A mossy, lush wander amongst large, second-growth hemlocks and spruce, leading to the banks of a clear-watered creek.
LOCATION
From the information centre at the entrance to Port Renfrew, drive across the bridge onto Deering Road. About 3 km from your start, cross another bridge. At the T junction, turn right onto Pacific Marine Road – the paved route to Cowichan Lake. About 2.5 km later, on your right, look for a small sign and a broad shoulder where you can park. Potentially useful landmarks are a logging road branching off to the left just west and off the trailhead and, visible ahead, a blue and white road sign.
DISTANCE
2-km return
ELEVATION GAIN
Negligible
DIFFICULTY
Generally, very easy, though, depending on recent maintenance, you may have to step over the occasional fallen tree.
SEASON
All season, since the trail is blessedly free of puddles and mud, even in winter. Early April is trillium time! The creek can be virtually dry at the end of a hot summer.
OF SPECIAL INTEREST FOR CHILDREN
While the creek at the turn around spot is appealing and easily reached, probably the biggest attraction is a menagerie of tiny plastic critters perched along the trail on mossy stumps (though it might be best not to set expectations high in case they have wandered away by the time you visit). The creek bank makes a good picnic spot.
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Much of the moss-heavy forest has a primeval atmosphere; lovely little Fairy Creek dries at the end of a long summer; large spruce and sword ferns on a typical part of the trail.
1.The little-used trail is narrow and mossy. Keep you eyes open for pink flagging tape marking the route, more for reassurance than for any real need. The trail wanders and winds gradually to your left on the outbound trip. You pass plenty of huge, old stumps, often surrounded by huckleberry and salmonberry bushes. The forest floor is beautifully carpeted with false lily-of-the-valley, sword ferns and deer ferns.
2.When you come to the shores of beautiful Fairy Creek, you must scramble down a couple of steps. It is possible to wade across the stream and make your way, on the other side, to Fairy Lake. Since, however, the trail is not a loop, you must either walk back to your car along the road or come back this way. Probably best, therefore, to return the way you came and drive the short distance to Fairy Lake and its recreational treats. Break out the fishing rods and bathing suits.