Stage 1 of the West Coast Trail covers 11.6 km from Pachena Bay to Michigan Creek, with 366 m of ascent and 351 m of descent. The highest point is 135 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 14. 1.8 km beyond Michigan Creek: a sandy beach with an outhouse, a food locker and plenty of driftwood; the main site is on the south side of the river. The usual alternative first night.
Designated Parks Canada wilderness campsite at km 12. Beach and forest sites at the creek mouth, with an outhouse, a metal food locker and creek water (treat it); a common first night. Little space above high tide, so pitch above the tide line. No booking: your overnight permit covers all designated sites.
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.