We have information about 36 river traces located around East Taiwan
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Jay
River:
三棧溪 / Sanzhan riverArea:
HualienRegion:
EastStart:
24.10787,121.59976The 5-kilometer one-way hike was quite long. We walked almost non-stop and chose to stick to the trail as much as possible while strictly limiting our time to 5 or 10 minutes at each large pool. To save time, we followed the trail for most of the route to Double Dragon Waterfall rather than wading in the water. From Double Dragon to the final 120-me ... ter waterfall, the creek became steeper and more challenging, requiring us to climb large rocks, which slowed us down. There were no technical difficulties, but it demanded physical stamina and strict time management. We spent a fair amount of time at each large pool, but we decided to skip the Double Dragon pool and its slide. On our way back, we jumped into the pools (having checked their depth and suitable jump spots on our way up). We passed all the commercial tours and were rewarded with the opportunity to filter and drink the creek water, which tasted great. Most of them only reached the first large pool, and only a few made it to Crimson Gorge. Before reaching the final waterfall, we encountered a slender and elegant 60-meter waterfall and another tall one. Then came the enormous final 120-meter waterfall. It deserved a spot in my top ten magnificent waterfalls list, alongside the 120-meter Nenggao Soaring Falls. I had initially thought it would be around 70 meters based on the topo map, but I was glad to be proven wrong—very wrong. The waterfall consisted of three tiers, resembling the cross-section of a pork belly. The creek water from the main stream rushed from the top of the waterfall to the next tier, then further down to another tier before finally reaching the enormous pool it had created. The waterfall gorge had a beautiful shape, surrounded by steep mountainsides. A giant boulder served as the waterfall's threshold, which we had to climb over to access the pool, accompanied by a secondary 10-meter waterfall between the boulder itself and the giant pool. This hike was one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences I've had so far. It appears that there was another waterfall over 100 meters high about 300 meters away. Hopefully, someone can bring a drone to check it out. Trailhead 24.10787,121.59976 Rose Valley 玫瑰谷 24.11162,121.59199 Crimson Valley 赤金峽谷 24.11639,121.58093 Double Dragon 雙龍瀑布 24.11679,121.57702 Gorge 24.11692,121.57491 120-M Pork Belly Waterfall 24.12026,121.57353 -
River:
UnknownArea:
YilanRegion:
EastStart:
24.41518,121.73927I visited the location a week after the typhoon had passed, resulting in the waterflow being 2.5 times its usual rate. I believe tracing the path is much easier under normal waterflow conditions. On that day, I encountered numerous waterholes. We drove down to the end and began walking along a trail towards the GPS spot. The creek serves as a water ... source for the village below, with visible pipes. The first waterfall was particularly enchanting, featuring a beautifully serene pool in front of it (I'm uncertain if it was at coordinates 24.41096, 121.73626). Up until this point, the creek was characterized by large rocks and a swift current, without anything noteworthy to document. As we approached the final waterfall, the boulders grew larger, and the terrain became steeper. 300 meters away from the destination, we walked around along the mountainside on the right side of the creek (facing downstream). We descended into the valley on a rope I set up to a tree, and left it there for our return. Close to where we descended with the rope, we encountered the most challenging part of the river tracing. A precarious rope was hanging in a strong current. Due to the high risk and time constraints (we had set off late), I initially considered retreating. However, David (The Map Room) managed to climb the rope, which had been there for who knows how long. I was reluctant to use the same rope, so I passed my rope to him to set up a rope for me to cross the boulder. The potential danger was immense – being swept away by the powerful current or the rope breaking could lead not only to a dangerous fall but also to potential death from the waterhole (as everything seemed like a waterhole that day). I asked about his assessment of the climb, and he estimated an 80% chance of success. Well, not my style, but he's much stronger than me. On the return journey, we rappelled down instead of using the rope in the water. Around 100 meters beyond the previous obstacle, there was a 15-meter slanted waterfall. We circumvented it on the left side. Although there were two small ropes visible (which I didn't use), the area in front of the waterfall presented challenges. If you managed to reach this point, you should be relatively fine here. The rocks were extremely slippery here. We witnessed the tremendous rush of water cascading from the height of 45 meters into a pool and roaring through the gorge. Adjacent to the pool, the water was squeezed between two large rocks, creating a secondary 3-meter waterfall as it dropped. The sight was truly amazing, leaving us both astounded and thrilled. However, the journey wasn't over. A path existed on the right side of a large rock (facing downstream). David managed to climb over, but he was uncertain about the stability of the worn rope hanging there. I secured a rope and slings around the rope anchor for safety. Upon climbing up to the anchor rock, the powerful current was right beside and below us, flowing between the two massive rocks. With caution, we descended and walked through the water while holding onto the rope. The water level was so high that it reached my chest. It weirdly reminded me the time in the gorges of Jianianduan when I fought against currents. Finally, we reached the front of the waterfall. It has a resemblance to Yuemeikeng but with a waterflow seven times stronger. During our return, I held a rope attached to David and descended first, carefully seeking footholds and avoiding potential waterholes. Then, I guided him down. At high water flow, the difficulty is undoubtedly at a 5/5 level. I can't speculate on how this would be under normal waterflow conditions--definitely much easier! -
River:
南澳北溪 / Nán'ào běi xīArea:
YilanRegion:
EastStart:
24.50342, 121.74538When we arrived, the typhoon had left less than two weeks ago, so the water level was about 2 to 2.5 times higher than normal. This river tracing/stream hiking route involves a great deal of climbing, so you really need to be skilled at climbing or have significant experience. Moving through the rocks feels somewhat like navigating a maze, similar ... to the childhood game called NS-SHAFT. It's a good idea to take note of the terrain when you hike up, as it will make the return journey easier. During the ascent, I used climbing slings a few times to help my teammate. The return journey was more challenging, requiring the use of climbing slings more frequently (webbing was also used). If you come here, make sure to bring a headlamp. Recommended equipment includes at least webbing and rope loops, and if you want to go up around the final waterfall, rope will be needed. This waterfall is incredibly impressive, with one side consisting of a suspended canyon formation. Enormous rocks hang precariously, creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere. The area around the waterfall is enclosed, and while the water volume is substantial, the pools are not very deep. I nicknamed it "Her Majesty Waterfall" due to its majesty. -
River:
楠溪 / Nan creekArea:
YilanRegion:
EastStart:
24.4237,121.70778Nan Creek is a tributary of Nan'ao South River. Nan'ao South River is usually a calm river but can be somehow scary after typhoon or a downpour. The waterfall in the picture is only 100 meters from the main river. It has a small beautiful canyon. -
River:
木瓜溪 / Mugua riverArea:
HualienRegion:
EastStart:
23.9882,121.45232Nenggao Soaring Fall is a difficult river tracing route that involves ascending 500 meters over a short distance of 700 meters. It's a continuous uphill climb. The route to Nenggao Soaring Fall is beautiful with numerous stunning pools along the way. The pools are clear and home to large fish, making it unlikely for anglers or locals to come fishing ... . Upon reaching the parking area, the entrance is located beside a tunnel, next to Taipower's steel fence. After crossing the stream, you will see Taipower's channel on the left bank of the tributary(facing downstreams). Follow this channel to the end (approximately 40 minutes), and you will reach a 30-meter waterfall. Below is a beautiful deep pool known as "Hualien Divine Pool," with a large, clear and gorgeous deep blue pool outside. There are stairs next to the waterfall that lead down to the pool. The journey to Nenggao Soaring Fall involves climbing and is moderately difficult (but definitely not suitable for beginners). The path is recognizable for experienced river tracing enthusiasts. The most challenging section is located 200 meters before the endpoint. Once you pass this section, you are almost at Nenggao Soaring Fall. This section features a challenging climbing hole with a slippery 2.5-meter large rock underneath. There is a 3-meter suspended drop to the hole's entrance, with no footholds available. You have to be able to squeeze yourself to the tiny hole above the drop. Many experienced river tracing teams have failed and turned back at this point. If your team doesn't have a skilled climber to set up ropes first, and teammates who can use rope equipment or at least have really good climbing abilities, it may be impossible to climb with a rope, not to mention without a rope. I used an additional climbing nut as a hand rope here. Without this extra hand rope, team members with limited climbing abilities still won't be able to climb up. On the return journey, rappelling is necessary. Even with a rope, it is impossible to descend without rappelling (unless you are an expert climber, but it is still highly dangerous). Fortunately, an anchor can be easily set here. Luckily, when we went, there was a high-hanging blue-green webbing and a rope, and many bolts were drilled into the rocks. However, climbing was still extremely difficult. The rope was hung on a rope-wearing edge, so I couldn't fully trust it. The blue-green webbing was much better, secured to a sturdy stone. If it hadn't been hit by other rocks, it should be solid, although I can't guarantee this after a typhoon. After walking for 10 minutes, the enormous Nenggao Soaring Fall comes into view. The awe-inspiring 120-meter waterfall has a massive flow of water rushing out of the top, leaping into the pool below. Its shape resembles flight, which is why it is called "Nenggao Soaring Fall" by the Japanese during the colonial era. The pool is large and suitable for swimming, but the waterfall's wind is extremely strong, making it feel like walking into a downpour. There is also a 140-meter waterfall above this waterfall, but it requires advanced summit tracing skills and a at least two-day expedition.
