Cowichan Bay, British Columbia
Looking for the best hiking in Cowichan Bay? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Cowichan Bay. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Cowichan Bay
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Sooke, British Columbia
Hike Whiffin Spit
1.5 mi / 0 ft gainLocated in Sooke, between the Sooke Harbour and the Juan de Fuca Strait is Whiffin Spit Park. An easy 2.4km out and back trail with minimal elevation gain that you can walk to the end and back in about an hour. The dog-friendly gravel trail takes you down the spit to the end where you will find a...Read more -
Sooke, British Columbia
Hike East Sooke Park
Sitting very close to the southernmost point of Vancouver Island, facing west towards the mouth of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the open Pacific Ocean, East Sooke Park is a unique and magical place for a hike or trail run. Your first visit will spark the desire to keep returning, to keep explor...Read more -
Shirley, British Columbia
Beach Day at Sandcut Beach
The adventure begins during the rugged wooded hike from the gravel parking lot to the stunning beach (10 minutes). Once you reach the stone and pebble beach, plant yourself down to enjoy the 180 degree view of the Juan de Fuca Strait (and a picnic lunch if you’ve come prepared!).Head east to find...Read more -
Port Renfrew, British Columbia
Hike to the Red Creek Fir
I’m blessed with a husband who is crazy enough to agree to my endless adventures! When I suggested we go find the tallest Douglas Fir Tree in the world, and we happened to be in the area, my husband again said, “why not!”For anyone who just has to see it for themselves, here’s some directions:Fo...Read more -
Port Renfrew, British Columbia
Hike to Mystic Beach
5.0Head west from Victoria along Highway 14 past Sooke and Jordan River until you see the Juan De Fuca Marine Trail - China Creek trailhead about 5km past Jordan River on the West Coast Road. Ample signage, parking, and outhouses are available here.The trail taking you to Mystic Beach is just one s...Read more -
Friday Harbor, Washington
Hike through the American Camp
3 miFor what was once a highly contested and disputed piece of land in the Pacific Ocean, now lays home to one of the most peaceful, tranquil, and historic hikes in the island chain. Start the hike at the parking lot of the San Juan Island National Historic Site American Camp Visitor Center. Proceed ...Read more -
Port Renfrew, British Columbia
Camp and Surf at Sombrio Beach
5.01 miHeading west from Victoria, take the TransCanada Highway to Hwy 14. Continue past Sooke towards Port Renfrew. Look for the sign that reads Sombrio Beach Trailhead (approximately 45 minutes past Sooke) and take the left. Note that this dirt road can be incredibly rugged (aka full of potholes) and ...Read more -
Moran State Park, Washington
Camp at Moran State Park
Moran State Park is an true gem within the beautiful San Juan Islands. The park takes up a large portion of the East side of Orcas Island, the largest of all the San Juans. There are multiple campgrounds within the park along the shores of Cascade Lake and Mountain Lake. For the most relaxing exp...Read more -
Olga, Washington
Hike to the Mount Constitution Summit
5.07 mi / 1500 ft gainThis 7 mile round-trip hike takes you to the mountain's summit. From here you'll be able to take in an amazing view. During the hike, you'll head around the left side of Mountain Lake, and then continue on to Twin Lakes, before starting your jaunt to the top of Mt. Constitution. The hike around ...Read more -
Nanaimo, British Columbia
Hike to Ammonite Falls
4.82.69 mi / 558 ft gainThe falls cascades off of a sheet of rock that is filled with Ammonite fossils, thus the name Ammonite Falls! The trailhead is very distinct and has a parking lot close to the start of the trail. From the Nanaimo Parkway (#19) head onto Jingle Pot Road. Follow that for a few kilometres and turn ...Read more -
Olga, Washington
Hike the Highlands Trail
1.5 mi / 200 ft gainObstruction Pass State Park is something of a hidden gem on Orcas Island given that its nearby neighbor, Moran State Park, gets most of the tourist attention. What this means is that you can find solitude and quiet, *and* make a visit to the only publicly owned beach on the island. There are seve...Read more -
Olga, Washington
Hike the Sound View Trail
0.4 mi / 50 ft gainObstruction Pass State Park is something of a hidden gem on Orcas Island given that its nearby neighbor, Moran State Park, gets most of the tourist attention. What this means is that you can find solitude and quiet, *and* make a visit to the only publicly owned beach on the island. There are seve...Read more -
Lopez Island, Washington
Hike to Spencer Spit
5.01.75 mi / 60 ft gainIt's just a short walk to the beach on this protruding point in Lopez Sound, and all downhill. Immediately upon leaving the trailhead, you come to a junction. Turn right and make a beeline straight for the picnic area at the base of the Spit.Time to explore the Spit. If the tide is high, stick to...Read more -
Port Renfrew, British Columbia
Hike the Botanical Beach and Botany Bay Loop
2.2 miThe loop trail is a short 3.5km trail that is well maintained and open year round. There's negligible elevation gain and aside from the odd slippery section the trail is easily accessible for all ages and skill levels. It is definitely busy in the Spring and Summer months but is manageable in the...Read more -
Port Renfrew, British Columbia
Hiking the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail
5.029.2 miThis is no walk on the beach. There are many ascents and descents that range from not so steep to hold on for your life as the mud cliff crumbles steep. You might think 200m of elevation gain isn't much, but it is a constant ascend and descend trail in the moderate-difficult sections.A high level...Read more -
Port Renfrew, British Columbia
Backpack the West Coast Trail, Pacific Rim NP
46.6 mi / 360.9 ft gainIn the summer of 2016, myself and three others decided to hike the West Coast Trail (WCT) on a bit of a whim! We naively, and courageously, choose the WCT as our first major backpacking hiking trip - we thought it would be best to throw ourselves into a hike that has earned a reputation for being...Read more