Published on Sep, 2024
This is a beautiful 1.3Km hike to the bridge, one way. Probably 1Km to the viewing benches. I was very nervous when one reviewer posted how strenuous this hike was. I enjoy leisurely hiking every now and then in Vancouver, WA parks and waterfalls areas. Yes, you are going up and down rocky terrain, dirt trails and over tree roots to get to the viewing area. The sign at the start of the trail states 20 minute hike. Maybe if you are an avid hiker/climber on a mission but for the average person, plan on 45min to enjoy the area.
There are stairs in areas and boardwalks too. I brought my own hiking poles but the tour did provide one per person if you way to use one. We were also given "bear bells" (a jingle bell) and bug spray if we wanted. There are modern "out houses" with toilet paper in the parking lot. Our guide, Felix, proved wet wipes to clean our hands.
Take your time on the hike if you need too. Your guide should be aware you paid to enjoy the hike too.
I loved that this hike included a picnic lunch. Our lunch was a subway sandwich, either chicken or pork, a very nice touch. I think if they offered an order form to pick toppings instead of a simple email asking any dietary restrictions would have been a bonus. I would have said no mayo or cheese. I did feel bad that two ladies were vegetarian and didn't know. Also in the lunch, an apple, orange drink and protein snack. Water was provided at the beginning and end of the hike.
Our guide Felix, a student originally from Hong Kong who started this job a month ago and driver Inder were wonderful! We had two older ladies who were slower like me and Felix kept an eye on everyone with Inder staying with the slowest person (me) until we all caught up together.
It's about an hour drive from the city and we got to see the beautiful landscape that we could not see the night before. Lots of evergreen trees, lakes and pops of red fireweed.
Once at the falls, we picnicked for 30min. After this respite, we hiked to the other side of the river and saw the falls close up. Felix pointed out different plants and explained how the indigenous people used them as food and medicine.
Really, a nice way to spend the day before another night of aurora hunting. Keep an eye out for bears with cubs during the drive.... Someone caught a video of them in the distance.
