River traces around East Taiwan

1. James

   River:

   三棧溪 / Sanzhan river

   Area:

   Hualien

   Region:

   East

   Start:

   24.103390, 121.604586

   Beautiful trace with deep pools and stunning canyons. The Golden Grotto itself is a 20min walk up a side stream after a 3-4 hour walk up the Sanzhan River. Right before the grotto there are a couple of deep pools to swim across and a couple of waterfalls to climb (but they seem to always have ropes installed). It's quite a popular trace with several ... parties going up per day on the weekends. It was not difficult, but requires a bit of fitness. You can even get there by public transport. I took the train there and back and was able to walk from Jingmei station to the trace entry point without much trouble. There are a couple of little shops in the village, but food is scarce. Make sure you supply before you go.

   

   Posted Nov 6, 2020
2. Anny

   River:

   楓溪 / Maple creek

   Area:

   Yilan

   Region:

   East

   Start:

   24.505916, 121.763332

   This is a quick and fun trace. Lots of pools to swim in and a wonderful waterfall at the top. It is less popular than some of the more commercial routes in the area so it's a good one to visit if you want to avoid crowds.

   

   Posted Oct 15, 2020
3. Gino

   River:

   鹿皮溪 / Lupi river

   Area:

   Yilan

   Region:

   East

   Start:

   24.468228, 121.752980

   We went on the weekend and this place was CROWDED. Now it's a really beautiful river, but the number of people there during prime time ruins it. Or almost ruins it, the waterfall at the end (which most people don't go to) is well worth it regardless. My only suggestion would be to go mid-week if you have the chance. If not, still go, but expect to s ... ee a lot of people. The river is wide and there is always an easy route if you want to find one. There are a few places you can make it a bit more challenging but that's up to you.

   

   Posted Oct 15, 2020