After weeks of rain and cold weather, the sun finally came out these last 3 days. We took advantage of the warmer weather to visit the Wulai 烏來 area, which is known for its hot springs, waterfalls, and aborigines.
We decided to go to NeiDong 內洞 National Forest with our packed breakfast to enjoy the waterfall. Entry fee is 65NT ($2.30), and 10NT ($0.36) for seniors.There are 2 ways to get to the waterfall. The shorter, flat, and paved portion (blue) is only 1km (0.62 miles), and the longer, steeper hiking trail (pink and yellow) is 2.5km (1.55 miles).We took the paved path out to the waterfall given that I had a couple of elderly with me. Had I been by myself I would have automatically taken the hiking trail.Thanks to plentiful rainfall, Taiwan is like a tropical island with taro species with gigantic leaves.And ferns covering tree trunks.Creek next to the pathWaterfall at the end of the trail.
After breakfast we thought we’d take the trail back. Dad said that they’ve hiked it before, but it was only later that I realized that they’d never made it very far past the upper falls viewing platform.
View of the lower fallsView of the upper falls The Forest Bath Trail will later connect to the Scenic TrailThe trail begins with a lot of stairsBut gradually becomes more of a trailWith railings to prevent you from tumbling down the sideThis was mom’s very first hike in her entire life, and her last, according to her.After 1km of continuous uphill climb, the Forest Bath Trail connects to the downhill portion of the Scenic Trail.
The trip back took us an hour and a half, but I was impressed that the parents stuck to it and finished. Since I wanted to walk a bit more, I had them drop me off at another trailhead outside the park, and I would meet them at the end of the trail.
More a walking path that’s less than 1km long.
Path is flanked by several small waterfalls on one sideAnd the creek on the otherThe suspension bridge at the end of the path
On our way to grab lunch, we stopped by the big waterfall that Wulai is famous for.
The various sculptures around Wulai reflecting the aboriginal cultureLunch was street food at Wulai Old Street 烏來老街Sausages with aboriginal flavors YumPassion fruit flowersMushroom balls Always eat where the crowd isFreshly made mochiCovered in black sesame or peanut powder. Amazingly good.
It was a nice half day trip, and the parents got to do and experience something out of their comfort zone (i.e., hiking and eating street food).
FIRE'd @ 47 