Hike to the Big Trees

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1. Koksilah Ancient Forest is off the beaten path past the Village of Shawnigan Lake. Here you will find a small grove of old growth Douglas Fir standing along the Koksilah River. It is approximately a 2-kilometre hike and is described as easy to moderate. Travel to Shawnigan Lake Village and follow Renfrew Road going west. This road will take you past the Kinsol Trestle turn off as well as Koksilah Provincial Park. Go up Kapoor Hill logging road and just before the 8 km marker is a recommended parking area. It is a remote location and can be somewhat difficult to find. We recommend you be prepared and stop in at the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre for a map of this area.

2. Bright Angel Park in Cowichan Station has several big trees tucked away off the walking paths. This lovely family type park is located off Koksilah Road. It offers several trails and picnic areas to enjoy. To find the big trees cross over the suspension bridge and start the trail to the right for approximately 10 metres. There are a couple of small paths that lead up left towards the train tracks and you will find these bigger Douglas Firs in this area. This area was heavily flooded during the winter rains and the trails may still be damaged. 3. Glenora Trailhead Park is a wonderful walk amongst nature. We recommend having a look at the park map and following the trails along the river for the best opportunity to see some of these big giants. These trails meander along the river with fern covered forest floors and mossy wooden boardwalks. This park offers a great picnic area as well as a family playground. 4. Cowichan Lake Research Station located at 7060 Forestry Rd in Mesachie Lake is a large government forestry research centre past Lake Cowichan and is a perfect opportunity to see many different species of trees such as Western Hemlock, Pacific Silver Fir, Grand Fir and several others. There is a small grove of old-growth Douglas Fir along the trails. We also have some maps of the centre so stop by and pick one up. Contact them for hours 1.250.749.6811 Ext 21

5. Honeymoon Bay Ecological Reserve located on South Shore Road in Honeymoon Bay is approximately 2.5 kilometres west of the Village of Lake Cowichan. This is a special 15acre park with one of the largest displays of rare pink fawn lilies and also has a beautiful display of many other wild flowers. As you meander through the forest you will get to enjoy some spectacular old growth trees through out the forest.

6. Eves Provincial Park on Westholme Road in Westholme is truly a hidden secret. This is a 45-acre park and with easy to moderate trails. Enjoy a walk through the forests and along the bluffs and take in some of the amazing Douglas Firs. There is also a snippet of an old train track that use to carry copper from the surrounding mines to Crofton.

Places that also need mentioning that are not in the Cowichan Valley are Goldstream Provincial Park, Avatar Grove near Port Renfrew and Cathedral Grove near Port Albern

Patty Abbott, Visitor Coordinator Cowichan Valley Regional Centre