Hidden Falls, Sombrio Beach Falls, or Sombrio Waterfall is as mysterious as its name. If you are looking for a challenging and gracefully beautiful place, that's your spot. Hidden Falls has a magical aura around it, is like a scene from a fantasy movie; it is both mystic and thrilling. The pristine nature and the majestic views make this waterfall an excellent place for photo shooting. A cave places in Sombrio Beach hides this waterfall from the world. That's how this waterfall was named. Hiking to this magical place is unforgettable.
What's more intriguing about Hidden Falls is that it is so unknown that most locals are not aware of it (the reason for that could be the lack of a marked trail). There is no swimming hole in Hidden Falls. The walls of the cave are covered with moss and display a soft combination.
Hidden Falls is a landmark near Sombrio Beach in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. It is about 56 km (35 miles) northwest of Sooke. Sombrio Beach is most famous for surfing, and the rocky beach makes the cave's entry a little hard to find. While at the beach, enjoy the various attractions provided by the beautiful Juan de Fuca Park, such as grottos, an old-growth forest, estuaries, and tide pools.
Lots of beaches are in the area that may attract your attention. Among them, you can choose Botanical Beach, French Beach, Sombrio Beach, China Beach, and Mystic Beach. Take a nice walk with the Suspension Bridge on your way.
Sheringham Point Lighthouse is a historical site you can visit by going 38.8 km (24.1 miles) from Sombrio Beach to the southeast.
As Hidden Falls is near Sombrio Beach, you have to drive from your departure point to the beach.
From Victoria:
Getting to Sombrio Beach from Victoria is via Juan De Fuca Hwy/BC-14 W. It is 96 km (59.6 miles) and takes about one hour and a half.
Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and Juan De Fuca Hwy/BC-14 W to Port Renfrew. Drive 94.3 km (58.6 miles) and turn left. After 1.8 km (1.1 miles), you will reach Sombrio Beach.
From Nanaimo:
The fastest route to reach Sombrio Beach from Nanaimo is Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S and Pacific Marine Rd. It is 150 km (93.2 miles) and takes about 2 hours and a half.
Drive from Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 S, Cowichan Valley Hwy/BC-18 W, Pacific Marine Rd and W Coast Rd/Juan De Fuca Hwy/BC-14 E to Port Renfrew. After 148 km (92 miles), turn right and continue for 1.8 km (1.1 miles) to reach Sombrio Beach.
1. "Juan de Fuca Marine Trail" is a point-to-point difficult trail near Capital Regional District. It has a length of 50.5 km (31.3 miles) and a 1587 m (5206 ft) elevation gain. Juan de Fuca Marine Trail features a river and offers several activities. The best time to use this trail is from April until October. Dogs are allowed to use the path but must be kept on a leash.
2. "Sombrio Beach Trail" is an out-and-back easy trail near the Gordon River 2. It has a 1.4 km (0.86 miles) length, 22 m (72 ft) elevation gain. Sombrio Beach Trail allows seeing wildlife and offers some activities.
3. "Juan de Fuca Marine Trail: East Sombrio Beach to Botanical Beach" is a point-to-point moderate trail near Capital Regional District. It has a 15.3 km (9.5 miles) length and 313 m (1026 ft) elevation gain. The path allows seeing wildlife and is mainly used for hiking, camping, backpacking, and nature trips.
From 1960 to 1997, Sombrio Beach was home to a Squatters Community, but they were evicted, and Sombrio Beach became a part of Juan de Fuca Park.
Juan de Fuca Park was established in 1996, and it consists of few smaller parks. In 1901, Minnesota University founded the first marine research station at the botanical beach; they studied for five years and left in 1906.
The surrounding of Hidden Falls won't disappoint in offering activities. On the top of the list is hiking in the refreshing Sombrio Trail, be careful not to miss the cave's entry. If you are a fan of birds watching the surrounding wildlife will provide the best opportunity and more. The cherry on top of your visit could be surfing and storm watching. Sombrio Beach is famous for its different water activities. It's a friendly suggestion, bring your camera. The scenery can intrigue everyone to take pictures, but since the inside of the cave is wet, be careful of the slippery road. Nature lovers can use the opportunity to make a nature trip; the views and the beach can make your trip worthwhile.
And last but not least is camping. The area brings out the adventuring spirit in everyone. Grabbing your camping equipment and making a journey will be unforgettable.
Juan de Fuca Park has few scuba diving sites, but check the local authorities on open places.