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Cathedral Grove - MacMillan Park

Cathedral Grove - MacMillan Park near Port Alberni, BC

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This trail was given a rating of 5 out of 5 stars

2 kms
2hours
easy
Hiking
Spring, Winter, Fall, Summer
Port Alberni, BC

gregbickford

LARGER MAP

NTS Map:92F2. MacMillan Provincial Park is home to Cathedral Grove, 136 hectares of old growth forest. Logging companies plan to log right up to the boundary of the park, making a visit to this park an important educational opportunity that will spread awareness of how important and diverse our coastal forests are.

The park is divided into two sections, separated by a short but sometimes perilous crossing of Highway 4.

On the south side of the highway, three interpretive trails are available for easy walks through old-growth Douglas firs that are as old as 800 years and have circumferences of up to 9 metres . The shortest, Big Tree Trail, is a short walk and offers close up views of the magnificent trees, viewing platforms and many photo opportunities. The longest trail, the Riverside Trail, and the Living Forest Trail connect at points with the Cameron River. On the north side of the highway, the Old Growth Trail offers two loops through ancient Western red cedars, Western Hemlock, and Grand fir. A short branch trail that leads to Cameron Lake.

Directions:

16 km east of Port Alberni on Highway #4. The center of the park is at 49?17'00" 124?40'00"

By Posted By: lovemapleleafs - Thu Apr 24 00:36:03 EDT 2008 Upside Beautiful trees, lots of green, easy to find Downside No matter where along the trail you are, you can still hear the cars passing by on the highway... took away from the 'magic' of the surroundings.
Comment Was a little disappointed with this 'hike', was expecting a lot more 'ummph'. Yes, the trees were big and beautiful, but found the trails were very short and were completed them all in less than an hour. Drove nearly 3 hours specifically to be 'wowed', and just felt Cathedral Grove fell short of my expectations. :(

By Posted By: freeridebryce - Mon Jul 07 12:58:54 EDT 2003 Upside Lots of big trees Downside Lots of people Comment This wide gravel trail (think wheelchair accessible) takes you past some magnificent old giants. However, since its on the side of Hwy 4, it attracts just about every tourist in the area. Not for someone seeking seclusion but worthwhile for a rainy winter day stroll on your way to or from Tofino/Ucluelet.