Juan de Fuca Marine Trail: China Beach to Bear Beach

8.7 km one way.

Terrain: Intermediate

Approximate Elevations (in meters)

Start End Minimum Maximum Gain

100 0 0 100 100

China Beach Trailhead: (70 km from Saanich Hall). Drive west from Victoria on highway #1 to the Colwood exit. Take this exit and continue to where the road becomes BC#14 through Sooke to Jordan River. From Jordan River continue driving west for approximately 3.5 km until you come to China Beach. Turn left and drive into the parking lot. (A $5 parking fee is charged.)

Facilities available at the trailhead include:

Toilets and/or outhouses

Bear Beach Trailhead: (74 km from Saanich Hall). Drive west from Victoria on highway #1 to the Colwood exit. Take this exit and continue to where the road becomes BC#14 thru Sooke to Jordan River. Approximately 8 km past Jordan river look for gravel pit on left hand side of the road (between 2 steel bridges which are fairly close together). Park on the side of the road.

Facilities available at the trailhead include:

Campsite (6 sites)
Water is available

Campsite is on the beach, see "Bear Beach" trail.

Uses

Backpack	Easy to moderate.	3.5 hours one way.	Best from April thru October.
Dayhike	Moderate to strenuous day hike .	3 hours pt 2 pt.	Suitable all year.

Features

This trail features animals (River otter), beaches, birds (Bald eagle, Varied thrush), forests (Douglas fir and Western red cedar), marine mammals (California sea lion, Grey whale During spring migration, Harbour seal, Orca), natural wonders (Storm watching), views and waterfalls.

Hazards

boardwalk (can be very slippery in wet conditions)
some streams are crossed on footlogs
suspension bridge crossings of some creeks or rivers

Trail subject to mud, especially in fall, winter and spring. Suspension bridge crossing near China Beach, some log crossings/stairs. There is some devil's club along the trail, especially near Bear Beach.

Comments

The trail can be quite muddy, especially in the fall, winter and spring. Gators and well water proofed boots are a must.

Campsites along the trail

Mystic Beach	Approx 2.0 km	0 meters	Outhouse	Water is available quality is good.
Bear Beach	9.0 km	0 meters	Bear cache/wire Outhouse	Water is available quality is good.

For additional information see:

Giant Cedars, White Sands by Don Mills.
Juan de Fuca Trail by Matthew Payne.

Last hiked:May 1, 2005

Trail-conditions

View trail condition reports for this trail.