The Hideaway is situated just a 2 minute walk from access to the Galloping Goose trail. Northwards, the trail climbs gently into the Sooke hills, and crosses over two high trestles before reaching the Sooke Potholes provincial park.
The potholes are formations in the
river bed, where tumbling rocks have scoured out pockets of softer rock, leaving
holes ranging in size from less than a meter to over 10 meters. Some of them
are quite deep, and are an excellent place to snorkel or swim in search of the
salmon, trout, and other fish that inhabit the river. In summer, the smaller
holes warm up nicely-your very own spa. Shallower areas reach a hot tub temperature
by August and early September.
A little further up the trail, you come to Deer Trails Lodge, an impressive, although unfinished, log building that perches at the very edge of a deep canyon that overlooks the Sooke river. The lodge is currently being worked on, and public access is not allowed. However, there are trails that lead down into the canyon, for those with a head for heights and mountain goat sure-footedness.
The
trail continues alongside the river for another 5 or 6 miles, passing many places
that just beg to be explored, either downwards to the river, or upwards by way
of deer paths to hidden valleys and high lookouts. You may come across one of
the dozens of small lakes that dot the area, most of which contain fish of some
description, and offer a private setting to camp or picnic.
At Leechtown, an old gold mining settlement, you will not find many signs of what was once a major operation, but if you wander of into the woods, you may come across old machinery, household items, collapsed buildings, and items that only the miners knew the purpose of. Try your luck panning in the river, who knows what you might find.
Heading south on the trail from the Hideaway, you pass through mixed rural/residential areas, and will no doubt meet quite a few people out walking their pets, riding horses, or cycling. The trail then crosses the main Sooke to Victoria highway, and continues alongside the waters of the Sooke Basin for a while before moving inland. Roche Cove Park is soon reached, and is a days outing in itself if you want to see it all. The spring and early summer are delightful here, with acres of mountain and alpine flowers pushing through a carpet of green mosses on the rocky hills, and exotic skunk cabbage, ferns, and sometimes a rare orchid in the cool, moist valley bottoms.
Victoria is a full days bicycle ride from Roche Cove.( 3 hours or less if you are a racer.)