The Chemainus River estuary is a fascinating place to explore. A farm road provides easy access to the estuary and the Chemainus River. Within the 4.5 km of trails (out and back), walkers pass through farm roads, tidal sloughs, salt marshes, and the Chemainus River itself. For many, the main destination is the Chemainus River. Along the way, visitors are rewarded with great views of tidal sloughs, the Chemainus River, the estuary, and Halalt Island just off shore.
Getting to the Chemainus River
From the parking area, the trail begins along a farm access road. Both native and non-native species of plants are common here. The walking is easy and straightforward, while trees and tall shrubs provide some shelter from the sun. The variety of edge habitat is also good for birding. The farm access road follows a dead-end side channel of the Chemainus River.
Eventually the farm road emerges into an open area that is overgrown with invasive Himalayan blackberry. Here the path splits at a “T” junction. Going to the right brings you to extensive salt marshes and mud flats. Accessing the estuary from this trail requires some minor intuitive route finding. However, the tidal wetlands in this part of the estuary are extensive. A number of unique salt marsh plants like American glasswort, salt marsh dodder, common orache and Oregon gumweed grow there.
Going left takes you to the Chemainus River. This part of the of the trail is quite open with very little shade. The farm road passes beside extensive patches of Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), an invasive plant that has taken over most of the open fields in this part of the estuary. However, the blackberry picking here is probably spectacular! Worthy of note, I did see some old bear scat in a nearby part of the estuary and I would expect that these blackberries might be a popular destination for bears.
Chemainus River and Side Channels
The farm road ends at the Chemainus River. Depending on the time of year and rainfall, the river level changes. Numerous side channels and gravel bars show the dynamic nature of this river mouth. Regular flooding carries sediment to the estuary and the sloughs and tidal channels are constantly shifting. The geology of the river mouth also shapes these channels. Low ridges of conglomerate rock run parallel to the shore line. These block high water flow and create channels, ponds and sloughs. A wide salt marsh separates the ridge that the farm road follows from another low ridge further out in the estuary.
Reaching the Chemainus River is the first goal of this walk. Next, if the tide and river water levels are low, you can make your way out to the next stretch of high ground that runs parallel to the main trail. Before doing so, there is a dramatic rock formation on the edge of the river to see. While this rock has been photographed countless times, the water level when I visited was too low to make a good composition. Instead, I focused on nearby pools of water and the expansive salt marsh sloughs.
Walking Out through the Chemainus River Estuary
The Chemainus River marks the end of the farm road part of the walk. There are several different ways to get to the outer rise of land at the edge of the estuary. A narrow foot path makes its way through the salt marsh towards this destination. Depending on water level, you will have to make your way around wet areas and pools of deeper water. The main trail is obvious. Another option is heading directly out into the tidal meadow. Compared to the more direct route, this requires more thinking to minimize your impact. In addition, care will be needed to keep your feet dry!
Eventually the path joins the banks of the Chemainus River again. At low water levels, gravel bars are exposed and water fills the depressions. Woody debris washed down river during times of high water flow is caught up in the banks of the Chemainus River at this point. It is fairly easy to make your way along the edge of the water, out towards the high point of land on the edge of the estuary. However, some careful route choices need to be made. You might have to balance on a log, jump over a shallow stretch of water, or make your way through thick grass.
A View of the Estuary
While the Chemainus River is an obvious turning around point on this trail, taking the extra time to walk out to the next rise of land is definitely worth it. The salt marsh here is beautiful and the open vantage from the viewpoint is spectacular.
Below the low ridge, the grass of the estuary meadows stretches out towards Halalt Island. Remnants of an old fence line marks the boundary between historic farm land and the wild, tidal marsh. The landscape is expansive and it feels like it would be possible to walk to island in the distance. However, if you want a better overall view, you need to climb to the top of the rise!
Looking Out Over the Chemainus River Estuary
The viewpoint on the edge of the estuary provides a stunning look at the tidal marshes and Halalt Island in the distance. Gaining a bit of height reveals the extent of the tidal marshes. The Chemainus River has been depositing sediment here for ages. The ridges of conglomerate rock running perpendicular to the river and the outer islands running parallel to the shore help trap some of that sediment. As a result, the delta here is wide and the Chemainus River has cut numerous visible channels through it.
While this viewpoint is an excellent final destination, there is a narrow trail that appears to follow the length of the island. Because I had already spent a fair amount of time exploring the estuary and photographing plants, I decided to leave this for another time. In addition, I was aware that it would be challenging to cross over the tidal channels at the far end of the channel. That being said, the mixed arbutus/Douglas fir forest that the trail passes through looked very intriguing. Once you’ve enjoyed the view, retrace your route back to the parking area.
Planning Your Visit to the Chemainus River Estuary
The Chemainus River estuary is an easily accessible destination. While All Trails describes the total length of the trail as 4.5 km (out and back), that includes a side trip to the southern edge of the estuary. Accordingly, if you just focus on the river as the main goal, your walk may be shorter. If your plan is to venture out into the marsh, checking a tide table before hand is crucial. Otherwise, you may have to change your route.
Even though this is a short walk, it’s important to be prepared. Bring plenty of water, especially on a hot day since there is little shade on some parts of the trail. Mosquitos, which breed in the marsh, can be persistent when there is no wind. Wearing a long sleeved shirt and hat is helpful to reduce problems with insects and provide protection from the sun.
If you’re looking for other walks in the area, consider the nearby Chemainus Lake Loop as an easier walk through second growth forest. On a hot summer day, a walk to Stocking Creek Waterfall in Saltair, is a good alternative. It’s a forested trail and well shaded. Note that the waterfall is usually more impressive in spring and winter when water flows are higher.
Getting There
From Chemainus, follow Chemainus Road towards Crofton. After crossing the Chemainus River look for Swallowfield Road. Turn left on Swallowfield Road and drive to the parking area at the end of the road. The Chemainus River Estuary Trail begins by following the farm access road on the other side of the gate in the parking area.
From Duncan, follow Highway 1 towards Chemainus/Ladysmith. Watch for the Chemainus Road/Crofton exit and turn right to leave Highway 1. Follow Chemainus Road until you see Swallowfield Road. Turn right onto Swallowfield Road and drive to the parking area at the end of the road.
