Skutz Falls Loop

Park: Cowichan River Provincial Park, Cowichan Valley

8.0 km loop.

Elevations (in meters)
StartEndMinimumMaximumGain
100 165 100 165 65

Skutz Falls Trailhead: (80 km from Saanich Hall, 3k on logging roads). Drive north from Victoria on highway #1 to the Lake Cowichan highway (BC#18) just north of Duncan. Turn west (left) and drive 18.7 km until you come to the turnoff to Skutz Falls. Turn left and follow the gravel road for about 3 km to the falls. Acces the trail on the far side of the river across the truck bridge.

Facilities available at the trailhead include:

Uses

Dayhike2 boot (easy to moderate). Suitable all year.

Description

This trail is very well marked with signposts evey km on the Cowichan River Footpath portion of the hike. The return trail, on the north side of the river, requires close attention to find the trail again after it rejoins the cycling path.

Park by the truck bridge across the river near the campground. Walk across the bridge and pick up the trailhead on the south side of the road. The trail goes along beside the river, climbing for some nice views. At the 4km mark is the trestle, cross over to the other side (there are picnic tables and outhouses here) and then take the trail to the north. This trail heads back along the opposite side of the river, meeting up with the cycling path over the trestle at one point. Head a short ways down looking for the trail to resume on the same side as where you came out. Follow the trail to the group campsite (shelter, water and picnic tables available). From here you can either take the road back to the parking area or follow the longer but more interesting path along the river.

Features

This trail features fishing, forests, rivers and waterfalls.

Hazards

Comments

The trestle has been repaired and, as of March 2001, was in excellent condition.

View trail condition reports for this trail.