China Beach is a great place to visit in Juan de Fuca Park. The somewhat secluded beach is a nice getaway spot, especially in the summer.
China Beach
Nestled on the southwestern coast of Vancouver Island, near Sooke, China Beach offers visitors a lovely coastal experience. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of activities in the area including hiking, bird watching, exploring the tidal pools, picnicking or just relaxing and enjoying the waves.
China Beach is one of the more popular beaches in the Greater Victoria Area. The long shoreline is rocky in some parts but it has some sandy parts too. The beach is known for its great views of Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains.
Where is China Beach?
The beach is located in Juan de Fuca Park, about 75 km west of downtown Victoria. Visitors don’t drive directly to the beach. After parking, there’s a 15-minute walk on a nice, easy trail through the woods to get to the water.
China Beach serves as the southern point of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail which is a popular but tough hiking trail that stretches nearly 40 km. If you go to the beach when the weather is nice, don’t be surprised if you see some serious hikers with their big backpacks.
What to Know About the Beach
The water at China Beach isn’t particularly warm, so some folks might find it too chilly to swim. Regardless of whether you take a dip or not, the rugged coastline and tidal pools provide an excellent opportunity for beachcombing and discovering starfish, crabs, and other animals. Orcas and seals can sometimes be spotted as well depending on the season.
Other places to explore include the hidden waterfall on the west side of the beach. Walk far enough along the beach and you’ll find a creek that leads into the forest. Follow the creek for a short while and you’ll find a small waterfall! It’s not possible to see the waterfall at all times, however. During high tide it might not be possible to reach the creek. The waterfall also flows stronger or weaker at different times of the year.
For those who want to stay in the park overnight, China Beach Campground is located a little bit east of the beach. There are nearly 80 drive-in campsites and reservations are required. The campground is open from May 15th to September 28th. It’s not as well-furnished as some of the other campgrounds in the region, but remains popular due to its location.
Other Information
For more information, visit the BC Parks Juan de Fuca Park webpage.
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