Waterfalls, Old-Growth Forests, Scenic Coastal Views: A Roadtrip To Port Renfrew

A road trip to Port Renfrew on Vancouver Island’s southwest coast is a classic British Columbia trip along coastal routes, through lush west coast forests, and with scenic stops at waterfalls and other uniquely west coast parks.

To make the most of this roadtrip, follow the Circle Marine Route that goes from Victoria through Sooke along the south island Highway #14 to Port Renfrew, then return via Pacific Marine Road via Lake Cowichan and Duncan. There are plenty of stops along the way to experience the variety of the beautiful nature, old growth forests, scenic waterfalls, and coastal views.

This article will highlight some of the many stops to explore along the Circle Marine Route with the assumption that you will be traveling in a clockwise direction from Victoria to Port Renfrew, then back to Victoria via Duncan.

Sandcut Beach

The first stop is Sandcut Beach, located along the highway before the small community of Jordan River. There is a short trail that goes down some steps to the beach area, then a walk on the beach brings you to a scenic waterfall next to the beach that drops from the rock ledge above onto the sand. Note that this waterfall’s flow is best in the spring or after rainfall and can be minimal during the middle of summer. There is also a creek crossing along the beach that can be precarious, so be prepared to have wet feet.

Mystic Beach

The trail to Mystic Beach is one of the most popular in the area and takes longer than some of the other stops as the route is about 4km return. The trail also has a couple of rugged sections, including down to the beach. However, the views along the coastline of the Strait of Juan de Fuca are beautiful on a clear day and there is the added beauty of the waterfall that drops from high above like water from a large garden hose. Leave yourself at least a couple of hours to explore this hike.

Sombrio Beach Falls

Sombrio Beach Falls is a unique waterfall where you walk into the canyon and the waterfall drops near where you are standing from above. The canyon walls are constantly covered in moisture with lush, green moss, hidden from the sunlight. The waterfall is a bit tricky to find as you’ll have to walk east along the beach and look for the unmarked trail that follows a small creek between the canyon walls.

Botanical Beach

Botanical Beach is one of the gems of the Port Renfrew area as the rocky beach areas are teeming with marine life. From the day-use area, the trail loop is about 3km in length as it heads downhill to the coastal area. There are scenic viewpoints of Juan de Fuca from the first set of beach areas but continue along the coastal trail until you reach the sign to Botanical Beach. The tidal pools are full of all sorts of life during low tide, such as starfish, sea urchins, crabs, and more. A reminder that the marine life is sensitive and an important part of our ecosystem, so be mindful of where you are stepping and leave the wildlife alone.

Avatar Grove 

Avatar Grove has been closed by Recreation Sites & Trails BC since 2022 due to storms that severely damaged the boardwalks and stairs in the area.

Avatar Grove is located north of Port Renfrew along the Gordon River Mainline. The road can be quite rugged in several areas with large potholes and takes roughly 30 minutes to drive, depending on the clearance of your vehicle.

The trail system is divided into two sections, with one being below the road and the other above. Lower Avatar Grove is a loop that passes several enormous Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar Trees. The Upper Avatar Grove is a trail that goes straight uphill to a huge tree known as Gnarliest Tree.

Fairy Lake Tree

This stop is right next to the road where a small tree sits on an tiny island in the middle of lake. This maybe Vancouver Island’s most photographed tree. Is this worth stopping at? We’ll let you decide.

Harris Creek Spruce

A short stop to stretch your legs at a gravel parking lot takes you to a large Sitka Spruce tree sitting in the forest. The tree is about 4 meters in diameter (13 feet) and is the only large tree left from logging within this second generation forest. 

Niagara Falls

If you are turning to Victoria via Duncan, it’s worth stopping at Niagara Falls in Goldstream Provincial Park. Along Highway #1 southbound after you enter the park boundaries, there is a small parking area to the right of the highway but be cautious pulling into this area as traffic flows quickly through this single lane section.

The walk is short from this point as you simply follow the trail next to the creek up the gradual hill and it brings you to a scenic view of Niagara Falls.