This is a beautiful spot, but not the easiest to access the river at the end. It’s a steep twenty feet down with a rope to help. So, if you have small kids or physical limitations, this may not be for you. 

Tucked away near Courtenay, the Browns River is one of those peaceful spots locals love to escape to on warm summer days. Flowing through lush forest before joining the Puntledge River, it’s known for its clear, cool water, rocky pools, and quiet natural beauty.

How to get there:

From downtown Courtenay, take Cliffe Ave to Condensory Rd. 

Turn left on Piercy Rd for 1 km. Find the sign for Wildwoods walking trails on the left. Park on the side of the road on either side. This is a busy road; please use caution.

The trail is on the right, by the power access road with a yellow gate.

Walk past the gate until you see a small single-track trail. Follow the trail past the brush into the forest for about five minutes. The trail will split to the left, which takes you to the top of the falls. The right will take you to the lower part of the river to a nice pool. Be warned, this area is for nude bathing. Head straight down the hill. It is steep with a rope to help you down. Then you're at the river. 

You’ll find calm swimming holes and smooth rocks perfect for sunbathing. It’s less crowded than Nymph Falls or Barber’s Hole — ideal for a picnic, a quick dip, or a quiet walk in the woods.

Be mindful of the terrain — some access points are steep or unmarked — and always pack out what you bring in. In spring and fall, salmon can sometimes be seen moving through the lower stretches.

For anyone looking for a slower, quieter connection to the Comox Valley’s waterways, Browns River is pure island simplicity — just forest, water, and stillness.