Solo Hike: Eagle Bluffs via Nelson Creek Trail

Originally, this was scheduled as a group event organized by CrossNA (CrossNA Thread), but it was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. I arrived at St. David's United Church at 8:45 AM only to discover the notice. The weather forecast predicted temperatures above freezing with minimal rain (< 1 mm). After consulting AI about what < 1 mm of rain means—reassuring me it would merely be a light mist—and with Teresa Teng's soothing melody "Microscopic Breeze and Fine Rain" echoing in my mind, I decided to proceed. I figured that as long as my physical fitness held up, there would be minimal risk. Having solo-hiked and successfully reached Eagle Bluffs three or four years ago, I felt confident. Looking back, I felt my overall endurance has improved since then, and the trek felt noticeably less exhausting.

1. At 9:30 AM, after completing my warmup and stretches, I set off on the trail. Hiking entirely alone felt rather solitary.
   

   Selfie at the trailhead with the Westport Road Overpass in the background
2. About 500 meters from the trailhead, I encountered the welcoming signage: "Welcome, you are entering a particularly beautiful and diverse watershed area."
   

   All feet on trails sign
3. At 12:30 PM, exactly three hours in, I arrived at Eagle Bluffs to take in the stunning ocean view.
   

   Breathtaking ocean panorama at Eagle Bluffs
4. Paused for a summit selfie at Eagle Bluffs.
   

   Patrick at Eagle Bluffs
5. Autumn colors were in full swing, with the ground beautifully blanketed in fallen maple leaves.
   

   Vibrant autumn foliage carpeting the trail

On the descent, I took a wrong turn right at the start. However, I immediately retraced my steps, consciously telling myself not to panic. I strapped on my microspikes—not strictly necessary if I had stayed precisely on the beaten path, but a wise precaution to guarantee zero slips or falls.

After successfully navigating back onto the correct trail toward Eagle Bluffs, my right foot began to cramp. Unlike the westbound route to Eagle Bluffs via Black Mountain or the Cypress Mountain parking lot, the final kilometer of the eastbound approach is exceptionally steep. Fortunately, after pushing through that challenging 1 kilometer, the cramping subsided completely.

It took me another 3 hours to hike back down to the parking lot.