If you're there in April, you can see the wildflowers blooming in the second-growth forest. The pavement turns into a gravel road just past Honeymoon Bay. This section has no services but does contain campsites and boat launches. The gravel road continues around the western most point of Cowichan Lake, turning back into pavement at Youbou. Fishing on Lake Cowichan is for trout, with rainbow, cutthroat, bull, kokanee and brown trout up to four pounds.
Nearby rivers offer great fishing, too.
The Cowichan River is considered one of the best fishing rivers on Vancouver Island. For some great hiking, the Cowichan River offers a 30-kilometer hiking path. Between Youbou and Lake Cowichan is the Bald Mountain Trails, offering hikes for all types. The Denninger Trail climbs to an old lookout where you are rewarded with excellent views and a great picnic spot. The Beaver Walk is much easier, leading to the recreation site.