Stage 4 of the West Coast Trail covers 11.6 km from Cribs Creek to Walbran Creek, with 472 m of ascent and 444 m of descent. The highest point is 82 m. Allow about 5.5 hours of walking, plus breaks.
Distance, climb and elevation come from the Outest route data. Difficulty and time are estimates from distance and climb; your pace will vary with heat, pack weight and photo stops.
Designated Parks Canada wilderness campsite at km 48. A smaller, quieter site of fine sand and shaded spots under the trees, with an outhouse, food lockers and a creek with a small waterfall.
Designated Parks Canada wilderness campsite at km 46. Fine sand and forest sites with an outhouse and food lockers; the best camping is on the north side, reached by wading or the cable car. The creek water turns salty near the mouth, so collect it upstream or at low tide.
Long-running beach restaurant between Carmanah Point and Carmanah Creek, about km 45, known for burgers and cold drinks in the trail season. Its opening in 2026 could not be confirmed, so do not plan meals around it.
Designated Parks Canada wilderness campsite at km 53. Sandy gravel and forest sites with an outhouse and food lockers, and a cold swimming hole; can be crowded. Collect water upstream at low tide; arriving from the north you cross by cable car or wade.
Checked online in October 2026. Places marked "not confirmed by the operator" are on the official trail map, OpenStreetMap or in guides but could not be checked on an official page. West Coast Trail campsites cannot be booked: your Parks Canada overnight reservation covers every designated site, so carry a tent and all your food. Camp above the high-tide line and store food in the metal lockers.
Emergency: call 911 or Parks Canada dispatch 1-877-852-3100. Carry a satellite messenger. Emergency & health guide
Pharmacies, ATMs, shops and stops: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hospitals and health centres checked online.
The full stage works offline in Outest, with the route, elevation, water and village points, and a trail guide you can ask about conditions and the next place to sleep.