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Vancouver Island :: Victoria :: Mystic Beach

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Mystic Beach waterfall looking north and major scenic highlight

Multiple Dates, last October 18, 2021

Just the first part of Juan De Fuca Marine Trail,  short hike to Mystic Beach is well-worth the effort.  Second growth forest is not specially attractive, but once you reach the beach it is very beautiful and in many ways the essence of Pacific Northwest.  Back-country campground is on the beach so overnight trip is possible (self-registration boxes at trailhead).  Car break-ins are frequent at parking lots along Juan De Fuca corridor - leave no visible valuables, specially if staying overnight.  Hike is short and if doing a day trip it is recommended to combine with China Beach on the other side.

Parking is ~10min north of Jordan River along Hwy 14 - about 40min from Sooke.  Roadwork often slows the flow.  Do not turn into China Beach campground;  continue along Hwy14 for another couple of minutes and watch for exit on the left (south) side. Below is the junction - right is JDF parking lot, left China beach.  From the trail kiosk trail meanders lazily to crossing of Pete Wolfe creek on good suspension bridge - first highlight.  There are some sections where trail becomes vague - watch for orange blazes on trees.  Nearing the beach trail crosses a gully, then drops on set of wooden stairs and one fallen log (slippery) to the beach.  Campsites are to the right - there are no designated tent pads, just sheltered pebble areas at treeline.  If planning on camping tide is major factor so don't pitch your tent lower!  JDF continues north past the campground;  on my visit in Oct '21 trail was closed past Mystic Beach for repairs.  Make sure you explore neat caverns at far end of the beach, as well as super scenic waterfall dropping right to the surf on east side (lead photo on this page, gallery).

Gallery