Fishing Cove

Fishing Cove is the last of the wilderness camping sites left in the Highlands National Park. When I say wilderness I mean you, the ocean, and the moose. Once the sight of a lobster cannery, it is now home to the most quaint backcountry campground I have ever come across.

As we set up our tent we noticed two moose across the valley on the far slope, and then there was the rabbit that almost plowed me down a short distance from camp. You know you are roughing it when you have to fight nature for squatting rights.

From your tent you are within five minutes of the beach, a still water to wash up in, the river that leads into the cove, and a few short walking trails that will assist you in exploring the cove.

This is a great one for you individuals that love wilderness camping. Because of the great length of the trail (about three hours each way) it is almost mandatory and also highly suggested that you carry in your camping gear and spend the night.

The trail is a long but beautiful one. You will travel from mountain to valley, along streams and rivers. The trail is steep in some places and you will find yourself making good use of the benches that are placed along the way. Stop frequently for a mouthful of water. Do not fear running out of water, there is a fresh water spring about half way into the trail.

When the trail opens up into the cove, you will know why you bothered hiking the distance in. Fishing cove is nestled into a valley, rolling slopes on either side of a river that leads into the cove. There are level platforms to set your tent up on and outhouses but campers are required to bring a camp stove (no open fires allowed), pack out all garbage (no garbage receptacles) and bring their own drinking water.

Ranger’s Trail

If you are not up for the long haul in, you can opt for the rangers trail. Once used by only the rangers to check on the site, it is not commonly used by over night campers as a quick shorter trail in or out. The Rangers Trail is shorter, a mere 2.75km in each direction but that does not mean it is easy. This rout cuts out many of the switchbacks you will find on the main trail, leaving you with a straight descent to the cove and a heart pounding climb out.