Two hikes this weekend (September 25-26th)

The upper waterfall (of three) at Wufengchi, a short detour at the end of Saturday’s hike

Since the typhoon meant we had to swap to another more sheltered (but surprisingly fine!) hike last  Saturday, and cancel Sunday’s hike outright,  I’ve moved both last weekend’s hikes forward to this weekend instead.   Here’s the info: 

Linmei Shipan Trail

Trail just below Linmei Shipan Waterfall

See pages 222-227 for details of this hike.

I often find myself saying rude things about the government’s development of northern Taiwan’s amazing system of trails, but when it comes to Ilan, they almost always seem to get it right. Ilan County’s ecological awareness has been notable for many years, and after the ‘open-as-many-trails-up-to the-public-even-if-they’re-unsuitable-and-the-environment-be-damned’ attitude  that appears to be favored by many local authorities around Taipei, it’s a refreshing change to see their counterparts in Ilan are generally keen to emphasize the value of keeping the countryside pristine while allowing the masses in to marvel at the incredible beauty of this part of Taiwan.  The trails to Xinliao Waterfall (新寮瀑布) south of Luodong and Yulan Waterfall (玉蘭 瀑布), two of the most scenic short walks in the  Taipei area, immediately come to mind.

  

Yuemeikang Waterfall

The way to Yuemeikang Waterfall is described on pages 222-227; for Wufengchi Waterfall, see pages 218-219.

It’s still early (not even 9 am) when we arrive, yet the car park at the entrance to Wufengchi Waterfalls (五峰旗瀑布) is packed with cars this fine Saturday morning in June, and we’re forced to find an empty roadside place to leave the car.