| Blow Hole
Hiking Trail, Naikoon Provincial Park:
A short enjoyable hike along a well maintained earth and boardwalk
path following alongside the shores of the Hiellen River. The
short 15-30 minute return trek (approx. 2 km - 1.3 mi.) meanders
through coastal forests - mostly above the forest floor comprised
of ferns, deadfall and salal - walking along boardwalk pathways.
The walking trail leading to the Blow Hole
is also the same trail leading to the Tow Hill Lookout. The trail
starts out from the parking lot where there is some pit toilets
and a small picnic area. Follow the wide hard-packed earth trail
which turns into boardwalk trail. Soon, about half way, the trail
splits. There is a sign pointing left to the top of Tow
Hill and right to the coast and the Blow Hole.
The Blow Hole Hiking Trail leads
to a coastline covered in lava-like rock formations, towering
rock cliffs and shooting surge channels head-butting the shoreline
sending mist into the air.
Further investigation will find some protected
areas among the rocks with tidal pool marine life. Always be aware
of tides, rouge waves and storms. Remember, the bigger the storm
the bigger the waves and winds. ALWAYS be careful... very slippery.
The Blow Hole attraction is an
underground catapult of water surge channels carved through the
coastline rocks. The sea water in the ocean channels builds up
and then spews out about 25 feet of water into the air. On the
Queen Charlotte Islands the Blow Hole is refereed to as 'the gun'.
How
to Get to the Blow Hole Hiking Trail:
Drive north on Hwy 16 from Skidegate BC Ferry towards Masset Village.
Continue driving north-east of Masset Village on the main hwy
over the Sangan River into the Tow Hill Ecological Reserve area
of the Naikoon Provincial Park.
The paved road turns to gravel (Tow Hill Road). Continue straight
ahead (30 min.) past Agate
Beach Campground sign to the Tow Hill Parking Lot, right before
the Hiellen River bridge, on the left hand side . Park here and
start walking. |
Blow
Hole 
Masset Village