Our timing was perfect on our Surge Narrows hike, arriving at the rapids just at full
flood of 7.4 knots. We decided to make the rocky viewpoint our lunch stop so that we could enjoy watching about a dozen kayakers who appeared on cue. We suspected that they were local guides in training for the summer season, and were impressed by the rolling and self-rescue skills of some as they tackled the rapids.

Over the years, the Surge Narrows trail has been greatly improved. The trail to the viewpoint is easy to follow and the old, dodgy bridges have been replaced with culverts by our hardworking Trail Committee.  There is even a port-a-pottie at the trailhead. The
trailhead, well signed, is now at the upper parking lot; old-timers will recall that the trail
originally began at the lower parking lot. To the viewpoint is a moderate 2 km hike, with “suitable undulations” to provide some cardio, through typical West Coast forest. We saw several outcroppings of oyster mushrooms and one bunch of coral root on the trail to the viewpoint.  Beyond the viewpoint, the trail is signposted as a route and is not maintained, overgrown with deadfall and salal.  This route is challenging, hugging the steep shoreline until reaching a rocky beach. At low tide it would be possible to walk north along the shoreline for intertidal viewing, but the tide was too high for this on the day of our hike.

As always, parking at Surge Narrows is a challenge, carpooling is a necessity.
5.14 km, about 2.5 hours including on-water entertainment.

Valerie van Veen

Many thanks to Norris for photos.

Hiking – Surge Narrows Trail – 13 May 2026