Backpacking the Cape Fife Trail east of Masset

The Cape Fife Trail - the ultimate in storybook temperate rain forest,

the first section of this hike entails an easy walk on boardwalks and clearly blazed trials winding through densely carpeted stands of towering spruce, cedar and hemlock, their limbs festooned with lichens and mosses. This soon gives way to a very challenging track with many windfalls, culminating in the enchanted cedar forest (where some can sense the spirits of the ancients caught in the gnarls and twists of the wandering roots and branches), and emerging finally onto the drift-laden expanse of the east coast.

Trampers interested in overnight camping take note that there is a locally maintained shack near the Oeanda River. When hiking on the East coast between Rose Spit and Tlell River, close attention must be paid to the tide tables in order to avoid being caught between drifts and cliffs.

Trampers may also make the circuit through the Cape Fife trail and around Rose Spit returning to Tow Hill in either direction, but may find it easier to walk North beach back from the Spit, where the possibility of hitching a ride is better. It is essential for hikers and trampers both to bring ample quantities of potable water to meet their needs.