Hiking to Peden Lake is a beautiful trek year-round, but to see the waterfalls, you may want to visit between November and March. In winter, you will see the creek filled with water, creating the popular Mary Vine Waterfall and smaller falls on your way to Peden Lake.
Mary Vine Waterfall is the star of this route and a perfect short outing in winter. If you want a longer hike, continue past the falls to Peden Lake for forest views and summer swims.
- Best season: Mary Vine Nov–Mar for peak flow · Peden late spring–early fall
- Time: 30–45 min to Mary Vine · 2–3 hrs to Peden, round trip from Parking Lot 2
- Distance: ~1 km return to Mary Vine · ~5–6 km return to Peden
- Difficulty: Moderate overall with short steep sections
- Parking: Sooke Potholes Lot 2
- Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
- Map: Driving · Trail GPS
Choose your route
Local insight: Mary Vine roars after prolonged rain and can be mostly bare rock in summer. Expect mud and slick roots in winter near the falls. If you plan to swim at Peden, bring a towel and pack out everything you bring in.
Getting to Mary Vine Waterfall
Located about ten minutes from the town of Sooke, Mary Vine Waterfall and Peden Lake share the same trailhead inside Sooke Potholes Regional Park. The route begins at the back of Parking Lot 2, where a short connector crosses the Galloping Goose Trail before following the forested path along Mary Vine Creek.
Parking tip: From May 1 to September 30, CRD parking fees apply. Machines accept coins and cards, but cell service can be spotty, so it’s smart to bring change rather than rely on tap payments. Outside those dates, parking is free and the lots are usually quiet.
The Sooke Potholes area offers plenty of viewpoints and picnic spots, making this a perfect stop to pair with nearby trails or a swim in the river on warmer days.
The hike to the waterfall is less than one kilometre from the lot. It begins gently on a well-travelled, sometimes washed-out path under tall cedars. Expect some uneven ground and narrow footing as you follow the sound of the creek; it’s worth exploring a few of the short spur paths that branch off toward the creek for peaceful photo angles.
Around the 500-metre mark, the trail steepens briefly—take your time on this short section. The slope eases again, and a small blue sign points left toward the waterfall. Just a few steps later, you’ll reach the mossy oasis of Mary Vine Waterfall.
Safety note: Rocks near the falls can be slick and loose, especially after rain. Take photos from stable ground and avoid climbing directly beside the flow. It’s a quick, rewarding walk that captures the rainforest feel of Sooke in every season.
Go back to the sign and climb a few more meters. Have you heard of the flowline? You will cross over a large concrete pipe on the main trail just up from the waterfall sign. This 44 km flowline transported fresh water to Victoria from 1915 to 1970. However, sections of the flow line were still used to support Sooke until it was replaced by a PVC pipe buried under the Galloping Goose Regional Trail in 2009.
When to Visit: Winter vs Summer
The hike from the parking lot at Sooke Potholes to Mary Vine Waterfall is wonderfully quick, making it one of my favourite spots to visit during the winter months.
The waterfall is stunning when rain is plentiful, but as summer rolls in and the creek dries up, the hike, while still enjoyable, leads to little more than a bare rock face.
Why Is It Called Mary Vine?
Mary Vine Creek was named after a Metchosin midwife who often walked the local trails to assist Sooke women. Locals requested that Mrs. Vine’s name be given to this outstanding place.
Getting to Peden Lake
From Sooke Potholes Parking Lot 2, the full hike to Peden Lake is about 6.5 km out and back with roughly 250 metres of elevation gain. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, beginning at the same trailhead as Mary Vine Waterfall. After enjoying the waterfall, continue on the main path as it gradually climbs through thick rainforest toward the higher ridges of Mary Vine Creek.
Beyond the falls, the path becomes more challenging, with several steeper pitches and short rocky sections. The trail surface stays mostly dry until the final approach to the lake, where you may need to cross a couple shallow creeks during heavy rain or winter runoff. Hiking poles are helpful for balance, especially if the ground is slick or when carrying a day pack.
Hidden Waterfall
About 1.5 km from the trailhead, listen for rushing water on your left. You’ll spot a faded trail marker telling you to continue straight, but an obvious side path leads left toward a small clearing. Just a few metres in, a hidden waterfall tumbles through a jungle-like pocket of ferns and moss. You will find a quiet, refreshing stop worth the short detour for photos.
After this side stop, continue the climb toward Peden Lake. The grade eases as you near the top, and the forest opens to peek-a-boo views of small cascades along Mary Vine Creek. A few shallow crossings as the trail flattens, hinting that you are getting close. It’s a peaceful reward after the climb, and in summer, the clear water invites a refreshing swim before heading back down the same route to the parking lot.
You reached Peden Lake, now what?
Once you arrive at Peden Lake, you’ll notice the main trail keeps going. To reach the shoreline, take one of the side paths branching left toward the water. Depending on where you come out, you’ll find several quiet openings with smooth rock outcrops, perfect for a rest, picnic, or a refreshing swim on a warm summer day. The water is clear and calm, surrounded by evergreens. There’s one opening with a rocky shoreline, making this a favourite local spot to unwind before the return hike.
If you’re feeling adventurous, the main trail continues beyond the lake, connecting to the larger Sooke Hills trail network. From here, seasoned hikers can take on Mount Empress for panoramic views of the region or continue toward Grass Lake for a longer backcountry-style route. These upper trails are more demanding and best tackled in dry summer conditions with proper footwear, poles, and navigation tools.
This forest trail near Sooke Potholes is black bear and cougar habitat, especially if you push on to Peden Lake. Our Vancouver Island wildlife safety guide covers what to actually watch for.
Local tip: There are no facilities at Peden Lake, so pack out what you bring in, and give yourself plenty of time for the descent. The return trip to Parking Lot #2 typically takes 45 minutes to an hour.
Trail summary: 6.5 km · ~250 m elevation · Out and back · Moderate to Challenging · Well marked
