Activity

Cowichan River Estuary (Duncan) - Retreads

Download

Trail photos

Photo ofCowichan River Estuary (Duncan) - Retreads Photo ofCowichan River Estuary (Duncan) - Retreads Photo ofCowichan River Estuary (Duncan) - Retreads

Author

River Kaatz
3,867 182 4232
See more trails from this author 

Trail stats

Distance
1.77 mi
Elevation gain
0 ft
Technical difficulty
Easy
Elevation loss
0 ft
Max elevation
31 ft
TrailRank 
51
Min elevation
31 ft
Trail type
Loop
Moving time
43 minutes
Time
one hour one minute
Coordinates
505
Uploaded
February 1, 2024
Recorded
January 2024
Be the first to clap
Share

near Tzouhalem, British Columbia (Canada)

Viewed 6 times, downloaded 0 times

Trail photos

Photo ofCowichan River Estuary (Duncan) - Retreads Photo ofCowichan River Estuary (Duncan) - Retreads Photo ofCowichan River Estuary (Duncan) - Retreads

Itinerary description

This easy hike is along the bank of the Cowichan River where it empties into the ocean. It lies beneath the southern face of mighty Mt. Tzouhalem. Not only is it a great spot for bird watching, it provides superb views across the bay to Saltspring Island and the village of Cowichan Bay. This is a deep sea port and ocean going freighters are frequently anchored there.

After years of industrial use the estuary is slowly being restored to its natural state (see: www.cowichanestuary.com)

Retreads Hiking Club gives this hike an AVA rating of 1A.

Looking for a hike in the Cowichan Valley? Or, looking for hiking companions? Google "Retreads Hiking Club CVRD"

Waypoints

PictographCar park Altitude 30 ft
Photo ofParking lot and trailhead Photo ofParking lot and trailhead Photo ofParking lot and trailhead

Parking lot and trailhead

Parking is limited, more is available across the road

PictographRiver Altitude 7 ft
Photo ofThe Cowichan River at almost full flood

The Cowichan River at almost full flood

PictographInformation point Altitude 20 ft
Photo ofTypical trail conditions, Cowichan River on the left

Typical trail conditions, Cowichan River on the left

PictographPhoto Altitude 33 ft
Photo ofLooking east, Mt. Tzouhalem on left, Saltspring Island in distance

Looking east, Mt. Tzouhalem on left, Saltspring Island in distance

PictographPhoto Altitude 20 ft
Photo ofMount Tzouhalem

Mount Tzouhalem

PictographMonument Altitude 16 ft
Photo ofThis hike located in a bird conservation area

This hike located in a bird conservation area

PictographInformation point Altitude 16 ft
Photo ofTypical trail conditions

Typical trail conditions

PictographPhoto Altitude 30 ft
Photo ofViews from trail Photo ofViews from trail

Views from trail

The waters here act as a parking spot for ocean going freighters waiting on berths in Vancouver. Note the ship in the distance.

PictographInformation point Altitude 10 ft
Photo ofTypical trail conditions

Typical trail conditions

PictographInformation point Altitude 20 ft
Photo ofTypical trail conditions Photo ofTypical trail conditions

Typical trail conditions

PictographInformation point Altitude 30 ft
Photo ofWestern Forest Products Lumber Mill

Western Forest Products Lumber Mill

The mill property borders the trail

PictographInformation point Altitude 10 ft
Photo ofTypical trail conditions

Typical trail conditions

PictographInformation point Altitude 23 ft
Photo ofWestern Forest Products lumber mill

Western Forest Products lumber mill

PictographInformation point Altitude 16 ft
Photo ofLog booms awaiting processing at the mill and interpretive signage Photo ofLog booms awaiting processing at the mill and interpretive signage Photo ofLog booms awaiting processing at the mill and interpretive signage

Log booms awaiting processing at the mill and interpretive signage

There is good signage explaining the process of restoring the estuary

PictographInformation point Altitude 13 ft
Photo ofInterpretive signage and view back into estuary Photo ofInterpretive signage and view back into estuary Photo ofInterpretive signage and view back into estuary

Interpretive signage and view back into estuary

Mt. Tzouhalem on the left

PictographInformation point Altitude 23 ft
Photo ofInterpretive signage and looking further out into the estuary Photo ofInterpretive signage and looking further out into the estuary

Interpretive signage and looking further out into the estuary

PictographPicnic Altitude 20 ft
Photo ofViews from the picnic area at the end of the trail Photo ofViews from the picnic area at the end of the trail Photo ofViews from the picnic area at the end of the trail

Views from the picnic area at the end of the trail

PictographInformation point Altitude 33 ft
Photo ofHeading back, passing the mill

Heading back, passing the mill

PictographPhoto Altitude 30 ft
Photo ofThe views going back are nice too! Photo ofThe views going back are nice too!

The views going back are nice too!

Comments

    You can or this trail