Secret "Sanshan North Creek" Canyoning Experience in Hualien – Take a Leap into a 2-Meter-Deep Pool from the Cliff

Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun, Hualien

When it comes to water activities in Hualien, canyoning—navigating through giant rocks and deep pools amid stunning landscapes—is an experience not to be missed. If you want to avoid the crowds, the lesser-known"Sanshan North Creek"not only sees fewer visitors, but despite its moderately challenging terrain, it remains manageable for first-time canyoneers. With the guidance of professional instructors, you’ll spend 3 to 4 hours making your way upstream, tackling obstacles like rock climbing and leaping from boulders into deep pools, and walk away with an amazing sense of achievement at the end.

▲ Before entering the stream, you’ll need to walk along a small path by the riverbank.

▲ Begin walking into the water under the guide of the instructor.

▲ Sanshan North Creek has more large rocks, making it slightly more difficult than South Creek. (Photo / Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun)

Senior canyoning instructor Xiao Lai noted that compared to the popular Sanshan South Creek,North Creek is slightly more challenging, rated around a C level (lower-intermediate), and features more diverse and layered terrain.During an actual canyoning experience on Sanshan North Creek, reaching the riverbed requires first traversing a mountain trail before stepping into the stream and beginning the upstream hike.

▲ The terrain of Sanshan North Creek is richer and the layers more distinct.

▲ Sometimes you even have to climb up waterfalls against the current, relying on your own muscular endurance.

Varying in size and shape, the massive boulders sometimes help you cross the stream, and other times they become challenging obstacles to overcome. As the elevation changes, what starts as a breezy walk along the riverbed gradually turns into a test of strength—you’ll need to use both hands and feet, and even your full body, to clamber over one boulder after another.

▲ You can take a short break at the waterfall SPA, play in the water, and pose for photos.

▲ You can also belly-flop into the water. (Photo / Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun)

The deeper you go, the more you’ll encounter powerful waterfalls formed where the creek flows between rocks. Canyoning instructors fondly call these waterfalls “SPAs.” Visitors can sit in front of the cascades and strike fun poses for photos. If the pool is deep enough, you can also stand on a boulder, turn your back to the water, and dive straight in, creating a huge splash. In the scorching sun, it’s refreshingly cool and invigorating. After snapping photos, you’ll then need to figure out how to climb back up the waterfall—a true test of your overall strength.

▲ When climbing up waterfalls, instructors will assist from the front and back.

Perhaps the most memorable part is the cliff jump. Using a rope, you’ll climb up a roughly 2-meter-high boulder, with your feet dangling above a crystal-clear—but deceptively bottomless—deep pool. Looking down from above might make you hesitate, but that’s when the instructor will “lend you a hand,” helping you plunge into the water in an instant. The moment you surface, all you’ll want to do is shout with excitement and jump again.

▲ Jumping from a boulder about 2 meters high into the deep pool takes some courage... but of course, the instructor will give you a boost too. (Photo / Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun)

Xiao Lai explained that every canyoning route offers both easy and more challenging options, which can be adjusted based on participants’ abilities. A 3- to 4-hour trip typically covers the first stage of challenges. At this point, there’s a pool about 2 meters deep where you can slide down a natural rock water slide, climb up high and leap into the water, or simply float on your back. Thanks to the life jacket, you can easily lie back and enjoy the cool, refreshing sensation.

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