Somass Estuary Trip Report - October 20, 2026, Harvey Pearson

Ventured into the marshlands of the Somass River in Port Alberni looking for wildfowl.  Sadly, it was so very foggy that many birds could be heard but not seen.  Nevertheless, passing through the mist was a mystical experience, calm and sedate.  Enroute, we did see seals and sea lions, herons and mallards, kingfishers and eagles.  We even saw a little mink curious about our presence, peering at us from the rocks.  There were still the odd salmon jumping in the estuary.  After doing a little exploring, we passed close by Hoik and Holm Islands looking for a beach, but eventually gave up and had lunch at Canal Beach before heading home.  All in all, a good trip, about four hours and 8.3 miles.