Copper Mine Trail – East Sooke Park is in the seaside Juan de Fuca Electoral Area of British Columbia. This park is bordered by Metchosin and Sooke communities and lies in East Sooke. The park is included in the section about Sooke. Both Sooke and the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area are part of the Capital Regional District of British Columbia. Copper Mine Trail – East Sooke Park leads into the park from the west side to connect with the Anderson Cove Trail. The Copper Mine Trail leads past an old mining site in the East Sooke Park. The site was mined in the mid eighteen seventies until the area was acquired for a park in nineteen seventy. Several sites are recognizable as mining areas where the land was disturbed and entrances were dug for iron ore rather than copper. Even more areas show selective logging when stumps with notches near their base are seen. The loggers needed to be clear the small shrubs that grew around the base of the tree. A board was inserted in the notch and the logger stood on the board to cut the tree. Continue along the trail as it passes close to Mount Maguire or take the short detour to the summit at two hundred and sixty eight meters high. There are terrific views the park from here. Continue along the Copper Mine Trail to connect with the Coast Trail of the parkland for a Coastal Copper loop hike. The distance is estimated about 7 kilometers round trip. This hike could take about three hours round trip so allow for time to enjoy this walk in your back yard. Take a photograph of the sign at the trail head or print off the map of the park available on the CRD parks webpage.
Geographical location N48º 21’ 50” W123º 40’ 44”
Coppermine Trail – East Sooke Park can be reached from the Trans Canada Highway. Take the Langford Parkway exit and follow along to reach Sooke Road (Hwy 14). Follow highway 14 to Gillespie Road. Follow Gillespie Road to reach East Sooke Road. Turn right onto East Sooke Road and continue along to reach Copper Mine Road. Turn left and continue up the road to the end. The road becomes gravel near the junction with Valentine Road and Gordon Road. A short connector trail leads into East Sooke Park. There is roadside parking near the trail head.
Walks in Your Backyard 