Sombrio Beach is a place I’ve been meaning to check out for quite some time. In fact, a few weeks ago I actually drove there (it’s around an hour drive pst Sooke, along a the twisty West Coast Road), but when I arrived, both parking areas were full and the gravel road leading to it was lined with cars on both sides for some distance up the hill, so I decided to try again another day. I’m glad I did, because when I returned this time, there were only a few people camping on the beach and it was a great day to explore.
The morning I was there it was a comfortable temperature with an overcast sky, which cleared up sometime after I left. When I was there it was perfect weather for a nice hike and to some photography.
The beach was made up of rocks of various types and sizes; from tiny pebbles up to large slabs of rock. Many of the larger ones were carved into interesting shapes by the relentless action of the tide.
There were plenty of birds around. I hadn’t realized just how much robins liked seaweed, but they seemed to be quite attracted to it on this day. The one that really caught my eye, however, was the Bald Eagle watching over the beach.
The real gem at Sombrio Beach is actually not at the beach, but it is very close by. Up a short path there is a sign stating “Please respect this area. It is sacred to the Pacheedaht First Nation”. A little bit further along there is an opening through the cliff-side, and a beautiful waterfall. This is what I came to see. Unfortunately, not everyone who has been there before me was respectful of the sacred area and there are many initials and other things carved into the nearby rock face.
I hope you enjoyed the photos as much as I enjoyed making them.
Wild Drake Photography 
That waterfall photo is gorgeous.