The best walks and hikes around Area B (Shawnigan Lake)

Raccoon is a narrow dirt singletrack that winds through moss-covered ground and dense ferns, with fallen logs crossing the path in a few spots. The trail twists and turns through the forest, and is part of the connected network of trails around Polara Hill. It's a quiet, tucked-away stretch that is also shared with mountain bikers, so keep an eye out for riders looking to pass as you make your way along the trail.

This is one of several lookout points scattered across Cobble Hill Mountain, reached via the quieter, less-travelled trails on the Polara side of the recreation area. Compared to the busier main trails near Quarry Nature Park, this stretch sees far less foot and bike traffic, for a more peaceful approach to the view. From here, the dense conifer forest rolls out across the hills, with distant ridgelines visible on the horizon, and it is a lovely spot to stop and admire before continuing along the trail.

Cobble Hill Mountain Regional Recreation Area includes 26 kilometres of well-marked trails on the traditional territory of the Coast Salish peoples, covering both Cobble Hill Mountain and Polara Hill to the north. The trails wind through varied forest ecosystems, including Douglas-fir, arbutus and maple, with several viewpoints offering beautiful views across the Cowichan Valley, Saanich Peninsula and Gulf Islands. The main trailhead is located at Quarry Nature Park, with plenty of parking, washrooms, a bike wash, a mountain bike park and an off-leash dog area.

Bear Trail is a moderate route that runs between Wolf Trail and Stellar’s Jay Trail, and this section is relatively easy as it winds through tall, second-growth conifer forest, with moss-covered ground and a few fallen branches scattered along the way. It’s quieter than the busier trails closer to Quarry Nature Park, with a more secluded feel despite being part of a well-used trail network.

The Dragonfly Trail winds through the shaded woods of Cobble Hill, trading the main summit for mossy bluffs and a handful of lovely viewpoints to the west and northwest. The route is mostly easy, with good drainage after rain, though a few roots and rocky sections make sturdy shoes a smart choice.

Cobble Hill is a popular place for nice walks in the woods. There are plenty of marked trails, from easy, technical single-track to double-track trails. There are a few great viewpoints, and this spot is one of them.

The trail runs through the Koksilah Ancient Forest Reserve, which protects one of the last remaining stands of old-growth Douglas fir on southern Vancouver Island. The trees here rival Cathedral Grove in beauty and scale. Many measure 1.2 to 1.8 metres in diameter, with the largest exceeding 2.4 metres across and reaching heights of 70 to 80 metres. With less than 1% of these giants remaining on the island after more than a century of logging, to be able to walk among them is a truly rare experience. The trail winds through moss-draped trunks and dense ferns, offering a glimpse of Vancouver Island’s forest as it once was — immense, living, and timeless.

From the end of the old logging road, the trail slips quickly into dense forest, following faint flagging tape through moss-covered trees and uneven ground. The route narrows almost immediately, with a few eroded edges, fallen logs, and short drop-offs that require attention. Blue tape marks the first section clearly, but flagging becomes sparse deeper in, so it’s wise to keep note of landmarks for the return. The steady downhill leads toward the sound of the Koksilah River — your sign that the old-growth forest isn’t far ahead.