Rainforest in Pacific Rim National Park

By July 29, 2008Canada

One wet foggy morning while in Tofino (come to think of it, most mornings seem to be wet and foggy in Tofino) we rolled a short way down the road into Pacific Rim National Park and took a nice hike, more of a walk really, on the Rainforest Trail. The trail is really pleasant, with an elevated wood boardwalk to keep visitors from having to trudge through the soggier parts. We were soon walking beneath towering hemlock, cedar and fir trees on which lichen and moss hung way down. Everything was wet wet wet, although it was not raining. Banana slugs zoomed around decked out in a rainbow of colors (ok, most are black). Ferns were growing everywhere, including up in the trees themselves. It was great, I can’t wait to go back.

Hikers admire the temperate rainforest along the Rainforest Trail in Pacific Rim NP, one of the best places along the Pacific Coast to experience an old-growth rain forest, complete with western hemlock, red cedar and amabilis fir trees. Moss gardens hang from tree crevices, forming a base for many ferns and conifer seedlings, Pacific Rim National Park, British Columbia, Canada

Hikers admire the temperate rainforest along the Rainforest Trail in Pacific Rim NP, one of the best places along the Pacific Coast to experience an old-growth rain forest, complete with western hemlock, red cedar and amabilis fir trees. Moss gardens hang from tree crevices, forming a base for many ferns and conifer seedlings.
Image ID: 21056
Location: Rainforest Trail, Pacific Rim National Park, British Columbia, Canada

Hiker admires the temperate rainforest along the Rainforest Trail in Pacific Rim NP, one of the best places along the Pacific Coast to experience an old-growth rain forest, complete with western hemlock, red cedar and amabilis fir trees. Moss gardens hang from tree crevices, forming a base for many ferns and conifer seedlings, Pacific Rim National Park, British Columbia, Canada

Hiker admires the temperate rainforest along the Rainforest Trail in Pacific Rim NP, one of the best places along the Pacific Coast to experience an old-growth rain forest, complete with western hemlock, red cedar and amabilis fir trees. Moss gardens hang from tree crevices, forming a base for many ferns and conifer seedlings.
Image ID: 21053
Location: Rainforest Trail, Pacific Rim National Park, British Columbia, Canada

About Phil Colla

I am a natural history photographer. I enjoy making compelling images in the ocean, on land, and in the air. I have maintained the Natural History Photography blog since 2005 and my searchable Natural History Photography Library since 1997. Here are some tear sheets and behind the scenes views. Thanks for looking!