The Sooke Potholes - They aren't really potholes but pools that are formed along the Sooke River. In the dry season the river is calm and many people gather here to swim when the weather gets too hot.
1 of 7 - This is the first parking lot of 4. For dog walking the best location is to park at the fourth parking lot. Keep to the right here as it's one-way only and you are looking at the parking lot exit. While this parking lot is always free to park, the other 3 lots require payment, except during the winter months.
2 of 7 - This is parking lot 4. After driving up the hill from the first lot, then past the third lot, the paved road becomes gravel for a short distance before reaching here, the forth parking lot. (Number 3 in CRD think.)
3 of 7 - The start of the trail lies here at the north end of lot 4 near the gate on the gravel road to a campsite several kilometres farther north. This trail heads towards the Sooke River then parallels it winding along its route for about a kilometre. A circular walk from the parking lot back to the lot is about 2 kilometres long.
4 of 7 - This photo was taken in February, after a month of extraordinary rainfall, so the Sooke River is high and running fast, hence no Potholes today.
5 of 7 - As you continue walking north along the riverside trail this wooden footbridge crosses a small stream.
6 of 7 - The north end of the riverside trail turns sharply right then uphill away from the river. To return to parking lot 4 one should cross the gravel road here (this is the same gravel road that leads to the campsite). Join the Galloping Goose trail across the road, then turn right by that far split rail fence, and that small stop sign.
7 of 7 - Walking along the Galloping Goose trail is effortless after the climb up the hill from the riverside trail as the Goose follows the old railway bed. Everyone knows that railway grades are never particularly steep. Parking lot 4 is straight ahead, take time to stop and smell the roses along the way, or the gravel, as in this particular case.
