Scafe Hill

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Overview

Scafe Hill is located in the northern area of Thetis Lake Regional Park and has incredible views looking east towards the Saanich area and northeast towards Gowlland Tod Provincial Park. While the hike is not long, the uphill section is very steep and the terrain passes over loose rocky making it a challenging hike uphill and downhill.

From the metal gate at Westoby Road, begin your hike along the wide path as it leaves the parking area and within a few minutes, veers sharply to the left before continuing. Stay on the wide trail as it passes through the forest and makes its way up a gradual hill.

After hiking for about 600-meters, or 15 - 20 minutes, watch for a narrow, rocky trail on your right that is not marked. This is the trail that goes up the south side of Scafe Hill, which is not on all maps. If you reach a junction to the left with a sign that points to Thetis Lake, you have gone too far and must backtrack about 300-meters.

Take this trail on the right as it immediately begins to climb steeply over loose rock. Carefully navigate your way over the rocks, taking steps that pass to the side of the rocky path as you slowly make your way uphill. The trail veers slightly right but continues and there seem to be fewer rocks, however the recently uphill climb continues.

Eventually the trail levels and you reach a rocky section on the right that you can climb on top of for the first, breathtaking view that looks eastward towards Saanich and as far as Haro Strait. To continue to a second viewpoint, follow the trail as it heads along a flat section through the forest and at the first junction, go right. Climb up and over the rocks and you will arrive at a viewpoint that looks northeast towards Jocelyn Hill and Holmes Peak in Gowlland Tod Provincial Park.

After you have soaked in the views, return to the trail and head back towards the first viewpoint. Follow the trail to the right as it begins its steep downhill descent. Be careful not to lose your footing along the loose dirt and stepping on the rocks. At the bottom, go left and walk back along the wide trail, following the path you traveled earlier and returning to the parking lot area.

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Driving Directions

The start of the hike to Scafe Hill begins in the Highlands area, north of Thetis Lake. From downtown Victoria, drive northbound on Douglas Road and follow it as you leave the city and it turns into Highway #1 the Trans-Canada Highway. Take Exit #10 and stay in the far right lane, exiting towards Burnside Road.

After exiting the highway, turn right onto Burnside Road. At the 4-way intersection, turn left onto Watkiss Way and follow this road as it veers 90-degrees to the right and becomes Highland Road. Follow the weavy Highland Road for about 5.5km and turn left onto Barker Road. Continue following Barker Road but do not turn left onto the "No Thru Road". Instead, go straight as the road is now called Westoby Road. Continue following the narrow road right to the end where there is a gravel parking area next to a metal gate. The trail begins on the path on the other side of the gate.

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Additional Information

Dog-Friendly

Dogs are allowed off-leash but under-control on the trails to Scafe Hill. Please ensure to pick up after your dog and remove all excrement from the trails and park areas.

Toilets

There are no toilet facilities along the trails or parking area near Scafe Hill.

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