Hike to the White River Suspension Bridge in Pukaswka National Park

We chose to day hike to the White River Suspension Bridge from our backcountry site at Playter Harbour, but for a challenging hike you could start from the Hattie Cove Visitor Center and go out and back in one day. Total round trip distance is 18 km or about 11 miles.

The trail to the waterfall and bridge is the beginning section of the Coastal Hiking Trail. It begins at Hattie Cove and winds along the waterline through a prescribed burn area that illuminates the cycle of the forest. After that, you enter a wetlands area and the path becomes a boardwalk - we even saw a beaver dam! There are some challenging uphills, but mostly the trail rolls along through beautiful forests.

About 3.5 miles in you'll reach the Playter Harbour campsite. Stop for snack, enjoy the view, and even take a swim in the water to cool off! There's also a pit toilet in this location on the opposite side of the trail from the campsite. After leaving, you continue hiking through the forest for another 2.5 miles or so until you finally reach the White River Suspension Bridge.

Sign the log book and enjoy the view from the bridge set 75 feet above the raging White River before having lunch and making your way back to the Visitor Center.

The trail is open from May to mid-October weather depending.