Hiking in the Walbran Valley

Not to be mistaken with the Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park, the Walbran Valley is unprotected from logging and lies just on the outside of the eastern park boundary. Trails are completely built and maintained by amazing volunteers, and they have created an accessible paradise amongst old growths along Walbran Creek. From emerald pools, waterfalls, and majestic old growth cedar giants, here is a guide to hiking in the Walbran Valley.

At a glance:

Emerald Loop Trail: Easy, 10-15min loop
Harriet Nahanee Memorial Trail: Easy-Moderate, 2 hour return OR more difficult 4 hour loop
Upper Falls Boardwalk Trail: Easy, 30min to upper falls
Castle Grove Trail: Easy-Moderate, 2 hour return (Requires fording across river)
The Crown Jewel and Lookout Trail: Difficult 6-8 hour trail with over 400m steep elevation gain

Emerald Loop Trail:

I recommend doing this short and easy loop in the afternoon when the sun is shining over the incredible Emerald Pool. Photos just didn’t do this beautiful spot justice, the water is truly an emerald green. Most of this trail is along boardwalk, and also goes past the impressive Emerald Giant (or the Mordor Tree) – a huge cedar left standing in the valley.

• 

• 

• 

Harriet Nahanee Memorial Trail:

The start of this trail is easy and mostly along boardwalk until the Tolkien Giant. After this the trail becomes more moderate with obstacles, small ladders and higher changes in elevation. The trail forks, leading you down to the Marble Canyon. In the other direction you will quickly reach the Monster Jam, and the Secret Grove. Past the grove lies the more difficult and steeper loop trail.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Upper Falls Boardwalk Trail:

This trail is easy and follows a boardwalk through incredible old growths. After about 15min, you will reach a fork leading down to the river and Lower Falls. The Lower Falls trail connects back to the bridge, with plenty of campsites directly along the river. The Lower Falls were a highlight of our trip, and took our breath away. Another perfect swimming spot if you dare brave the cold emerald green water. Continue back on the trail to the upper falls by going up a steep set of cedar boardwalk stairs. The Upper Falls is also the location where you can ford across the river. When we went in April, the water was slow flowing and shallow to cross at the summer crossing. The winter crossing was waist deep, and used for when the summer crossing waters are flowing fast near the edge of the falls.

• 

• 

Castle Grove and Crown Jewel Trail:

If you ford across the river, you will continue on mostly boardwalk to the Castle Giant. From here it about 2 hours round trip from the bridge. If from here you want to go for a more difficult and steep trail, continue on to the Crown Jewel trail which provides views over the valley from a cliff viewing point. Unfortunately we didn’t make it that far this time!

Camping:

Before and after the bridge lie a few designated campsites with campfires. There are a couple of outhouses, a covered area to cook, as well as a sink to wash dishes. PLEASE carry out whatever you bring with you, and don’t leave any garbage behind. You can also take the trail just past the bridge to the right down to the riverbed for even more campsites. As it doesn’t lie in the provincial park, all camping in the Walbran Valley is free.

How to get there:

The Wilderness Committee have provided perfect directions to reach the Walbran Valley by using your odometer. We took the route from Lake Cowichan and had no problem following the directions down logging roads with out 4WD. These are active logging roads so be aware as logging trucks have the right of way.

When we went in April 2020, the road was in good condition with no snow. The road was well graded until McClure Lake. From there it became a lot rougher and slower going until we reached the Walbran Valley. Make sure to stop at the beautiful lake along the way, also a great spot for camping.

Once you’ve finished exploring and hiking in the Walbran Valley, don’t miss the nearby Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park for more hiking and camping under the old growths!

If you want to learn more and are interested in helping to save these old growth forests, or want to be involved in trail building and maintenance, check out the Wilderness Committee, Ancient Forest Alliance, and Friends of Carmanah Walbran.