The best walks and hikes around Area C (Arrowsmith-Benson)

The K-15 logging road is a rugged old spur mainly used by hikers in the area. Its rocky surface, loose gravel, and deep cross-ditches give it a rough, backcountry feel, but it remains easy to follow and provides a clear corridor between sections of trail. While not the most scenic, it adds a lovely sense of quiet wilderness as you explore this beautiful area.

This route up to Green Mountain is not a formal, groomed trail but a great path winding through old ski-hill clearings, over rough logging roads, through open meadows, and through sparse forest patches. The route is unmarked, so it's best to bring your offline komoot GPS route to keep you on track, as you'll encounter several side paths along the way. You’ll cross open meadows that once served as ski runs, and pass remains of an old ski-hill infrastructure where you’ll see rusted T-bar poles and old lodge ruins, before finally ascending a rocky slope to reach the summit plateau. It’s a great route with beautiful forest views and the chance to spot wildlife, including the endangered Vancouver Island Marmot that inhabits the alpine meadows.

The Green Mountain Wildlife Management Area covers approximately 300 hectares of alpine and subalpine terrain, a beautiful mix of open meadows, coniferous forest, steep ravines, and rocky outcrops. Established in 1991, it also supports elk, mule deer, black bears, wolf, and rare birds, including the northern goshawk and white-tailed ptarmigan. Nestled in the Regional District of Nanaimo, this reserve was established in 1991 primarily for marmot conservation and remains managed to protect biodiversity in this mountainous West Coast ecosystem.

Green Mountain reaches an elevation of 1,463 metres, and its upper slopes include a beautiful mix of rocky outcrops and lush forest, typical of the island's higher elevations. Known for its ecological significance, this mountain provides essential habitat for a variety of wildlife, including the Vancouver Island marmot. From the summit, you can soak in stunning views of rolling meadows and tree-covered slopes that contrast beautifully with the dense coastal forests below. On clear days, you can even spot distant peaks and hills, making it a perfect place to appreciate nature's tranquility and vastness.

The White Pine Trail is a section of the Trans Canada Trail, running from Spruston Road to the Haslam Trail. This part of the trail is rocky and rooty singletrack.

The West Bush Main Trail is part of the Trans Canada Trail and runs from Hayes Lake to the Hatchery. This section mostly follows an old logging road.

A sturdy steel suspension bridge enclosed with chain-link fencing, stretching high above Haslam Creek. Its grated walkway offers clear views down to the forested canyon below, making it one of the most memorable spots along the trail. The bridge is narrow, so hikers cross single-file, surrounded by tall trees and the sound of rushing water beneath.

A scenic forest route leading toward Timberland Lake, the Haslam Trail crosses a suspension bridge over Haslam Creek before climbing steadily through second-growth woodland and sections of old logging road. The trail is moderate, covering roughly 8 kilometres with about 220 metres of elevation gain. Expect some muddy stretches and steady inclines — sturdy footwear is recommended.