A Summer Cool-Off Paradise！4 Must-Visit Waterfalls in Yilan—Beat the Heat and Snap Forest-Chic Photos

▲Houdongkeng Waterfall offers views of the Lanyang Plain. (Photo/Provided by IG@811wei. No unauthorized reproduction to avoid copyright infringement.)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

As summer arrives and temperatures rise, if you want to go outdoors but escape the sweltering heat, head into the mountains and forests instead！Yilan boasts numerous mountain trails, many of which feature stunning waterfalls. This article rounds up 4 great waterfall spots in Yilan where you can enjoy a refreshingly cool adventure and snap forest-themed photos in the woods—killing two birds with one stone！

▲Houdongkeng Waterfall looks different from every angle. (Photo/Provided by netizen 1204samantha. No unauthorized reproduction.)

1. Houdongkeng Waterfall
Houdongkeng Waterfall is one of the famous 18 Scenic Spots of Lanyang. This small yet beautiful waterfall, accented by giant rocks on both sides, resembles a landscape painting. At the top of the waterfall lies a light blue pool, offering sweeping views of the Lanyang Plain and National Freeway No. 5—it’s a popular spot for sightseeing and photography.

Houdongkeng is also known as Baishijiao, reportedly named after the many macaques that once lived here. While enjoying the cool splash of the waterfall stream, watch your step—the creek bed is flanked by rocks eroded by water flow, with many large boulders, so proceed with caution.

Address: About a 15-minute walk along Baiyun Road, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County

▲Wufengqi Waterfall. (Photo/Authorized by IG user. No unauthorized reproduction.)chiouhan13Authorized for use only. Please do not take photos or videos without permission.

2. Wufengqi Waterfall
Wufengqi Waterfall is one of the most famous attractions in Jiaoxi. Located at the junction of the Snow Mountain Range and the Lanyang Plain, the waterfall is backed by five peaks lined up side by side, with a triangular flag-like formation, hence the name “Wufengqi” (Five-Flag Banner). Walking along the trail into the deep woods, you can choose to admire the waterfall from the viewing platform or descend to directly beneath it for an up-close view. It’s also a popular spot for locals to take walks and enjoy nature.

Address: Wufeng Road, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County

▲The shaded Linmei Shipan Trail along the way. (Photo/Sourced from Hakka Tung Blossom Theme Website)

3. Shipan Waterfall
The Linmei Shipan Trail leading to Shipan Waterfall is less than 2 kilometers long, with a gentle path that allows visitors to leisurely stroll through the mountain forests and valleys. The trail is rich in plant life, dotted with small bridges and flowing streams, offering beautiful scenery and fresh air—an easy and enjoyable way to connect with nature, loved by many tourists.

At the end of the trail, you’ll find Shipan Waterfall. The waterfall gets its name from a sturdy square sandstone slab above it, which resembles a flat “pan.” From the trail, you can admire the roaring waterfall cascading down. It’s a great place to relax while enjoying the view, then return along the gentle downhill path. With the trail shaded by greenery and free from direct sunlight, Shipan Waterfall is perfect for beating the summer heat.

Address: Linmei Village, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County (near the golf course)

▲Xinliao Waterfall, the source of the Dongshan River. (Photo/Taken from Forestry Bureau Taiwan Mountain Trails Website)

4. Xinliao Waterfall
The Dongshan River is known as the “River of Hope,” and Xinliao Waterfall is the source of this hopeful river. With the development of hiking trails, visitors now have the chance to get close to this hidden paradise. The trail is uniquely paved with wood chips made from driftwood, giving off a faint scent of timber as you walk.

The Xinliao Waterfall Trail takes about 30 minutes one way to reach the 250-meter-high waterfall. Watching the waterfall cascade while listening to the murmuring stream and gazing at the emerald lake surrounded by greenery brings a sense of peace and refreshment. The scenic trail is also gentle and easy to navigate, making it another relaxing way to connect with nature.

Address: End of Xinliao Second Road, Zhongshan Village, Dongshan Township, Yilan County