Text / Compiled and reported by the MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
In the Songluo Tribe of the Atayal people in Datong Township, there lies a hidden path nestled among the mountains. Originally an ancient hunting trail used by the local Atayal, it was later refurbished by the Forestry Bureau and has now become one of the six established national trails in Yilan County – the National Songluo Trail.
The Songluo National Trail resembles an untouched paradise on Earth, leaving every visitor in awe. Beneath your feet lies the ecologically rich Songluo Stream. (Image provided by MoKao Editorial Team)
The Songluo Trail does not have any particularly obvious signs along the way, so most visitors tend not to notice it. But that also means there’s minimal human interference, preserving the tranquility of the trail where you can enjoy a moment of serene solitude.
The Songluo Tribe is located beside Taiwan Provincial Highway 7 in Datong Township, Yilan County, marked by clear signage. (Image source / Songluo National Trail official website)
The warm and humid climate here has created a pristine forest landscape reminiscent of a tropical rainforest, home to a remarkably rich natural ecosystem. For example, the clear Songluo Stream was once abundant with the endemic Formosan kokanee, commonly known as “bitter fish” and referred to by the Atayal people as “Tiliena.” It was once distributed across mountain streams throughout Taiwan, typically inhabiting waters at elevations between 300 to 1,000 meters, feeding mainly on diatoms, mayfly larvae, or caddisflies. At one point, overfishing caused a sharp decline in their population, but thanks to conservation efforts by local residents, the species is now gradually recovering.
The Songluo Stream, considered the most beautiful river in the Lanyang River basin. (Image source / Songluo National Trail official website)
The entrance to the Songluo National Trail. The trail is approximately 2.4 kilometers long, with detailed information available at the entrance. (Image source / Songluo National Trail official website)
Walking through the pristine Songluo Trail, you’ll find no steep terrain along the way. Rest pavilions are set up at intervals, and the trail is lined with lush tropical broadleaf and forest trees. The sounds of chirping insects and birds blend seamlessly with the gentle murmur of the clear Songluo Stream, making it easy to forget the noise and troubles of everyday life. Visiting the Songluo Trail and immersing yourself in nature’s charm is truly an experience not to be missed.
[Info]
Songluo National Trail
By car
From Yilan, take Provincial Highway 7 past Yulan, and you will arrive at Songluo Village. The entrance to the Songluo National Trail is right at the Songluo Bridge.
Public Transport
- From Luodong to Lishan, take a Ubus bus. After passing Yingshi Bridge and arriving at Yingshi Village, get off at Songluo Village to reach the Songluo National Trail.
- Take a Ubus bus from Yilan to Duli Mountain or Nanshan Village; alternatively, take a bus to Lishan or to Baling, and get off at Songluo Village to reach the Songluo National Trail.
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