Sombrio Beach Falls

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Overview

Sombrio Beach Falls is a beautiful waterfall, nestled in a rocky canyon just up from the shores of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The unique waterfall cascades from above into the tight canyon area, creating a moisture filled climate with lots of moss on the canyon walls and mist flying about.

From the day-use parking lot, walk past the park sign and down the wide trail through the lush west coast rain forest. The trail descends quickly until it reaches a junction. Go left at the junction, follow the trail, and cross a small wooden bridge. The trail will take you towards East Sombrio Beach, which is a portion of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail.

To reach Sombrio Beach Falls, walk to the East Sombrio Beach and walk along the rocky beach heading east. The view is outstanding on a clear day as you peer across the water towards Olympic National Park in Washington State.

Finding the trail entrance to the waterfalls is the tricky part as they are not clearly marked. You have to walk past a section of the beach where you walk over a rocky outcrop that is worn by the wind and waves as you round a corner to a beach area. This beach area is the end of East Sombrio Beach and the trail enters the forest at the end of the beach, however the waterfalls are about halfway along the beach and up from the water. There is a creek that drains from the waterfall area and you follow this creek into the rocky canyon, watching you step as you maneuver over the slippery rocks.

It's only a short distance up the canyon and the waterfall comes into view. There is a lot of moisture in the canyon from the falling water, which cascades from the stream above and creates a mist and moss covered walls within the canyon setting. The location makes it a fairly unique waterfall to visit.

After enjoying Sombrio Beach Falls, return to the beach area. If the tide is low, it's worth exploring some of the tide pools in the exposed rocks, while being careful of the sensitive ecology that makes up the marine wildlife.

Return to the day-use area by walking along the beach heading west bound until you reach the trail that heads into the forest. Cross over the wooden bridge and at the junction, go right and begin the hike back up the hill to the parking lot.

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Driving Directions

Sombrio Beach is located along Juan de Fuca on southern Vancouver Island, just off of Highway #14. The day-use area is east of the community of Sooke and west of Port Renfrew.

From Victoria

If you are driving from Victoria, drive to Highway #1 and head northbound, leaving the downtown area. Turn left onto West Shore Parkway and go straight through the roundabout. At a second roundabout, go right and continue to follow West Shore Parkway as it snakes its way through the neighbourhood and eventually down to the traffic lights at Sooke Road. Turn right onto Sooke Road, also called Highway #14. You will follow this road all the way to the turnoff to Sombrio Beach.

Drive through the community of Sooke and continue heading west along Highway #14. Watch for signs to China Beach, which will alert you that Sombrio Beach is coming up but you still have to drive a fair distance. Watch for signs to Sombrio Beach and carefully turn left off of the highway onto the gravel road. Drive down the gravel road and into the park, parking near the bottom close to the trailhead.

From Port Renfrew

The drive from Port Renfrew takes just over 20-minutes to the Sombrio Beach day-use area. Leave Port Renfrew by following Highway #14 East towards Victoria. Watch for signs to Sombrio Beach and turn right off of the highway onto the gravel road. Follow the gravel road down the hill to the parking lot at the bottom near the trailhead to the beach.

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Camping Information

Camping is available at West Sombrio Beach and East Sombrio Beach. Reservations through BC Parks are required.

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Additional Information

Dog-Friendly

Dogs must be leashed at all times. Keep dogs out of tide pools to avoid disturbing sensitive marine life.

Toilets

Outhouses are located at the Sombrio Beach parking lot. There are also outhouses at the West and East Sombrio Beach campgrounds, but if you are visiting for the day, the route does not pass those campsites.

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