Thursday April 17, 2025 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail hiking trail will be closed throughout the summer of 2025 so that repairs can be done, while daytime camping in that area will still be available.
The trail closure is due to the need for repairs due to extensive damage caused by multiple fall and winter storms, says the BC Ministry of Environment and Parks.
Spanning part of Vancouver Island’s southwest coast, the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail is designed for challenging day or multi-day hikes through rugged, coastal terrain that is often affected by wet and extreme weather.
Damage:
Several key sections of the 47 km trail have apparently been washed away or blocked by fallen trees, making the trail impassable and unsafe for hikers.
There is also extensive damage to bridges, boardwalks, shelters and campsites.
Backcountry campgrounds closed:
Five backcountry campgrounds along the trail remain closed, including Bear Beach, Chin Beach, West Sombrio Beach, Little Kuitsche Creek and Payzant Creek.
Enjoy backcountry camping and day use:
“But people can still enjoy day-use areas in Juan de Fuca Park,” states the Ministry of Environment and Parks in a news release on April 17.
People can still enjoy backcountry camping and day use at Mystic Beach and East Sombrio Beach, the Ministry said today.
The day-use area is also open at China Beach and Botanical Beach.
Phased re-opening:
A phased reopening of the trail and backcountry campsites is planned as repairs are completed.
For future updates about trail repairs and reopening timelines, people are encouraged to visit the BC government portal called Juan de Fuca Parks.
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NEWS SECTIONS: VANCOUVER ISLAND | SOOKE | TOURISM | JUAN DE FUCA