Hiking the Cow River Footpath

This was as beautiful a day in April as every occurs on Vancouver Island. In other words, perfect to head out on a hike with good friends and dogs. Today it was Skutz Falls and the Cowichan River Footpath. I'd had a tiny taste of the trail this past winter and had vowed to come back. And no wonder. This is a magnificent hike - much of it perched high on the cliff looking down on the fast moving river.

When we arrived this morning the place was teeming with sear and rescue folks - apparently someone had been swept into the river and they were trying to find and recover the body.

At any rate, we had a happy up and down trek along a really well-maintained trail - dappled with sunlight and alive with spring flowers.

We passed (and later crossed) the mile 66 trestle.

and continued on through changing topography until we stopped for lunch by the banks of the river.

At that point we looped back and returned partly along the other side of the river. - More wonderful views all along the way.

Including views of lovely little streams that we had to cross every now and then.

A great hike that almost anyone can do - and you can make it as long or as short as you want - 10 hours or 2 - highly recommended by people and dogs.