Lupin Falls

Vancouver Island

This narrow waterfall is quite picturesque, and is accessed via a great little looop hike.

Hiking Easy

Distance: 573 m
Ascent: 27 m
Descent: 27 m
Duration: 0-1 hrs

Low Point: 265 m
High Point: 293 m
Gradient: 12˚

Lupin Falls is the smallest of the waterfalls included in this roundup in Strathcona Provincial Park, and yet this hike is one of the most rewarding. On this short loop, you'll traverse through a deep section of the rainforest, walking beneath towering trees and through an understory of fern and moss. You'll cross the creek as you hike via a beautiful wooden bridge and enjoy the opportunity to soak in the beauty and wildness of the rainforest.

Photo from Lupin Falls — Photo: Greg Heil

Description

The waterfall itself is a small cascade crashing down a narrow cleft in the rock cliff. While there isn't nearly as much water falling down Lupin Falls as there is in Lower Myra Falls or Lady Falls, the delicate line of descending water and the green, mossy backdrop provides its own unique and beautiful scenery.

The trail on this hike is also a bit more natural and rugged than some of the other short hikes in the park. While not overly technical, on parts of this hike you'll traverse a beautiful, narrow singletrack trail with a few roots crossing it as it rounds a hillside. This setting is beautiful and rewarding and will undoubtedly leave an impression upon you.

As an added bonus, if you hike the other way from the parking lot, you can also reach a beautiful view from the lakeshore.