Hurricane Ridge, Washington

The Sooke Potholes seem to have something for everyone. Those seeking quick and easy beach access can enjoy short, well-groomed trails that lead straight to the pebble beaches from each of this spot’s multiple parking lots. There are also a number of paths leading to viewpoints overlooking the ri...

Take Highway 1 west from Victoria. Turn onto Exit 10 (View Royal/Colwood) and continue on the Island Highway. Turn right at Six Mile Road, which leads straight to Thetis Lake Regional Park. Note that this park is also accessible by bike via the Galloping Goose Trail. With minimal elevation (~60...

Just walk straight past the restroom to find the start of the trail route. The Bluff trail heads up a set of stairs to the top of the hillside on the right. After climbing the stairs, you come right up on farmland (Ebey's Prairie), with a grassy two-track trail leading up toward the top of the bl...

The Gold Creek Trail is one of several trails in the Green Mountain region. Although the trail is intertwined with others, it is almost impossible to start down the wrong path. The trail is well-marked and well-maintained, making this an excellent option for the family.  The trail begins at the e...

Goldstream Provincial Park is just a short drive from Victoria. Within 20 minutes of leaving the city center, you can be immersed in an old growth temperate rain forest. From Victoria, take the Trans-Canada highway to the start of the Malahat. The Goldstream day use area is well marked. Stop her...

Mount Finlayson in Goldstream Provincial Park is 19 km north of Victoria on Hwy 1. The trail takes you up to a scenic lookout of Victoria. For the majority, this trail is quite easy, however, it gets slightly more challenging toward the end when the terrain gets steeper. Park at Goldstream Provi...

This is a great low effort, high reward hike that offers several viewpoints along the trail of the falls below before it meanders all the way to the shore of the creek. While it doesn't take long to hike to this spot you can easily spend an entire morning or afternoon exploring everything it has ...

For 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 ...

Gowlland Tod is a beautiful park, running along the Finlayson Arm fjord. Jocelyn hill is in the middle of the park, and can be accessed from the Caleb Pike access at the South end (along the Ridge trail) or from the McKenzie Bight access at the North end (along the Timberman trail). With planning...

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...

The Watmough Bay Trail on Lopez Island, Washington, is a moderate-level hiking trail that stretches for approximately 1.59 miles. The trail is known for its unique natural features, including a prominent cliff face, a pebble beach, and a protected bay. The trail is relatively flat, making it acce...

Mount Grant Preserve is still in the midst of becoming an official park, but is open to the public for hiking, so you will get to see this amazing spot before it's too crowded. With a trial system currently being made, most people hike up the established road, but there are well marked signs to h...

From the main parking lot at English camp, follow the wide path east and cross West Valley road to the trailhead of Young Hill. The trail switchbacks several times and leads you past the English Camp cemetery. Continue left on the main trail through the forest of Pacific Madrone trees until you r...

Head 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...

A strait separating Whidbey Island from Fidalgo Island, Deception Pass and the bridges that span it are a fascinating day trip from Seattle. Located 82 miles from Seattle, a 90 minute drive will get you to the Deception Pass State Park. Once here, there are a myriad of activities to do - explore ...

Starting at the parking area, there is a roughly 2 mile hike through the woods. Depending on which route you take, you will suddenly end up at one of many incredible view points looking West at the Olympic Mountains, open ocean, and the San Juan Islands. In some areas you will be about 150 feet a...