The Quinsam River Trail is located on the Quinsam River, to reach the trailhead, take Hwy 28 from Campbell River until you reach Quinsam Road, turn left here and continue until you come to the bridge, park in the parking area on the left past the bridge and head upriver. Alternatively, you can park at the hatchery further up the road and walk downriver, but you must be out before the gate closes.
The Quinsam River Trail goes further up but becomes quite rough, really fast, and l would recommend turning around at the hatchery and heading back to the campground. The trail runs through some very nice areas full of huge trees, the plant life is very diverse, and the birds are abundant. Although in the fall, you should go up to the counting fence to see bears fishing.
The river is quite pretty and very scenic. During the fall salmon spawn, the river becomes choked with returning salmon, and you could very easily see black bears and eagles here.
The trail ties in with the canyon view trail, so you could walk from the hatchery to Elk Falls and back without leaving the forest except to cross Hwy 28. This would be a full day’s hike return and would take you through deep forests of huge trees along rivers and canyons leading right up to the suspension bridge at Elk Falls. You could easily see everything from Bears to Dragonflies and all the creatures in between.
You can take a side trail to the beaver ponds from the Quinsam River campsite that takes you past some wonderful ponds filled with birds, frogs, fish, and all sorts of other wildlife. I hike in here all the time and never get tired of seeing it all. You should bring your camera and lunch and be prepared for some incredible wonders.
You can camp on this river at the Quinsam River Campsite where there are sites ready for you and your family, come, relax and take a nice walk along a great little river.