Location: Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, 4001 Alberni Hwy, Qualicum Beach BC
About the hike: This is an easy route that can be tailored to your mood. Choose the lower falls trail, and it's a quick walk to spectacular waterfalls. Or take the Upper Falls trail and continue hiking through the multiple campgrounds along the river. I got swept up in the breathtaking fall colors, exploring four miles of trails at the end of September.
From the parking area, I walked towards the picnic tables and pavilion in search of the Lower Falls trail marker. I headed down the wide, smooth trail next to the marker.
In no time, I could hear the roaring waterfalls.
The trail was lined with a wooden fence, preventing unforeseen incidents, like someone slipping down the cliff. Between the thickening forest, you could see a glimpse of the river below.
As I approached the end of the wooden fence, steep stairs appeared downward. I caught a glimpse of the falls as I navigated down the steps.
At the end of the stairwell, head across the metal bridge to get a great view of the waterfall. Once you're across the bridge, turn left and follow the trail to get an even better view of the falls and the aqua-green pools below each landing.
Click on the video below to see these spectacular waterfalls.
Continue along the trail as it twists and turns through moss-covered trees and rocks. The forest feels magical, as though you expect fairies to appear between the rocky crevices. The wispy breeze rustles the autumn-colored leaves as the sun shimmers through, turning the moss to a mystical emerald green.
It's a quick hike up to the upper falls. Find the viewpoint marker, pause, and take a break to fully appreciate the water thundering down the rocky boulders into the bubbly pool of teal blue water. Nature's beauty is enticing, drawing you into a tranquil state of relaxation.
A beautiful wooden bridge leads you back across the river, where you'll turn right towards the campgrounds.
The pathway leads you up a slight incline through a pine-covered alcove.
At the end of this pathway, you'll find a wooden bench to sit and relax and soak in the tranquility of the slow-moving area of the river.
We weaved along the soft pathway through the towering cedar trees.
I gazed upward through the trees after the sun sneaked out behind the clouds and shimmered downward.
The beauty of the fallen cedar logs sprinkled across the forest floor is impressive.
Further up the pathway, I was swallowed by the autumn vibe from the maple trees sprinkled among the pines. Their leaves were painted bountifully with oranges, reds, and yellows colors.
Mushrooms were clustered aon a fallen log at the base of the Maple tree, adding to the autumn vibe.
The trail ended at the lower falls. I took one final look back at the river before beginning the climb back up to the picnic area. After a beautiful hike, it was time to indulge in a tasty picnic lunch.
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