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Damaged section of Juan de Fuca Marine Trail reopens with temporary ladders

The first phase of repairs to the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail has been completed, allowing the stretch between Mystic Beach and Bear Beach to reopen to hikers. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy reopened the 8.

The first phase of repairs to the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail has been completed, allowing the stretch between Mystic Beach and Bear Beach to reopen to hikers.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy reopened the 8.9-kilometre section of the trail this week with temporary ladder facilities in place.

A washout due to heavy rains in March rendered a section of stairs unusable. The trail initially reopened on June 7, but was closed two weeks later after another landslide, which damaged the new stair system, made the trail impassable. Bypass routes were not available due to steep cliffs in the area.

Emergency repairs were conducted last weekend, and a temporary ladder is in place. The ladder may be challenging for some hikers, particularly those travelling with pets.

Due to the continuing erosion and slumps this area is experiencing, a new stair system is not possible, the ministry said, noting that the last stair system was quickly damaged by slides.

The trail between Mystic Beach and Bear Beach will be closed for several weeks starting Oct. 1 to allow for permanent ladders and landings to be installed.