PLEASE NOTE: Sooke Potholes Regional Park remains closed north of Parking Lot 2 due to the Old Man Lake wildfire. The Spring Salmon Place (KWL-UCHUN) Campground is also closed. This page will be updated when the park has reopened.

Sooke Potholes Regional Park is located on the banks of the spectacular Sooke River. Enjoy the views, explore the trails, camp under the stars, or take a refreshing dip on a hot summer day!

Features

Dogs must be on leash in Sooke Potholes Regional Park.

  • Spring Salmon Place (KWL-UCHUN) Campground (open seasonally)
  • Spectacular views of the Sooke River
  • Freshwater swimming
  • Access to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail
  • Hiking on forest trails

Trail Rating: Easy to Moderate

Size: 63.5ha
Location: Sooke
Established: 2005
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Things to Do

sookepotholes-whattodoYou can picnic or swim at the river, explore the short forest trails, camp under the stars, or enjoy the stunning vistas from one of several viewpoints. You may see black-tailed deer, red squirrels or bald eagles riding the breezes overhead.

The "potholes" are unique geological formations - deep pools in the river rock - that offer some of the best freshwater swimming in the region.

The Sooke River is the second largest on southern Vancouver Island and home to a salmon run every fall.

Riding the Goose

Sooke Potholes Regional Park is a great starting point for a trip by bicycle or on foot on the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. Travel south toward Roche Cove Regional Park, or through wilderness scenery all the way to the end of the trail.

Pay Parking

Pay parking at Sooke Potholes and Thetis Lake regional parks is in effect for the summer season from May 1 to September 30. At Sooke Potholes pay parking is at parking Lots 1, 2 and 3. Revenue collected from parking fees helps to offset the costs of park services for visitors. Parking is free at all other regional parks and regional trails.

Daily and Seasonal Passes

The cost of parking is $2.25 per day, or $20 for a season's pass. A seasonal parking pass is valid at both parks. The ticket dispensers accept loonies, toonies, quarters and credit cards. You may also purchase a ticket or seasonal pass using the Honk Mobile system. You can pay online or download the app. The parking pass uses a pay-by-plate system whereby the parking pass is associated with a specific vehicle. You do not need to display a pass in your vehicle. Pay parking is operated by Robbins Parking.

The CRD reminds visitors that Sooke Potholes is open sunrise to sunset. Parking is free during the off-season (October 1 to April 30).

Campground

sookepotholes-campground1

The Spring Salmon Place (KWL-UCHUN) Campground is currently CLOSED due to the Old Man Lake wildfire. It normally operates seasonally each summer, from mid May to mid September, on a first-come, first-served basis. No online or phone reservations.

The registration area is located just past Parking Lot 3. Vehicle access beyond Parking Lot 3 is restricted to registered guests of the campground.

The 67-site RV and tent campground is located at the north end of Sooke Potholes Regional Park and adjacent to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. The campground is a local favorite on Vancouver Island and offers a high quality, self-contained wilderness camping experience.

Services provided:

  • Some riverfront views
  • Public garbage bins, food scraps bins and recycle bins
  • Toilets
  • Drinking water station
  • Picnic areas
  • Individual fire rings, firewood for sale (except in case of fire ban)
  • Caretaker on site

The campground does not provide hydro, dumping station or showers.

Cellular phone service is limited.

sookepotholes-campground2Campground and Park Rules

  • Campground operates on a first-come first-served basis
  • Fees $25/night; $10 extra vehicle; all payable by cash only
  • Tent pad for cyclists $15/night
  • $9 firewood payable by cash only
  • Stay is limited to 14 days a year
  • Check in time 1pm, check out time by 11am
  • Quiet time 10pm to 7am
  • Generator use permitted 9-11am & 6-8pm
  • No more than seven persons per campsite with a maximum of four adults
  • Visitors must leave campground by 8:30pm
  • Alcohol not permitted outside campsite
  • Smoking prohibited
  • Fires permitted in designated fire rings except in periods when fire ban is in effect
  • Dogs on-leash, pick up dog droppings and take it to the trash

Feedback

Tell us about your camping experience by filling out this quick comment form.

sookepotholes-campground3Campground Operation

The Spring Salmon Place (KWL-UCHUN) Campground is managed by the CRD and operated by T’Sou-ke Nation.

Amenities

drinkingwater  bike-rack  rv-camping  wheelchair-access  access-toilets  washroom  picnic-area  parking  information

How to Get There

Follow the Trans-Canada Highway from Victoria, and take the Millstream Road exit (Exit 14) to Sooke. Follow Veterans Memorial Parkway, then turn right on Sooke Road. Turn right on Sooke River Road and follow the signs. Allow approximately 45 minutes driving time from Victoria.

Public Transportation

Take BC Transit #61 from Victoria to Sooke River Road (ask the driver to let you off as close as possible), then a several kilometre hike along Sooke River Road. Contact BC Transit for schedule information.


Sooke River Rd
Juan de Fuca
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Related Content

Contact

CRD Regional Parks
Email

Spring Salmon Place (KWL-UCHUN) Campground
T'Sou-ke Nation
Tel: 250.642.3957

Possible Gate Closures November to March – Sooke River Road

In the event of inclement weather and/or high water, the gate on Sooke River Road leading into the District of Sooke parking lot may be closed. The park will remain open and accessible by the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. Please check the District of Sooke website for updates.

This Place is Wild: Use Caution

You are sharing this natural area with large carnivores such as bears, cougars, and wolves.

  • Stay alert. Wildlife may be in the area. Watch for signs such as tracks, claw marks on trees and scat.
  • Make noise to avoid surprise encounters, especially around blind corners and areas with dense vegetation.
  • Do not approach or feed wildlife. Keep a minimum viewing distance of 100 m from bears, cougars, and wolves and 30 m from other animals.
  • Dogs are to be kept on a leash to help to reduce the risk of encounters with large carnivores.
  • Do not leave children or pets unattended.

Help reduce human-wildlife conflicts:

Campground Video

Enjoy this Shaw TV video featuring T'Sou-ke Nation Chief Gordon Planes at Sooke Potholes Spring Salmon Place (KWL-UCHUN) Campground.

Feedback

Tell us about your camping experience by filling out this quick comment form.

Please conserve our Parks

The Sooke River is an area of steep cliffs and deep fast-moving water. Please use caution and wear appropriate footwear.

  • Stay on designated trails
  • Do not remove or disturb animals or plants, such as wildflowers
  • Pick up your dog's droppings
  • Dogs on-leash
  • Leave no trace and carry out litter
  • Smoking and motorized vehicles are prohibited
  • Fires are prohibited (except in the campground)
  • Alcohol is prohibited (except in the campground)

Dog Restrictions

Dogs are required to be on a leash at the park and in the campground. Read more on our pets in parks page.

External Links