Okay, the West Coast Trail water access debate is real

I hiked the southern half of the West Coast Trail last August and kept hitting creek crossings where the water was either totally dry or a muddy trickle. Meanwhile, other campers were filtering from big standing pools and didn't see the issue. So which is better for a route like that, packing in your own water or relying on what you find and treating it?

3 comments

3 Comments

lily_singh21mo ago

Honestly just bring a filter and stop overthinking creek puddles.

julia_lee1mo ago

Overthinking creek puddles" is a little optimistic there @lily_singh2 - half the crossings on that trail are just mud with no real flow to filter from. Packing a few liters on the southern stretch is the safer bet when you can't count on finding drinkable water.

rowan_roberts491mo ago

I looked at the water report from last month and 4 out of 7 creek crossings on that southern stretch were completely dry by mid afternoon. People forget that those puddles can disappear fast, especially in the heat. Carrying extra water is heavy but at least you know you have it. I'd rather pack the weight than gamble on a muddy hole that might not even be there when I arrive.