A visit to Sombrio Beach in search of the hidden waterfall makes for a great day trip less than 2 hours from Victoria British Columbia Canada.
Where Is Sombrio Beach?
Sombrio Beach is located on the southwest coast of Vancouver Island. It’s a beautiful beach that is popular with beach goers, campers and surfers. But a special treat is in store for those who venture out in search of the hidden waterfall located less than 30 minutes from the parking lot. There is plenty of signage on Highway 14 directing you to Sombrio Beach though you can expect a 1.5 km gravel road to reach the parking lot.
Sombrio Beach Trailhead
The trailhead is located at the far end of the Sombrio Beach parking lot near a couple of pit toilets. Though the monthly tide charts may be posted at the kiosk you will want to check the tide charts in advance so you can plan your visit during a lower or outgoing tide for an easier walk along the beach. The trail initially takes you through a cool forested area before reaching the beach. Along the way you will come across a couple of forks on the trail that you will want to bear left at toward East Sombrio Beach. From the parking lot to the beach is an easy walk that takes about 10 minutes. Note that the return trip of this section is uphill that will take a little more effort.
Sombrio Beach Trailhead Gallery:
Once at the beach, head east along the shore to the left for about 15 minutes. You might want to look back to where the trail meets the beach because we were a bit confused (lost) on our walk back while looking for the trail entrance back to the parking lot. Continuing down the beach can be a little difficult with all the rocks. We recommend wearing shoes you don’t mind getting wet to make the walk a little easier.
You may come across a small stream of water or two originating from the forest early on the walk however the stream we’re looking for is reached after passing a large rock outcrop. If you visit during high tide you’ll need to climb over the rocks, however visiting at lower tide makes this section much easier to walk around. If you look back toward the rock outcrop you’ll also notice a small cave.
Once past the rocky outcrop you’ll come to the small stream we’re looking for making its way to the ocean. When we visited there was quite a bit of driftwood close by.
Follow the stream to your left and you will see where it flows from out of the trees. This marks the entrance to the short slot canyon. You’ll be hiking across and through the stream a few times so be prepared with proper footwear and plan to get your feet wet. Trust us the destination and stunning views are worth the effort.
Hidden Waterfall Gallery:
Sombrio Beach Trail:
During our visit in September there were a few surfers when we first reached the beach and only a few other people on the beach during our entire time there. But we had the entire waterfall canyon to ourselves while we were there!
As always Leave No Trace! Following these principles ensure you leave places better than you found it so others can enjoy these beautiful places in the future.
