5-Day Guided Hiking Itinerary for Juan De Fuca Trail

• Day 1:

  Today is for the pre-trip meeting only. Our meeting will take place in person at 6 pm at the Royal Scot Hotel in Victoria, BC. We will ensure everyone has everything they need, introduce the group,  and distribute the group gear. 

• Day 2:

  China Beach to Bear Beach (9 km, elevation 700m gain)

  Starting Point: China Beach Trailhead
  Campsite: Bear Beach Campground.

  Highlights:

  • Begin your journey at China Beach, enjoying the lush coastal rainforest.
  • The first part of the trail is relatively gentle, leading you through mossy forests, crossing creeks, and offering stunning views of the coastline.
  • Stop for lunch at Mystic Beach – a scenic beach with a waterfall tumbling directly into the ocean.
  • The last stretch to Bear Beach is challenging, with steep sections and rocky terrain, but the views are rewarding.

  Camp Setup: Bear Beach offers beautiful camping spots by the ocean with the soothing sound of crashing waves. Be prepared for tidal fluctuations when setting up camp.

• Day 3:

  Bear Beach to Chin Beach (10 km, 900m, elevation gain)

  Campsite: Chin Beach Campground

  Highlights:

  • Today's hike is the most difficult day of our journey with some steep climbs, roots, and muddy sections!
  • You'll hike through dense forest and across a few suspension bridges, offering unique perspectives of the forest and river gorges below.
  • Expect several creek crossings, especially if there has been recent rainfall.
  • Chin Beach is a gorgeous spot for a second night’s rest with views of the Olympic Mountains across the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

  Camp Setup: Chin Beach is a quiet, scenic camping area. Enjoy tide pooling and watching for marine life in the distance.

• Day 4:

  Chin Beach to Sombrio Beach (7 km, 600 meters elevation gain)

  Campsite: Sombrio Beach Campground

  Highlights:

  • Today, the trail continues through rugged terrain with forested sections and cliffside paths. Be mindful of slippery rocks and roots.
  • After a few steep ascents and descents, the trail opens up to Sombrio Beach, a popular destination for surfers and hikers.
  • Explore the hidden waterfall at Sombrio Beach by taking a short detour up the creek through a narrow canyon.

  Camp Setup: Sombrio Beach offers large open camping areas. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy the sunset, often accompanied by a cool ocean breeze.

• Day 5:

  Sombrio Beach to Payzant Creek Campground  (10 km, 400m elevation gain)

  Campsite: Payzant Creek Campground

  Highlights:

  • This section of the trail is challenging, with several ups and downs and areas that can be muddy or slippery after rain.
  • You’ll hike past forested headlands and bluffs, with more opportunities to see wildlife like bald eagles, sea lions, and even whales in the distance.

  Camp Setup: Payzant Creek is a cool green camp. Set up camp by the creek and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the surrounding forest.

• Day 6:

  Payzant Creek to Botanical Beach (8 km / 5 miles)

  Ending Point: Botanical Beach Trailhead

  Highlights:

  • The final leg of the trail offers a gradual descent through old-growth forests and along dramatic coastal cliffs.
  • Enjoy the unique geology and tidal pools at Botanical Beach, which are filled with marine life such as sea stars, anemones, and crabs.
  • Finish the hike at the Botanical Beach trailhead, where the rugged beauty of the Juan De Fuca trail comes to a satisfying end.

  End of Hike: Congratulations! You’ve completed the Juan De Fuca Trail! It is time to celebrate; enjoy a shower! Wow, coastal mud sure is something else. 

• Safety:

  • Guides will check tides before setting out, as some sections of the trail may be impassable at high tide.
  • Be prepared for variable weather – coastal conditions can change quickly.
  • Follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the beauty of this wilderness trail.

  Enjoy the adventure of a lifetime on the Juan De Fuca Trail! 🌲

Included:

• Shuttle to and from the trailhead from the Royal Scot in Victoria.
• Backcountry skills learning
• Wilderness pass for each night
• Tents for camping - we prefer people from the same "bubble" share tents as some campgrounds have limited tent platforms. Strangers will not be paired together unless requested to help decrease pack weight
• Amazingly delicious food from the evening on day 1 to lunch on the last day
• The expertise from an ACMG Guide
• All group gear - stoves, pots, food storage materials, water treatment, sunblock, bug spray
• All safety equipment - bear spray, first aid kit, emergency communication device, and tarp

Participants must provide:

• Accommodations the night before getting on the trail
• Breakfast and supper on the last day
• Personal Gear (Can be arranged for an additional fee)
  Personal Gear List