The Somerset Range is a chain of small low mountains. It comprises mountains and hills between Barkley Sound's Imperial Eagle Channel and Nitinat Lake on the southwest side of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The Somerset Range has an area of 203 km² (78 mi²) and is a subset of the Vancouver Island Ranges for the Insular Mountains. The highest peak within the Somerset Range is Hobiton Ridge, with an elevation of 796 m (2612 ft.).
The Somerset Range is a lovely place offering experience an enriching journey exploring the area. Visitors will have a perfect time hiking through the packed trees covering the hills with ponds and tars dotting the area. Up at the peak, the beautiful vista of trees and valley overlooking the water and awe-inspiring view of surrounding mountains lying through the gorgeous forest garnished by colourful birds. There, enthusiasts would have opportunities for several amusing activities as hiking the west coast trail through the mild temperate rainforest.
You may want to suit up for watching storms crashing on rocky beaches in winters. You can also have fun strolling in the summer along the west coast on endless sandy beaches. Either way, you get connected with the culture and history of west coast territory.
The Somerset Range is a group of small low mountains located on the southwest side of Vancouver Island. While exploring the Somerset Range, there are several entertaining activities to enjoy as watching whales or storms, besides the thrilling activity of windsurfing. Have fun strolling along the west coast through Pacific Rim National Park Reserve's pleasant atmosphere with remarkable old-growth forest. The park consists of three separate regions: West Coast Trail, the Broken Group Islands, and Long Beach, representing the Pacific Coast Mountains featuring rugged coasts and mild temperate rainforest. The park is home to widespread vegetation as Sitka Spruce, deer fern, western hemlock, western red-cedar, and sword fern.
Sarita Watershed, which consists of the South Sarita River, several creeks, and tributaries draining to Sarita Lake, is located to the Somerset Range's northeast. Should you have time, take a visit to the Sarita River and its astonishing waterfalls. Have a perfect time paddling through the Sarita River's beautiful environment or get the chance to catch a variety of types of fish. Bamfield is the nearby community located on Barkley Sound to the northwest of the Somerset Range.
From Nanaimo:
The fastest route to get to the Somerset Range from Nanaimo is Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S. It is 172 km (106.8 miles) and takes 2 hours and 49 minutes.
Take Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S, Cowichan Valley Hwy/BC-18 W and Youbou Rd to N Shore Rd in Cowichan Valley I for 106 km (65.8 miles). Continue on N Shore Rd for 66.3 km (41.1 miles) to your destination in Alberni-Clayoquot A.
From Victoria:
Getting to the Somerset Range from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. It is a 192 km (119.3 miles) route that takes almost 3 hours and 10 minutes.
Take Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N, Cowichan Valley Hwy/BC-18 W and Youbou Rd to N Shore Rd in Cowichan Valley I for 125 km (77.6 miles). Continue on N Shore Rd for 66.3 km (41.1 miles) to your destination in Alberni-Clayoquot A.
"West Coast Trail" (South to North) stretches 75.3 km (46.7 miles) along the west coast of Vancouver Island, gains an elevation of 1822 m (5977 ft.). The point-to-point trail is near the Somerset Range and rated as difficult. The West Coast Trail offers a perfect hiking trail through the mild temperate old-growth rainforest with endless beaches' breathtaking views. The trail is heavily trafficked out and primarily used for nature trips, hiking, backpacking. The best months to use the West Coast Trail are from May through September.
The Somerset Range area is home to the traditional territory of the people of Nuu-chah-nulth. These people's legends and culture are rooted in the mountains within the Somerset Range and areas around.
While visiting the Somerset Range, you would be fascinated by incredible mountains having beautiful vista overlooking the Barkley Sound and gnarled trees wrapping the hills of surrounding mountains. Mountaineers and hikers will experience an enriching journey climbing the magnificent mountains of Somerset Range, hiking through the remarkable old-growth forest covering the hills winding around ponds and tarns. Spend some time camping, whether at Pacific Rim National Park Reserve or along the West Coast Trail and experience excellent cultural and historical camping or strolling the area and enjoying the beauty of nature. Get prepared for watching whales passing by in the distance or surf the high waves of the West Coast.
The Somerset Range is a chain of small low mountains. The highest peak is Hobiton Ridge. Have a perfect time hiking through the packed trees covering the hills with ponds and tars dotting the area. Up at the peak, the vista of trees and valley overlooking the water and awe-inspiring view of surrounding mountains lying through the gorgeous forest garnished by colourful birds.
The Pelham Range is a paradise for mountaineers seeking an isolated area and seclusion. They can spend some days camping in peace on lakes or through the wilderness or paddling and fishing a whole day in the calm waters with a pleasant ambiance. Climbing the mountains would be fascinating, passing through hills covered with beautiful trees.
If you try exploring what you haven't seen yet on Vancouver Island, Barkley Sound might be a good start. After decades of close observation and research, humans realize the importance of killer whales as a means of tourism attraction. therefore, to start your adventure in Barkley Sound, keep its fantastic whale watching opportunities in mind.
Adjacent to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Bamfield is a favourable destination for whale watching in the Port Alberni area. To make the most out of your journey in Bamfield, you can do salmon fishing around the coast and enjoy the outstanding birdlife living there.
Nitinat Triangle provides an excellent opportunity for those fearless paddlers that lets them set their adventure-thirsty souls on fire. Schedule your trip to Nitinat Triangle when you have 4 or 5 days free. The triangle features campsite facilities and magnetic vies of the land.
Broken Group Islands is one of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve's three main recreational components, which offers paddlers undeniable opportunities to spend time on the water. While you are camping in the wilderness, you may be given the pleasure of watching lagoons, sandbars, blowholes, arches and secluded anchorages.
Those who are planning to engage in the adventure of paddling in Barkley Sound would better schedule their visit for July-August and reserve their seats beforehand. During cold months do not forget to bring rain gear. Besides kayaking, other activities are available in Barkley's good area to be fed on by your souls.
Make the best of your journey on Vancouver Island by camping in one of the possibly best campgrounds on the southwest of Vancouver Island. Pachena Bay Campground offers a quiet private campsite for those who want to get away from the bustle in towns. Not to mention the beautiful, clean, and sandy beach in which you are provided with every possible fun opportunity.
Find the inside campers of yours while you are camping in Wya Point Campground. In the heart of an oceanside forest, Wya Point Campground offers opportunities for camping, and you are given a chance to choose which campsite you want to spend time at. Crystal water, sandy cove, and tide rocks that offer marine life sights and several beachfront cabins and yurts with ocean-view are available in Wya Point, making it an ideal place.
While hiking Wild Pacific, you are given a chance to enjoy a fantastic storm watching. With hurricane-force winds, both trails of Wild Pacific offer an excellent opportunity to watch storms. Not to mention that overlooking views are provided throughout the hike, which doubles the joy of walking on this long stunning trail.
Have you ever experienced storm watching on a perched deck overlooking an eye-catching view of the Pacific Ocean? If not, Kwisitis Visitor Centre is awaiting you. As a beautiful exhibition for the natural and cultural patrimony of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, this excellent Centre offers unforgettable storm watching right on the Pacific shores, which guarantees your fun and adventure.
All Five senses come together to give the possibility to experience the endless adventure in the Nitinat Lake area. As one of the destinations for consistent winds, Nitinat Lake is a popular place for windsurfing. This lake with long, narrow, and strongly salt-stratified water offers you the best opportunities to fulfil your desires for adventure, kiteboarding in particular.
Bamfield is a small fishing and harbour village best known for its magnificent salmon fishing adventures. It offers a wide green area and jungles to hike and enjoy the wildlife. For the tens of kilometres, you have shorelines, amazing islands, and beautiful beaches. It is principally a tourist destination for the West Coast Trail, ocean kayaking, or sport fishing.
The first lighthouse established in BC by the Canadian government is the original Cape Beale Lighthouse. It was constructed on the rugged cliffs of the Pacific Rim. The whole complex consists of the keeper's house and the lantern tower. Visitors can access this station by the hiking trail. The lantern tower is not open to the public, but you can enjoy the surroundings and the panoramic views.
Wickaninnish Beach is a large stunning beach with sand dunes and access to the rainforest. Kilometres of sands make it possible to walk on the beach for a long time. Sit on the driftwoods or cliffs to rest and enjoy the view. It would be great staying there making a fire and watching the sun touch the ocean. This beach could be your excellent choice for swimming, storm watching, and surfing.
Tofino with its incredible sunset is a district on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It is busy in summer due to the various water sports. In winter many people come to Tofino to visit West Coast for storm watching and whale watching. The majority of the tourists are surfers, hikers, bird watchers, campers, whale watchers, anglers, and nature lovers.
The Somerset Range is a chain of small low mountains. The highest peak is Hobiton Ridge. Have a perfect time hiking through the packed trees covering the hills with ponds and tars dotting the area. Up at the peak, the vista of trees and valley overlooking the water and awe-inspiring view of surrounding mountains lying through the gorgeous forest garnished by colourful birds.
Sarita Falls is one of the pieces of music repeatedly playing by the earth. This beautiful set of falls is placed along the Sarita River in a rainforest space with fresh air, making a stunning atmosphere. There is a sign for the place, a white tree trunk that has fallen on the river, which can complete the picture. The area is also rich in wildlife, so get the most out of your visit.
Caves teach us to face our fears. They are signs of history and are full of secrets. Nitinat Caves are a series of small and not very deep caves between Bamfield and Port Renfrew. It needs a sharp eye to find the entrance along the river. Water flows in them, and they lead you to a canyon with gem green water perfect for swimming. The caves offer you beauty and great scenes.
The Pelham Range is a paradise for mountaineers seeking an isolated area and seclusion. They can spend some days camping in peace on lakes or through the wilderness or paddling and fishing a whole day in the calm waters with a pleasant ambiance. Climbing the mountains would be fascinating, passing through hills covered with beautiful trees.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a national park famous for its old-growth rainforest, spectacular coastal scenery and long sandy beaches. Hiking through the lush temperate forests, walking along the expansive soft-sand beaches, kayaking among small islands and hidden bays, discovering wildlife and whales, and surfing the Pacific Ocean waves are the best things to do in the park.
Let's get lost in the west coast nature and find ourselves beside a lake following the smell of the Pacific Ocean. Nitinat Lake is beyond your expectations, kiteboarding heaven and a windsurfers' choice. Cruise the cool and clean water and explore freshwater coves and inlets. Get more of your visit with Nitinat Caves and the underground world of Looper Creek Canyon.
Do you want to find a happy ending for your hiking around Ucluelet? Ucluelet never falls short in attractions. As part of the Lighthouse Loop section of the Wild Pacific Trail, Amphitrite Point Lighthouse is a long-standing and the only active lighthouse nearby. It is an excellent choice with panoramic ocean views, but you can't go up to the lighthouse.