The best walks and hikes around Area I (Youbou / Meade Creek)

Where Cameron Main (Lake Road) meets the Mount Moriarty Trail, there is a small parking area and a gate. Park as far off to the side of the road as you can to let other cars through. The gate is only open during certain times, and the parking area is right by Labour Day Lake.

The first thing to know about hiking Mount Moriarty Trail is that the gate is closed weekdays due to logging activity, while on weekends, the gate closure varies based on the time of year. Always consult the Mosaic Forest Management's access page to see if the trail is open. The trail itself is pretty steep till the end. The final approach to the summit is rugged and exposed compared with the lower parts of the trail. Mount Moriarty lies on the rain-shadow side of the island's spine so that summit conditions can be very different here. It is often drier and sunnier, but also more exposed to wind and afternoon cloud buildups.

The summit of Mount Moriarty rises 1,563 meters above sea level and has panoramic views of the Alberni Valley to the northwest, Sproat and Kennedy Lakes to the west, the Coast Mountains in the distance, and, on clear days, the Strait of Georgia and even the outlines of the Lower Mainland across the water. The summit itself isn’t a sharp point, but a broad, rocky bald where you can relax and take in 360° views.

Cowichan Valley is a fertile region on southern Vancouver Island, shaped by the Cowichan River, Cowichan Lake, and the sheltered waters of Cowichan Bay. Its mild climate and rich soils support a patchwork of farms, vineyards, and several communities, including Duncan, Chemainus, and Lake Cowichan. Situated in the territory of the Quw’utsun people, the valley is known for its cultural heritage and outdoor recreation.

This route is relatively challenging, beginning on a series of gravel logging roads, gradually gaining elevation as it winds toward the base of the mountain. From there, the trail leaves the road, and the climb steepens into a more rugged ascent, with stretches of loose rock and short scrambling sections as you work up the southeast ridge. As you crest the upper slopes, the terrain opens, with fantastic panoramic views of the Chemainus Valley and the surrounding Vancouver Island backcountry, making the trek well worth the climb as you approach the summit.

Mount Whymper rises to 1,539 m above the Cowichan Valley, with views stretching across Cowichan Lake and the island ranges. Though not the tallest on Vancouver Island, it stands out as the highest peak in Canada south of the 49th parallel. From the top, you’re rewarded with expansive views over Cowichan Lake and the island ranges. Named in 1864 for Frederick Whymper, who joined Robert Brown’s Vancouver Island Exploring Expedition, the peak carries both natural and historical significance, and is a sharp contrast to the industrial-logged lower slopes, a beautiful reminder of the island’s wild, rugged character.

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.