You can find a picture-perfect location along every trail at Cowichan River Provincial Park. The jewel-coloured water, deep rock canyons, lush forests, and beautiful wildflowers are every photographer's dream. Amongst anglers, the Cowichan River is internationally known for its abundant wild salmon and steelhead. This park is truly one you can spend some time at.
Quick Park Facts
- Features: Deep rock canyons, beautiful river views, fishing opportunities and camping
- Park Size: 1,414 hectares
- Trails: An abundance of walking/hiking trails
- Suitability: Everyone! The Stolz Pool day-use area is wheelchair-accessible.
- Hazards: The park has very limited to no cell coverage; Water advisories are in place
- Bike Trails: Bikes are limited to the Trans-Canada Trail
- Horseback Riding: Permitted on the Trans-Canada Trail
- Camping: Stoltz Pool Campground and Horseshoe Bend Group Campsite
- Washrooms: Pit toilets are available throughout the park
- Pets: As this is a Provincial Park, dogs must remain on a leash at all times
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Trails in Cowichan River Provincial Park
Cowichan River Provincial Park has an abundance of multi-use trails.
Skutz Falls Loop Trail
Much of this beautiful 7 km loop trail travels along a steep canyon, giving you incredible river views below. You also have access to the river at several points along the way, which is a welcome reprieve during the warm summer months.
The trail is well marked, and you cross both the Skutz Falls Forest Service Bridge and the historic 66-Mile Trestle to complete the loop. Trailhead access is found at either of these locations. Several sections of this trail follow the Cowichan River Footpath (mentioned below).
Skutz Falls is confusing to many, as the name implies a waterfall. However, you won't find a typical waterfall with a big drop here. Instead, you will see fast-moving rapids over an artificial fish ladder.
The Skutz Falls loop trail is restricted to walking/hiking only.
Cowichan River Footpath
This historic 20 km trail winds along the river from Skutz Falls to the Glenora Trailhead. Built in the 1960s by the Cowichan Fish and Game Association for local anglers, it’s now a favourite spot for hikers and nature lovers. Along the way, you’ll spot plenty of wildlife and enjoy peaceful river views.
The trail is considered easy to moderate and takes about 6.5 hours to hike from end to end. If you’re planning the full route, it’s a good idea to arrange a ride back at the finish. The main path is well marked, though you may notice a few older side trails that aren’t maintained.
Thankfully, you don't have to trek the entire route to enjoy the sights. The rehabilitation of approximately 13 km of abandoned rail gives us a beautiful multi-use trail within the park and along the Cowichan River Footpath. This wide and relatively flat gravel trail is popular for cyclists, horseback riders and walkers alike. The 66-mile and Holt Creek Trestles are the main attractions.
Fishing
The Cowichan River is renowned for its variety and abundance of fish, including many species of both salmon and trout. It's also known as a habitat for the rare (to BC) Brown trout. Appropriate fishing licences are required.
Skutz Falls and Marie Canyon are popular locations to view spawning salmon in the fall. During this spawning season, fishing isn't allowed in these two areas.
Other Water Activities
Swimming and tubing down the river are popular activities at the Stolz Pool day-use area. The river has fast-flowing currents and rapids at several locations, so use it at your own risk.
These rapids offer excellent opportunities for experienced whitewater kayakers, particularly from October to June, when the river is at its highest. A boat launch is available at the Stolz Pool day-use area.
The clear river also offers excellent snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities, particularly for those seeking to observe the abundance of fish.
Camping
Stoltz Pool Campground has 39 drive-in sites, four walk-in sites, and a group campsite. The sites are well spaced among a second-growth Douglas fir stand. The group site has 16 tent pads, a shelter, picnic tables and a fire ring. Camping is available year-round, and reservations are recommended during the peak summer season.
Horseshoe Bend offers additional group camping with 11 tent pads. RVs can camp in the large gravel parking area above the group site. The area has a shelter with a sink, wood stove and picnic tables.
Coldwater hand pumps are available at both campgrounds; however, it's advised that campers boil the water before use.
If you are looking to rent an RV, trailer, camper or motorhome to enjoy camping sites like these, use RVezy. It's much like Airbnb or Vrbo, but for recreational vehicles. And the best part? It's Canadian-owned!
Picnic Areas
There are four day-use areas at Cowichan River Provincial Park, all suitable for picnicking.
- Stoltz Pool day-use area has tables, pit toilets, a playing field, plenty of parking and access to the river.
- Skutz Falls day-use area offers tables, shelter, pit toilets, parking and access to Skutz Falls.
- Marie Canyon day-use area provides a trail to the canyon, pit toilets and an information shelter.
- 66-Mile Trestle day-use area offers picnic tables, pit toilets, and access to the trestle.
Best Time to Go
Summer is the most popular season to visit Cowichan River Provincial Park. Warm weather and long days make it ideal for swimming, tubing, and camping along the river’s edge. The park can be busy during this time, but the lively atmosphere adds to the fun for families and groups.
That said, fall is a personal favourite. Once the summer crowds thin, the park takes on a quieter, more peaceful vibe. The salmon return to spawn, filling the river with movement and colour, and this natural event attracts an abundance of wildlife. It’s not uncommon to see bald eagles swooping overhead or even the occasional black bear along the riverbanks. For those who prefer fewer crowds and more opportunities to witness nature at its best, autumn is a truly special time to explore.
Getting There
- Head towards Lake Cowichan by turning onto Hwy 18 from Hwy 1
- Turn onto Cowichan Lake Road
- Take a right on Stoltz Road
- Turn left onto Riverbottom Road
- Turn right into the Provincial Park
- Follow the gravel road to whichever destination/day-use area you are seeking.
Why You Should Go
Whether you come in the height of summer to swim and camp by the river, or in the quiet of fall to watch the salmon run and the wildlife it attracts, this park never disappoints. Towering forests, rushing turquoise water, and abundant trails create the perfect setting for both adventure and relaxation. If you’re looking for a place to immerse yourself in nature, the Cowichan River is well worth the trip.
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Thanks for all this Skutz/Stoltz info… drove by it last year after going to Port Renfrew, Avatar etc for a few days. Will put on the destination radar now. Cheers, Ed
You definitely should! And you’re welcome. I love writing about an area that people haven’t been to yet.