East Sooke Coast Trail

Route Description for East Sooke Coast Trail

The East Sooke Trail is only 13.0 km long, however this hike traverses some tough terrain, taking you across roots and over rocks, which adds more time to the overall journey. It’s best to prepare for 5 to 8 hours of hiking!

It’s also important to note that we show this as a one-way hike and you’ll need a car shuttle, with one car at either end. Another option is to do an out-and-back hike from either of the trailheads to the halfway point and back. This allows you to not need a car shuttle.

Walking the East Sooke Trail is a well-marked hiking trail, so it’s difficult to get lost.

We like to start at the western edge of the trail, but it really doesn’t matter. From this part of the trail you will walk quickly down to Iron Mine Bay. Along the way you’ll meet up with Pike Creek, and then soon you’ll reach Iron Mine Bay, and you can look out onto the Salish Sea, and across to Olympic National Park in Washington State.

Head left (east) and wander along the coast. The route goes inland at some points, crossing over streams and creeks. The route has a lot of small elevation gains and losses as it goes around inlets, and you also get spectacular views.

Between Iron Mine Bay and Parkheights, you’ll encounter more undulations as well as sections that require some minor scrambling. The intensity picks up between Parkheights and Cabin Point, but the remarkable views make up for the challenging trail.

Around midway on the trail you reach Cabin Point, a stunning part of the trail. We suggest planning a break hear, and just sitting for a snack and looking out at the beautiful ocean. Cabin Point is also a good turnaround location if you are doing an out-and-back route.

Continue following the East Sooke Trail along the coast, the trail is easier after Cabin Point, and your next landmark is Beechey Head, another fine viewpoint that looks out on the Salish Sea.

Follow the East Sooke Trail as it follows the curve of the coastline, and eventually turns north. Along the way you’ll pass some Petroglyphs, that are easy to miss. Finally, the path goes left and connects with Becher Bay Road, which you follow to Aylard Farm. Ayland Farm is popular with picnickers and has nice views.

Insider Hints for East Sooke Coast Trail

• Park one car at Pike Road and another at Aylard Farm. You can do a loop, but this route offers staggering coastal views.
• Bring a lot of water! This hike is tough!
• Just north of Ayland Farm is a little community with some good options to eat. The Smokin Tuna Café is down by the water and is a great option but can get very busy. Sea Chest is a quick coffee and ice cream joint, worthy of a stop!