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Community

Maplehurst Park and Trails

Overview

Maplehurst Park is a natural forested park in the Cherry Creek Electoral Area, offering a network of informal, non-motorized trails through mature coastal rainforest.

The park protects a section of Kitsuksis Creek, an important salmon-bearing stream, and provides a quiet setting for walking, nature appreciation, and outdoor recreation.

At approximately 14.6 hectares (36 acres), Maplehurst Park is valued for its natural character, community-built trail system, and connection to a broader network of trails on adjacent Crown land.

If you're curious what you'll find, check out the video below:

Trail Map

The park features a loop-style trail network connected by additional routes:

  • Southern loop (~1 km)
  • Northern loop (~0.6 km)
  • Connections to extended trails on Crown land
  • Creekside sections and forested trails with switchbacks

Trails are informal and were developed and are maintained by local volunteers.

Park Features
  • Mature forest including Douglas-fir, western redcedar, and big-leaf maple
  • Kitsuksis Creek (salmon-bearing stream)
  • Ravine and riparian landscape
  • Informal hiking trail network
  • Natural, minimally developed setting

The park lies within the Coastal Western Hemlock ecosystem, characterized by wet, temperate rainforest conditions and rich biodiversity.

Access

Maplehurst Park currently has no formalized road access or developed parking areas within the park.

  • Main access is typically from the end of Willow Road
  • Visitors must travel along informal trails across Crown land to reach the park
  • Additional informal access points exist via surrounding trail connections

Future plans may include improved access and additional entry points from surrounding neighbourhoods.

Park History

Maplehurst Park has both cultural and community significance:

  • Located within the traditional territories of the Tseshaht and Hupačaseth First Nations
  • Established in 1913 as part of an early subdivision plan that was never developed
  • Retained as parkland after the subdivision was dissolved in 1955
  • Became part of the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) when it formed in 1966
  • Trail system developed over decades by local volunteers

Today, the park continues to reflect strong community stewardship and volunteer involvement.

Recreation

Maplehurst Park is primarily used for low-impact outdoor recreation, including:

  • Walking and hiking
  • Dog walking
  • Running and jogging
  • Nature photography
  • Bird watching
  • Mushroom picking

Visitors value the park for its quiet, natural environment, proximity to local neighbourhoods, and connection to nature.

Ecology & Natural Values

The park contains ecologically important features:

  • Kitsuksis Creek — a highly productive coho salmon stream
  • Mature and aging forest ecosystems
  • Habitat for wildlife such as deer, black bear, owls, woodpeckers, and amphibians
  • Diverse understory plants typical of coastal rainforest

Much of the park has remained undisturbed for over 100 years, allowing ecosystems to mature and increase in ecological value over time.

Park Use Guidelines
  • Non-motorized use only
  • Dogs permitted off-leash under control
  • Stay on existing trails
  • Respect private property boundaries
  • Pack out all garbage

Visitors are encouraged to help preserve the park’s natural character.

Safety Information
  • Trails are informal and may not be regularly maintained
  • Terrain includes steep areas, roots, and wet conditions
  • Limited signage and wayfinding
  • Be prepared for changing weather and wildlife encounters

In case of emergency, call 911.

Stewardship & Future Vision

Maplehurst Park is guided by a Park Management Plan which established the long-term vision to:

  • Protect sensitive ecosystems and wildlife habitat
  • Maintain a rustic, natural trail experience
  • Improve access while minimizing environmental impact
  • Enhance trail connections to surrounding communities
  • Support ongoing volunteer stewardship

Community input strongly supports keeping the park natural and minimally developed, while improving access, parking, and wayfinding over time.

Contact
    Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD)
    Phone: 250-720-2700
    Website: acrd.bc.ca
    Email: mailbox@acrd.bc.ca

Know Before You Go
  • No formal parking or facilities
  • Informal trail access
  • Natural terrain and conditions
  • Best suited for experienced walkers