As of June 2023 the access to the Central Walbran vie Lake Cowichan is open.  Vie Port Renfrew the Bugaboo cross over road is still blocked. The Bugaboo has been deactivated by industry and is also gated this will be in place until the foreseeable future!! Alternative access from Port Renfrew can be made vie the Pacific Marine Circle route and following the Cowichan route directions below.

The road past Mclure Lk as of June 2023 has become quite rough, at least a 2wd with good ground clearance is recommended and drive slow. Where the road narrows in the canyon area the slide there is making a pinch point, this is a dangerous spot so use your judgment on the conditions and extreme caution.

Gates in the area that are still in place until at least June 2023 are on Granite Main, Greirson, Bradon, Hemmingson Main. 

There are two access routes to the Central Walbran, through the Cowichan Valley and through Port Renfrew, both take approximately 4 hrs from Victoria. You’ll find both below.  Either route is going to take you through rough forest roads, some of which may be in active industrial use.  While a 4WD vehicle isn’t strictly necessary, it does make negotiating the forest roads in any conditions an easier task.  If you are not experienced with driving on BC forest roads we also recommend you read and heed the safe driving guides.  A good one can be found here. Check road condition updates.

Via Port Renfrew/ Pacific Marine Route.

Take the West Coast Road toward Port Renfrew as you approach Port Renfrew follow the signs for the Pacific Marine route. Turn right and cross the San Juan bridge, stay right and follow the road and  cross the Deering  bridge and you will come to an intersection. Left is towards Avatar Grove and ‘Eden’ Grove and the Gordon main logging road, access to the Walbran in this direction is no longer possible as the  Bugaboo is closed.
To access the Walbran turn right at the Deering Bridge and follow the Pacific Marine Route to  Mesachie Lake from there follow the direction below from Lake Cowichan/ Mesachie Lake.

Via Cowichan Valley

From Victoria. take Trans-Canada Highway past Duncan, past the Somenos Marsh Conservation Centre, past the BC Forest Museum. turning left going west to Cowichan Lake onto the Cowichan Valley Highway

• Drive 26 km to the town of Lake Cowichan.
• Set odometer to zero at the traffic circle and bridge in Lake Cowichan. This town is your last fueling stop.
• Go straight through the town of Lake Cowichan, past Mesachie Lake and Honeymoon Bay.
• At 12.5 km Stay on South Shore road.
• At 13.8 km stop sign: go right toward the Caycuse campsite.
• At 31.4 km a sign indicates Carmannah/Walbran Provincial Park to the right. GO STRAIGHT AHEAD HERE, onto the Caycuse Main Line.
• At 39.8 stay left on a very short one way section, as indicated on road.
• At 41.9 km stay straight and stay off spur roads.
• At 42.2 km go left at fork in road, take mcClure Main (marked with pink painted rock!) not Walbran Main. See photo below,
• At 50.4 km continue ahead – do not turn right to cross bridge.
• At 55.2 km pass Mclure Lake on your left.
• At 58.7 km you reach the “Ballpark” road interchange, and continue straight ahead, onto Walbran Main – do not go up the hill to the right.
• At 62.4 km proceed ahead – do not go up the hill to your left. The road to your left is Bugaboo, which is now closed and was the  route leading back via Port Renfrew.
• At 70.9 km stay right and continue ahead.
• At 74.2 km turn right onto a smaller rougher road, and head down into the Walbran Valley.
• At 76.1 km Arrive at the bridge over Walbran creek.

Congratulations!  You have arrived at the Lower Walbran Valley!  Take the time to explore the trails.  Enjoy!

Here are the printable Directions to the Walbran Valley via Cowichan Lake.