Tsusiat Falls

The falls sit at kilometre 23 on West Coast Trail markers from Pachena Bay. From Nitinaht Narrows, the route itinerary makes the falls an 8 km first-day destination. Everyone entering the West Coast Trail, including day hikers, needs a backcountry permit and must complete the orientation and check-in. Expect a remote, rugged route with mud, river crossings and many ladders; plan the full approach and exit, not just the last stretch to the beach.

The trail closes each year from October 7 through April 30. The limited winter day-use exception covers only the first 8 km from Pachena Bay, so it does not reach Tsusiat Falls. Check current trail access and transport arrangements before planning your trip.

The designated camp is on the beach beside the falls. It is a popular overnight stop, and beach tent space can feel tight when it is busy. Outhouses are available at designated West Coast Trail camps. There is no food service here, so carry your meals and pack out all garbage. Creek water is available, but collect it upstream and filter, boil or otherwise purify it before drinking.

The river spills over a wide shelf directly onto the beach and into the ocean. Visitors often cool off in the water, but the flow is not constant: dry weather can leave the falls much smaller. The beach and forested cliff remain the draw even when the cascade is running low. Dogs are not allowed on the trail except for service animals.

The West Coast Trail follows ancient paths and paddling routes used by Huu-ay-aht, Ditidaht and Pacheedaht people for travel and trade. Tsusiat Falls also has a long place-name history: an 1863 Admiralty chart marked a remarkable waterfall here, and the official name was adopted in 1934. More than one Indigenous-language interpretation of the name is recorded, so it is better not to reduce it to a single settled translation.

From the shore, frame the cascade with the pebble beach or driftwood in the foreground; that shows how the water meets the Pacific rather than making it look like an inland pool. A wider view also brings in the cliff and coastal forest, useful context when the falls are low.