The Shorepine Bog Trail is just 800 meters long, but it’s one of the most fascinating trails in the Pacific Rim National Park. It’s completely different looking than the rain forest landscape through the rest of the park.
Looking like a cartoon scene from Dr. Seuss it’s full of stunted and dwarfed trees that have been wind swept into all kind of disfigured and unique shapes.
To protect the delicate landscape the entire trail through the bog is along a built up boardwalk. Most of the ground surface is covered in carpet of Sphagnum moss that can be several meters thick and is up to 400 years old.
The ecosystem is a unique environment where only a few plant species can survive due to the acidic soil and lack of nutrients and minerals. The most prevalent tree in the bog is the Shore Pine which would normally grow quite tall but here is stands just a few meters high. Other stunted trees include yellow cedar, red cedar and hemlock. Some of the trees are estimated to be 300 years old.
There are a few types of ferns and specific bog plants such as skunk cabbage, dandelions, laurel and a carnivorous plant that eats flies, mosquitoes and ants.
Directions To The Bog Trail
From Highway #4 in the Pacific Rim National Park the trail is located off of Wickininnish Beach Road. Whether you are coming from Tofino or Ucluelet watch for signs for Wickaninnish Bay and turn onto Wickininnish Beach Road. Drive past the sign for Florencia Beach parking and shortly after turn left into the parking area for the Bog Trail.
The trail is within the Pacific Rim National Park so a valid park pass must be displayed on parked vehicles.
Trail Difficultly Level
An easy 800 meter loop that is flat and has no stairs making it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leash.