Kitimat’s rainforest disc golf course adds open-layout holes to help new players enjoy the game

The Hirsch Creek Disc Golf Course has expanded with three new baskets aimed at making the sport more accessible for beginners while continuing to challenge seasoned players — all set in what may be the only course in the world located in a coastal old-growth rainforest.

Jason Cathers, the Hirsch Creek Disc Golf Course Ambassador, said the upgrades were a direct response to the summer challenges faced by new players navigating thick underbrush and ferns that can easily hide errant discs.

“Especially in the summer months, beginners can spend 10 or 15 minutes just searching for a disc,” said Cathers. “People that try disc golf for the first time in the summer can end up with a bad impression of the sport.”

Cathers and his wife organized a local tournament earlier this year and tested three temporary holes in more open spaces. The positive response was immediate.

“Everyone who played in the tournament gave us great feedback on these new holes,” he said.

The District of Kitimat, through its Leisure Services department, has now made those holes permanent, installing new baskets and tee areas to create holes 10, 11, and 12. Cathers added the support of the department’s Todd Gesshe was instrumental in moving the project forward.

“Kudos to the district for taking the initiative on these three new baskets, and doing the work to install them. It looks great.”

Each of the new holes includes both red and blue tee pads — the red offering a shorter, beginner-friendly option, and the blue providing more challenge for experienced players.

Hole 10 is tucked behind and to the left of the covered picnic area at Hirsch Creek Park, offering a fun and scenic par 3. It’s close enough to group spaces that visitors can casually try out a shot without committing to a full round.

“People can socialize with their family as they want to do, but bring a disc and try a hole while they’re there, have some fun,” Cathers said.

Hole 11 opens with a clean shot into the open forest behind the baseball backstop. The red tee is positioned near the forest line and plays as a par 3, while the blue tee stretches farther back and plays as a par 4.

Hole 12 is located on the open Hirsch Creek field, where players can enjoy a wide variety of practice shots. A circular mulch area surrounds the basket, giving players a clear visual target and a true “park job” if they land within the 11-foot ring.

“This is where I bring classes to learn the basics,” said Cathers. “It’s very aesthetically pleasing and lets both beginners and veterans practice any throwing style they please, which people really like.”

The course, originally built in 2020, is free to play and open year-round. It remains uncrowded, making it an ideal setting for those curious about the sport.

“I’ve played all around North America and I think we’re so, so lucky to have this course in Kitimat,” said Cathers. “There’s a lot of great courses out there, but to have such an amazing one in our small community is really something.”

Cathers encourages beginners to try the course in the cooler months from October through April, when visibility is better and foliage less dense. For summer play, long pants are recommended, but he noted that the new holes are suitable even for a casual round in shorts and flip-flops.

Disc golf discs can be rented or purchased at Riverlodge. A one-day introductory clinic will be held on Saturday, Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with registration available at Riverlodge.

The course is also listed on the free UDisc app, which includes maps, hole descriptions, and scoring features.