Juan de Fuca Trail
~2 days · 26.9 mi · hard · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Juan de Fuca Trail is known for
A wilderness coastal trail on the Pacific shore of southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia — officially 47 km (about 29 mi); Ridgefold's mapped route measures 43.2 km — running point-to-point between China Beach and Botanical Beach through Juan de Fuca Provincial Park. The route passes pocket coves, rocky headlands, suspension bridges, and old-growth coastal forest, with sections that must be timed to the tides. It is often hiked as a less-regulated alternative to the nearby West Coast Trail.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 46 ft to 502 ft over 26.9 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 6.8 mi · 25%
- Downhill 8.3 mi · 31%
- Flat 11.8 mi · 44%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Juan de Fuca Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Juan de Fuca Trail scores 30/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Best from late spring through early fall for drier conditions; the coast is very wet and muddy in the winter storm season.
Permits: No advance reservation is required; overnight hikers self-register and pay backcountry camping fees at trailhead stations in the provincial park.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Juan de Fuca Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Juan de Fuca Trail in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 26.9 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Juan de Fuca Trail?
The Juan de Fuca Trail climbs roughly 6,864 ft total — about 255 ft per mile, topping out near 636 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Juan de Fuca Trail?
Best from late spring through early fall for drier conditions; the coast is very wet and muddy in the winter storm season.
Do you need a permit for the Juan de Fuca Trail?
No advance reservation is required; overnight hikers self-register and pay backcountry camping fees at trailhead stations in the provincial park.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.