Juan de Fuca Marine Trail
Juan de Fuca Marine Trail
4.5
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4.5
69 reviews
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50
Very good
14
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3
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Dorina N
3 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
My friend and I hiked Juan de Fuca trail last week of June 2024. We knew the trail gets muddy but our experience tells us a bit different. I have never seen so much mud in my life! I would describe it as a muddy trail with a few sections of dry patches.
If it rains, it adds to the difficulty and also, to arrive safe at the destination take in consideration the extra time you need in these conditions.
We started from Botanical beach towards China Beach, liked a lot Mystic beach where I had the best night sleep under ocean waves sound.
If it rains, it adds to the difficulty and also, to arrive safe at the destination take in consideration the extra time you need in these conditions.
We started from Botanical beach towards China Beach, liked a lot Mystic beach where I had the best night sleep under ocean waves sound.
Written 24 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cole H
Edmonton, Canada12 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
I was lucky enough to do this hike without any rain! My partner and I did the entire trail, starting at China Beach and ended at Botanical Beach after three nights. The first day we easily made it to Bear Beach (8k) within 3 hours and enjoyed a beautiful sunset nestled in on the beach. The next day we hiked to Chin Beach (12k) which took 5 hours and was very difficult. The hills and switchbacks really make for a gruelling hike. The next day we made it all the way to Payzant (19k) to keep our last day easy so we could make it to the tide pools when the tide was out. Payzant is a lush beautiful site in the woods and off the coast. Right after we finished eating a thick eerie fog rolled in and made all of our dry clothes wet. Make sure you have something dry to change into to sleep in or start the next day with. The last day's hike (7k) to Botanical Beach was much easier than the previous two days which was a very welcomed surprise. Botanical beach is worth visiting when the tide is out so you can see all the little caves filled with marine life. We stayed until the tide came back in and made the extra 2.5k hike to Port Renfrew to be picked up by the shuttle. We got there with a few hours to kill and joined other hikers from Juan de Fuca and The West Coast Trail at the pub. Beer never tasted so good!
Written 29 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry B
1 contribution
Apr 2017 • Couples
My wife and I just finished hiking a portion of the JDF trail this Easter week end, We're in our late 40's/early 50's and are kinda new to multi-day hiking, but are keen to get out there and give it a go. We chose this particular trail not only for it's incredible scenery but also it's relatively small elevation gain and lack of snow at this time of year..
Our route was China Beach to Bear Beach (9km) for day 1, back to Mystic Beach (7km) for day 2, returning to the car (2km) for day 3.
We caught the 7am ferry from Tsawwassen and got to CB at about 10:30am. The parking lot was almost full when we arrived and a shuttle bus (guy in a pickup) was just leaving. If you want to to hike the trail one-way, the shuttle might be worth considering.
Of course once we started hiking it didn't take long for a heavy rainfall to hit in spite of the "Sunny" forecast but c'est la vie. . .that's the west coast for ya. As for the trail itself, yes it was as muddy as advertised but we didn't mind. It was actually fun sticking to the mucky trail centre rather than trying to avoid the inevitable. And although I'm not a big fan of hiking through previously logged areas as in portions of this hike, I realize that can be difficult to avoid in much of BC.
I was also surprised how poorly marked the trail was in some sections (5-6km) and how overgrown it was in others. It was manageable, however, and even enhanced a wonderful feeling of "being away from it all" which is a big draw of this trail.
For us, one particular section of the trail was noteworthy. We found part of the steep descent to Bear Beach (8km) to be quite difficult--not Moderate as shown on the map. I suppose it didn't help that there was a sudden downpour of rain just as we started negotiating that crazy-steep-slippery-worn-out-log-stairwell with its slimy- over-sized-leaning-handrail. What the heck was that? .
Anyway, our overall experience on the Juan de Fuca Trail was very positive. It was probably a bit tougher for us than most mainly due to our level of fitness and experience, but don't take it lightly and make sure you are well prepared. Good equipment and the right clothing and footwear make a real difference.
So if this trail can be this popular while being so rugged, imagine how popular it would be with some trail improvements. . . and therein lies the dilemma of the JFD Trail, right?
Our route was China Beach to Bear Beach (9km) for day 1, back to Mystic Beach (7km) for day 2, returning to the car (2km) for day 3.
We caught the 7am ferry from Tsawwassen and got to CB at about 10:30am. The parking lot was almost full when we arrived and a shuttle bus (guy in a pickup) was just leaving. If you want to to hike the trail one-way, the shuttle might be worth considering.
Of course once we started hiking it didn't take long for a heavy rainfall to hit in spite of the "Sunny" forecast but c'est la vie. . .that's the west coast for ya. As for the trail itself, yes it was as muddy as advertised but we didn't mind. It was actually fun sticking to the mucky trail centre rather than trying to avoid the inevitable. And although I'm not a big fan of hiking through previously logged areas as in portions of this hike, I realize that can be difficult to avoid in much of BC.
I was also surprised how poorly marked the trail was in some sections (5-6km) and how overgrown it was in others. It was manageable, however, and even enhanced a wonderful feeling of "being away from it all" which is a big draw of this trail.
For us, one particular section of the trail was noteworthy. We found part of the steep descent to Bear Beach (8km) to be quite difficult--not Moderate as shown on the map. I suppose it didn't help that there was a sudden downpour of rain just as we started negotiating that crazy-steep-slippery-worn-out-log-stairwell with its slimy- over-sized-leaning-handrail. What the heck was that? .
Anyway, our overall experience on the Juan de Fuca Trail was very positive. It was probably a bit tougher for us than most mainly due to our level of fitness and experience, but don't take it lightly and make sure you are well prepared. Good equipment and the right clothing and footwear make a real difference.
So if this trail can be this popular while being so rugged, imagine how popular it would be with some trail improvements. . . and therein lies the dilemma of the JFD Trail, right?
Written 17 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Olivia H
Saskatoon, Canada3 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
The hike was perfect! Difficult of course but the rewards outweigh any aches and pains. The only problem that my husband and I experienced was that we booked the shuttle service, West Coast Trail Express, from Victoria. It is not cheap and the pick up to head back to Victoria was late. But the real kicker was that they require you to walk from the trail end to Port Renfrew. That distance is roughly 3.5 km on a dangerous road. After hiking all day we then had to plod along, trying not to get run over, into town. We suggest you drive out and park at the trail head and then bum a ride back there.
Written 12 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelBug8486
Calgary, Canada101 contributions
Jul 2013
We started our hike at China beach and took the trail to Mystic Beach. About 45 min each way. Moderate fitness ability required. Easy parking. There is a rope swing and small waterfall. I can't wait to hike more of thia trail.
Written 20 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nathan C
Campbell River, Canada3 contributions
Jul 2015
Incredible scenery with a challenging trail for an immerse temperate rain forest experience. Have backpacked the entire trail twice. If you are afraid of suspension bridges that wobble there are 4 of them along the 47km trail. Camp in the designated camp sites because the trail is either in dense forest or rocky cliffs and there is not room to pitch a tent. If you have to do a day hike mystic beach is very cool along with the hike to bear beach. Not for the novice hiker, trail has slightly fallen apart from the 20+ years of use.
Written 15 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie M
Sechelt, Canada447 contributions
Sept 2013 • Couples
We recently stayed in Orveas Bay, and it was an easy drive to China Beach where we did a day hike on part of the Juan de Fuca Trail.
China Beach, to Mystic Beach, to Bear Beach and Back. It is a good 17.5 KM and while it is listed as moderate, it is probably at the top of end of the moderate scale. Most of the trail is in the trees but you descend down at Mystic and Bear Beach. The trail is a lot of up and down and over tree roots which are not difficult but you really need to watch where you are going. It was a good 6.5 hours of hiking there and back.
Water...you need a lot of water on this hike! We each had a 1 litre but that was not nearly enough. Just ensure you have plenty of water, and you will be fine.
Mystic Beach has a wonderful rope swing which is good fun. Bear Beach is beautiful lunch stop before you head on, or head back to China Beach.
All in all, it was a really good day. Tiring, but a good day.
China Beach, to Mystic Beach, to Bear Beach and Back. It is a good 17.5 KM and while it is listed as moderate, it is probably at the top of end of the moderate scale. Most of the trail is in the trees but you descend down at Mystic and Bear Beach. The trail is a lot of up and down and over tree roots which are not difficult but you really need to watch where you are going. It was a good 6.5 hours of hiking there and back.
Water...you need a lot of water on this hike! We each had a 1 litre but that was not nearly enough. Just ensure you have plenty of water, and you will be fine.
Mystic Beach has a wonderful rope swing which is good fun. Bear Beach is beautiful lunch stop before you head on, or head back to China Beach.
All in all, it was a really good day. Tiring, but a good day.
Written 21 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alsm31
Bolzano, Italy22 contributions
Apr 2013 • Solo
I hiked the trail for 3 days. It was quite exhausting but worth every step. Being a marine trail, the trail follows the coast, but you are often in the forest, up and down crossing creeks. Camp sites are all at the beach.
The trail is open all year. I reached Mystic Beach trailhead via Victoria taking bus route 50 to Langford and 61 to Sooke. There is no public transport before May, but hitch-hiking was very easy. At Sombrio Beach, I finished, back to Sooke hitch-hiking. While you wait somewhat for traffic, stops-to-car ratio was a phenomenal 3:2. People are very friendly.
There is a fee of $10 per night that you need to pay at the entrance. Don't forget to take a pen to fill in the slip.
The trail is open all year. I reached Mystic Beach trailhead via Victoria taking bus route 50 to Langford and 61 to Sooke. There is no public transport before May, but hitch-hiking was very easy. At Sombrio Beach, I finished, back to Sooke hitch-hiking. While you wait somewhat for traffic, stops-to-car ratio was a phenomenal 3:2. People are very friendly.
There is a fee of $10 per night that you need to pay at the entrance. Don't forget to take a pen to fill in the slip.
Written 28 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Snicker D
California89 contributions
Jun 2016 • Solo
I recently stopped here primarily to spend most of a day hiking along the West Coast of Vancouver. I hiked from Chin Beach to Kuitshe Cove and believe this section of the trail offered great variety. I saw otters, seals, deer, frogs, eagles, plenty of birds and even a snake sunning on a rock. I walked over rocky, boulder-strewn beaches, through dark, damp rainforests, muddy areas, over suspension bridges, through small streams and even ducked my head in one of several waterfalls to cool off. The trail had sections that were definitely up and down so I also got a good workout. There were a couple of small coves with great rock outcroppings to just sit and soak up the environment and watch the ocean wildlife. It definitely helped that the weather was ideal: partly sunny with a smooth, consistent breeze.
I felt the trail was reasonably marked and signed although I did get briefly confused once.
Btw, I hiked for over 4 hours without seeing another human being, which was awesome.
This is the only section of the trail I’ve hiked so I can’t comment how it compares to the rest. But I would highly recommend the trail in general and this section specifically to experience west coast hiking at its finest.
I felt the trail was reasonably marked and signed although I did get briefly confused once.
Btw, I hiked for over 4 hours without seeing another human being, which was awesome.
This is the only section of the trail I’ve hiked so I can’t comment how it compares to the rest. But I would highly recommend the trail in general and this section specifically to experience west coast hiking at its finest.
Written 2 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew M
Ottawa, Canada20 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
My ex Girlfriend and I walked this trail in the pouring rain alone and LOVED IT!! Not a soul around. This is all second growth so don't expect ant huge trees because logging has taken almost every one. Fun for beach and forest lovers alike. Rushing streams and even the occasional pensive glimpse of wildlife. Not The west coast trail but worth it none the less. Camping allowed but bring your raingear. We always went in the late winter or early spring. No crowds. Be aware that on Vancouver Island at high season you will not be alone. We travelled all over Vancouver Island and The Queen Charlotte Islands. This is a great start if you want to see what remains of the wilderness in BC. You will see nature and be very safe.
Written 1 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello!
My partner and I will be camping at the park at the end of August, and we're hoping to rent a sea kayak for a day or two. Does anyone have any suggestions of where we could find one for rent? Any awesome marine trails to take?
Written 13 August 2015
Just to add to that, Barkley Sound, a few hours north, is a kayaker's paradise, and is worth a week-long trip on its own.
Written 7 July 2016
I am planning to spend one day in SW Vancouver Island. Is there one particular stretch of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail that is most spectacular for a day hike?
thanks!
Written 12 June 2015
We just spent a few hours near the trailhead. We parked at the China Beach Day Use lot and walked down to Mystic Beach (2km), which was beauitful. We then continued along the JDF trail (west) for a short time. From Mystic Beach, you could easily do a day hike to the next beach (Bear Beach, 6km one way). So that would be about 16km. The trail goes up and downhill to creekbeds (dry in August), so there is some elevation challenge and beautfiul vistas along the way. Allow at least 3 hours to take in the scenery, maybe less if not stopping.
Written 23 August 2015
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