VANCOUVER ISLAND - Discover Your Next Adventure:
muir creek sooke

Muir Creek

Beach Icon
Hiking Icon
Activity:
Beach
Difficulty:
Easy
Location:
Sooke
Time:
30 min - 2hrs
Distance:
1-4km (.6-2.5mi)

Activity:

Beach Icon
Hiking Icon

Accessibility:

Family access icon with child
All ages elderly Icon
Dogs on leash Icon

Highlights Include:

Info Map

Muir Creek - 24 Million Year Old Fossils Waiting to Explore

Where to this weekend, Vancouver Island: Muir Creek Ocean Hike

You’ll be surprised to learn Muir Creek Beach has revealed 25 million-year-old fossils and geological history. The water slowly erodes the sandstone cliffs, revealing a web of ancient life locked inside once inaccessible cliffs and ocean rocks.

Just a quick 10-minute drive west of Sooke along the scenic Juan De Fuca straight, you will find a small parking lot with access to the trailhead.

From the parking lot, take a 400-meter walk through a meadow filled with blackberry bushes, then it narrows to a short windy path.

As soon as you step foot onto this beach, it is hard not to get taken in by the natural beauty around every corner. You will find patches of sandy beach, driftwood and rocks jutting out into crystal-clear water, perfect for some glamorous West Coast photos!

You can still see remnants of the area’s first industries that were once economic mainstays. Across the creek towards the bridge, logging skids are still noticeable along the banks, reminding us of an industry deep in history and still prevalent today.

Make your way west along the beach. If the tide is just right, you’ll notice seals resting on the rocks enjoying the sun and fresh air.

As you walk along and the cliffs get larger, notice layered sediment has been eroding for millions of years, and it’s incredible to see the seashells revealed in this one spot along this Vancouver Island Coast! Keep a lookout; recently, whale bones have been found in the sandstone cliffs after strong winter storms.

A little further down, you may find a familiar sight on Vancouver Island beaches. Someone has taken the time to build a swing for your enjoyment with the peaceful sounds of ocean waves crashing nearby!

At this point, a decision can be made. Not too far after the swing, you can turn around now as you will see fewer fossils. Or continue onto Kirby Creek to complete the longer 5.5k return hike.

When visiting the beach, it’s essential to pay attention and stay safe! Please be cautious walking during high tide. At this time, some areas may not be accessible.

Tips and Suggestions

You can get a lot out of this beach by taking the time to walk down the beach during low tide. Kicking off with a small but nice sand beach, walk along the shoreline and find seals sunning themselves, and continue down to the tree swing and high sandstone cliffs filled with seashell fossils. All around, it’s an excellent spot for bird watchers and rock hunters out there.

Parking:
Small parking lot right off the highway, it’s small and a little ragged but it works.

Amenities:
Just a old porta-potty on site

 

d4
Vancouver Island’s south west coastline is a landscape of great natural beauty—with soft-sand beaches, rugged cliffs, and old...
Ziplining out of Victoria BC on the first zip of the day
Embark on a thrilling Victoria zipline adventure through the stunning Pacific Rainforest as you soar through the treetops on ...
8b
Try sailing, the perfect 4-hour sailing adventure on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Learn sailing essentials from an experienced...
Fused Glass workshop experience in Sooke BC
In this 3-hour class, you'll tap into the ancient knowledge of the Egyptians and use their techniques to craft one-of-a-kind ...

History of Muir Creek

Muir Creek flows through the picturesque landscape and was named after a family who first settled in the Sooke area and began farming and milling lumber. The opening from the creek into Juan de Fuca Straight offered an opportunity to transfer logs using skids from bank to rafts, then floated and processed at sawmills throughout Victoria.

The remnants along this east-side riverbanks provide a glimpse back in time as you can still see what’s left of the skids looking back towards the bridge over the creek.

Fun fact: This area was the home to the tree sourced to be used as the world’s largest free-standing totem pole. That now resides at Beacon Hill Park in Victoria.

Gordon Beach – The Muir Creek Beach area is sometimes referred to as Gordon Beach due to incorrect labelling on Google maps. Gordon Beach is located just west of King Creek.

 

Muir Creek Map

Spectacular views from this rugged, otherworldly beach! See the seals sunbathing on the rocks from shore. The waterfalls over the cliff edge. and even Bald Eagles if you are lucky! There is a very small space for parking, so I imagine in the summer it gets pretty busy - but check it out none the less!

d4
Vancouver Island’s south west coastline is a landscape of great natural beaut...
Fused Glass workshop experience in Sooke BC
In this 3-hour class, you'll tap into the ancient knowledge of the Egyptians ...
8b
Try sailing, the perfect 4-hour sailing adventure on the Strait of Juan de Fu...
Ziplining out of Victoria BC on the first zip of the day
Embark on a thrilling Victoria zipline adventure through the stunning Pacific...

Helpful Links:

FAQ:

IS IT A HARD WALK?
It’s an easy stroll to the beach as you go further down it becomes a little trickier to walk on the rock beach but not difficult.
ARE DOGS ALLOWED?
Yes
ARE THERE WASHROOMS?
There is a portapotty set up in the parking lot but otherwise, no.

8b
Try sailing, the perfect 4-hour sailing adventure on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Learn sailing essentials from an experienced...
Ziplining out of Victoria BC on the first zip of the day
Embark on a thrilling Victoria zipline adventure through the stunning Pacific Rainforest as you soar through the treetops on ...
d4
Vancouver Island’s south west coastline is a landscape of great natural beauty—with soft-sand beaches, rugged cliffs, and old...
Fused Glass workshop experience in Sooke BC
In this 3-hour class, you'll tap into the ancient knowledge of the Egyptians and use their techniques to craft one-of-a-kind ...

AD

Photo Gallery:

Mystic Beach Juan de fuca lg
Hiking Icon
Beach Icon
Waterfall icon
suspension-bridge-icon

Mystic Beach

A fantastic tourist destination with so much to offer for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
East Sooke Coast Trail drone
Hiking Icon

East Sooke Hikes

The 14km East Sooke Coast Trail is known for its beauty and challenging terrain, but you don’t need to hike the complete trail to take in spectacular views of East Sooke.
Broom Hill hike in Sooke
Hiking Icon
bike downhill icon

Broom Hill

Spectacular view in Sooke on top of Broom Hill in Sooke.
The View from the Loss Creek Suspension bridge high in the air looking out at the Juan de Fuca Strait
Hiking Icon
suspension-bridge-icon

Loss Creek Suspe...

Access to the Loss Creek Suspension Bridge taking you down through the forest along the Juan de Fuca Trail
Drone photo of Whiffin Spit walk in Sooke Vancouver Island
walk icon
Beach Icon

Whiffin Spit

A popular walk is located on the edge of Sooke. A beautiful spot for photos, fresh air
8b
Try sailing, the perfect 4-hour sailing adventure on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Learn sailing essentials from an experienced...
Ziplining out of Victoria BC on the first zip of the day
Embark on a thrilling Victoria zipline adventure through the stunning Pacific Rainforest as you soar through the treetops on ...
d4
Vancouver Island’s south west coastline is a landscape of great natural beauty—with soft-sand beaches, rugged cliffs, and old...
Fused Glass workshop experience in Sooke BC
In this 3-hour class, you'll tap into the ancient knowledge of the Egyptians and use their techniques to craft one-of-a-kind ...

Did we miss something?
Have more to add?

Original Author:

Modified: August 22, 2023
Last Visit: May 23, 2022
Join Our Weekly Newsletter
Where to This Weekend?
Vancouver Island's Ultimate Experiences!
For the adventurous, curious and those who love Vancouver Island.
Includes lesser known hikes, stories, and more.

Unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Pack Out:
We love Vancouver Island and want to keep the natural beauty. Please respect the places you visit and pack out what you pack in and leave the area better than when you arrived. We all know how much trash can spoil an experience and the environment, so please help us keep it clean!

Wildlife:
Vancouver Island is a land of natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Please be aware of your surroundings and take the usual precautions for personal and wildlife safety.
Black bears, cougars and even wolves are common on Vancouver Island for more on Wildlife Safety Click Here 

Tide and Seasonal Safety:
Changing seasons and tides can have a drastic effect on most locations on Vancouver Island. Please be cautious as the information in this post may vary depending on the time of year and weather. Make sure to check for current weather and tide information before you make your journey!
When visiting the beach, it’s essential to pay attention and stay safe! Please be cautious walking on the shore during high tide. At this time, some areas may not be accessible. Click here for the tides in your area. Be aware of ocean currents before swimming, paddle boarding or kayaking.

Land Acknowledgement:
We would like to acknowledge the land we appreciate daily within the 50 First Nations that make up the traditional territories of the Coast Salish, Nuu chah nulth, and Kwakiutl–the first peoples of Vancouver Island .

Disclaimer:
The information on this website should not be taken as accurate, complete or up-to-date. Please check and look into the information yourself. We do not assume any liabilities for the use of this information. It is unreasonable to rely solely upon the information from this website. 

Join Our Bi-Weekly Newsletter
For the adventurous, curious and people who love Vancouver Island.
Includes lesser known hikes, stories, and more.

Unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Submit a change suggestion:

max of 4 images
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email