At the northern end of the Juan de Fuca Trail and no more than 2 kilometers from the fishing town of Port Renfrew, Botanical Beach is a tide pool wonderland to explore as a day hiker or a destination to highlight the beginning or end of several days on the trail. Its rocky shoreline is dotted with pools that host a wide array of sea life, and easy access, muddy trails notwithstanding, just 0.8 kilometer from the trailhead makes this beach great for families.
To get there, enjoy a coastal route drive on Highway 14 to the end of the line in quaint Port Renfrew. When you arrive at the parking area, you can plan to snack at the six or seven picnic tables overlooking the treetops or enjoy a feast there after your excursion. You will most certainly find a rocky beach or logs to enjoy an impromptu picnic during your walk as an alternative. There are trail information signs and two pit toilets in the parking area. A couple more restroom facilities are found along the 2.9 kilometer loop trail as well.
Being just 0.8 kilometer the trailhead, Botanical Beach can be done as an easy and rewarding stop. The path is not too steep, but there will be plenty of tree roots to navigate for portions and quite possibly mud. This also happens to be the western-most starting point for the 47 kilometer Juan de Fuca Trail, so if the loop trail isn't enough for you, jump on the Juan de Fuca for some extra intense exploring along the coast and get in a great workout.
Look all around you as you take the path through the forest to the beach; the way the harsh coastal weather has affected the trees is quite remarkable. Sitkas have been stunted into bonsais, and gnarled trees twist in ways that will probably make you stop in awe and wonder, "But how?"
Botanical Beach is one of the most abundant tidal areas on the West Coast with hundreds of plant and animal species to be seen. The large flat expanse of granite and sandstone form a unique tidal area dotted with many pools to explore, where you're sure to see all sorts of creatures: bumbling hermit crabs, colourful anemones, chitons (a marine mollusk), sea stars, and urchins can all be seen in a day.
Out in the sea, gray whales are on their migration route from March to April and may be seen passing by surprisingly close to the shore. Orcas frequent this area as well, often seen feeding offshore. Sea lions and harbour seals may bob their heads at you too.
Visiting Botanical Beach depends on the tide. Check the tide times if you want to do your loop via the beach (very rocky and jagged portions!). Otherwise, there is a dirt loop trail, which will still offer you access points if the tide is in. The best pools are seen while the tide is out. Many areas here are cut off by incoming tides. Waves can also unexpectedly crash over you when you least expect it. Use great caution when choosing to climb over the rock formations and with children near shores.
After your hike, visit Port Renfrew for a bite. There is a seasonal open-air wood-fired pizza stand on Tsonoqua Drive. Go here in the summer. Awesome ladies cook up wood-fired pizza on the spot outside their home. Port Renfrew has a few restaurants on offer, a small general store (including some liquor), and the next gas station after Sooke. It's possible things could be closed earlier than you'd expect or closed seasonally. Support local businesses when you can, but it's a good idea to be prepared with food, water, and gas just in case.
The shoreline of Botanical Beach continues to be nothing short of fascinating. With rising amber sandstone walls to jagged black basalt and oddly shaped tide pools in between, this place will surely make you get your camera out.
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