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Watch the Sunset Overlooking Cox Bay

Tofino, British Columbia

5.0/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

1.9 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by The Outbound Collective

Take a short hike up to an incredible overlook of Cox Bay and take in expansive views of Tofino and Clayoquot Sound. If you're in the area, this is the perfect place to end your day.

Cox Bay is best known for its surf, but for an incredible view with minimal effort, scramble your way through the forested hills on the southern end of beach to let sunset soak in. From the northern end of the beach near the parking lots/access trail, walk 1.5km south until the beach turns into forest. You'll need to have some basic route-finding skills as the trail is not well-marked and meanders through dense forest and requires some scrambling over large rocks as you're first ascending.

Keep your orientation towards the foremost and highest point on the hill jutting out from the beach and have fun moving in and out of trees, mud, and the occasional rock scramble. When you reach the top there will be a small clearing where you can sit down and reap your reward (and maybe open up that still-cold brew from Tofino Brewing Co.. you packed along for the occasion). You'll see Rosie Bay at the northern end of the beach, followed by the many islands of Clayoquot Sound. To your south is Pacific Rim National Park, and to the west is the Pacific Ocean - incredible views to be had all around. During the spring you might even catch sight a grey whale swimming by!

Make sure you've brought along your headlamps for the trek down to the beach, as the trees are dense and will make it much darker than it was up top. You should check which direction the tide is moving, too, as you may need to make slight adjustments in your descent when you get closer to the beach.

Before you head up for sunset, stop by Tacofino for an amazing and delicious taco truck experience!

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Beach
Easy Parking
Food Nearby
Romantic
Scenic
Wildlife

Watch the Sunset Overlooking Cox Bay Reviews

Did this hike in April, so it was a *bit* muddy! This hike may be short, but it's steep. Additionally, and this may have been because of the season, but there isn't always a clear trail so required. Otherwise, the view from the top is incredible.

Nice little hike (15-20 minutes up) I do every other weekend. Good alternative to Lonecone if you don't the time!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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