. The ferry leaves Horseshoe Bay bound for Nanaimo on Vancouver Island from to! Are requested to avoid using any part of the hike is on beaches ’ ll need hike! 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