Yilan's mountain trails are like hiking treasures forgotten in the northeast corner. These trails aren't built to conquer peaks, but to get close to the valleys deeply carved by the Dongshan River and Lanyang Stream, as well as the waterfalls and hot springs hidden among the forests.
If you've seen those stunning photos of waterfalls hanging from moss-covered cliffs online, they most likely come from Yilan. Yilan's mountain areas have a rare 'waterfall cluster' phenomenon in Taiwan—a valley upstream often chains together 5 to 7 waterfalls, some dropping over 30 meters, others as gentle as velvet. This landscape miracle comes from Yilan's unique geology: the Central Mountain Range meets the Snow Mountain Range here, plus abundant northeastern monsoons bring plentiful water, creating the most active stream topography in all of Taiwan.
What's even more noteworthy is that Yilan's mountains are the traditional territory of the Atayal people. Datong Township and Nan'ao Township still have the strongest Atayal culture in Taiwan today. Many trails aren't modern inventions but follow the ancient paths that Atayal hunters have walked for hundreds of years—every step you take pulses with culture.
In recent years, as global ecotourism has grown, Yilan's mountain trails have attracted more and more international hikers, with annual hiker growth exceeding 20%. This has also prompted local communities to update trail safety facilities and hiking guide systems, making these pristine secret spots both retain their wild nature and become more accessible.
Recommended Destinations
1. Xinliao Waterfall Trail (Wufengqi Scenic Area)
The most accessible yet surprising waterfall trail in Yilan. From the trailhead to the first waterfall takes about 20 minutes, with crystal-clear stream water and a natural pool beneath the falls. The trail follows Wufengqi Stream through lush broadleaf forests, with different ferns and mosses showcasing creative life expressions on cliff walls each season. A round trip to the second waterfall takes about 1.5 hours with moderate difficulty, making it a top choice for family hikes. Local guides often mention this trail was traditionally a shortcut to mountain hunting grounds for the Atayal people.
2. Shengping Mountain Trail
The charm of this trail lies in the dual surprise of 'elevation change' and 'viewspan'. Starting from the Lanyang Plain, hikers ascend about 800 meters to Shengping Mountain (elevation 1,236 meters), passing through mixed coniferous and broadleaf forests, bamboo groves, and alpine meadows. At the summit, you'll see the Lanyang Plain's town lights, Yilan Bay's coastline, and the northern Yin-Yang Sea. Morning hikers and sunset seekers frequently visit. The round trip takes approximately 6-7 hours, requiring moderate to high physical effort, but the rewards are absolutely worth it.
3. Nan'ao Nanxi Trail
An ecological trail maintained by the Nan'ao Atayal tribe, and one of Yilan's most pristine valley secret spots. The trail follows the Nan'ao Nanxi valley upward, passing through 3 waterfalls and multiple natural pools. The third waterfall drops nearly 40 meters, creating a misty white smoke when water volume is high. Along the way, you can see remnants of traditional Atayal bamboo traps, and tribal guides will share hunting culture stories. Due to minimal commercial development, the trail retains its most original state—cool stream water in summer, only accessible during winter's dry season. Round trip takes approximately 4-5 hours.
4. Fushan Botanical Garden Surrounding Trails
For those seeking 'scientific hiking', the Fushan Botanical Garden's trail system is a rare choice in Taiwan. The garden is located in the upper reaches of Lanyang Stream at about 600 meters elevation, featuring a complete temperate forest ecosystem. There are 3 circular trails with increasing difficulty—from ecological ponds, banyan paths to marsh areas, every step feels like decoding the mountain forest's secrets. Bird watching in spring, butterfly observation in summer, and maple leaf viewing in autumn and winter make each season distinctive. Online reservation is required in advance, with a daily limit of 200 visitors—this is also a thoughtful approach to protecting the ecosystem.
5. Jiuliao Trail
Yilan's emerging popular trail, widely loved by family hikers for its 'water affinity'. The trail is approximately 3.5 kilometers long, following Jiuliao Stream past multiple natural pools and small waterfalls. Trail facilities are well-developed with wooden plank roads and stone-paved paths, suitable for all ages. The most unique feature is the 'four-tier waterfall' at the trail's end, which presents different appearances in different seasons: like a white silk curtain in rainy season and fine threads in dry season. Round trip takes about 2.5 hours, making it a tea-time级别 of hiking experience.
Practical Information
Transportation
Yilan is located about 60 kilometers northeast of Taipei. Taking a bus from Taipei to Yilan Station takes approximately 1.5 hours (fare NT$120-160) via Guoguang or Kamalan buses, then transfer to Yilan Bus or Taiwan Tour Bus to reach various trailheads. Self-driving recommended: from Taipei via the Snow Tunnel (National Highway 5), about 50 minutes to Yilan City. Parking at all trailheads is free, but spaces are tight on weekends—suggest departing before 6 AM.
Admission and Fees
Most trails are free, but some require registration:
- Nan'ao Nanxi Trail: Managed by tribal guides, guide booking recommended (approximately NT$1500/person)
- Fushan Botanical Garden: Adult admission NT$200, requires advance online reservation
- Other trails (Wufengqi, Shengping, Jiuliao): Free
Guide Services: Both the Yilan Hiking Association and Nan'ao Atayal Tribe offer local guide services, costing approximately NT$1000-2000/day (depending on group size). Strongly recommend hiring a guide for first-time visitors—not only can you deeply understand cultural stories, but it also ensures safety.
Operating Hours and Seasons
Open year-round, but recommended visiting periods:
- Spring (March-May): Beautiful flower season, refreshing mountain air, moderate hiking crowds
- Fall (September-November): Stable weather, best visibility, suitable for challenging more difficult trails
- Winter (December-February): Strong northeastern monsoons, frequent fog, high stream water levels, some trails temporarily closed
- Avoid: Typhoon season (June-August), with mountain water accumulation, low visibility, and high rockfall risks
Travel Tips
Safety First: Rain in Yilan's mountains comes quickly and goes quickly, with stream water levels rising at an alarming rate. Always check weather forecasts before departure and bring sufficient drinking water (at least 2 liters). Hiking shoes need anti-slip treads, as moss-covered stones are particularly slippery.
Respect Nature and Culture: These trails pass through traditional Atayal territory, with some paths being ancestral routes passed down through generations. Don't step on surrounding vegetation, don't leave trash, and don't collect wild plants. If hiring local guides, their fees directly support the tribal community—every expenditure helps support cultural preservation.
Seasonal Restrictions: Due to the steep Nan'ao Nanxi valley, it's only suitable during summer's dry season; entry is prohibited during rainy season (May-October). Fushan Botanical Garden operates year-round with reservation system, requiring 2-week advance booking during spring bird season. Shengping Mountain Trail has slippery surfaces in winter, so hiking poles are recommended.
Experience Options: For those with limited time, Xinliao Waterfall and Jiuliao are ideal for half-day trips. For challenging adventures, Shengping Mountain and Nan'ao Nanxi require full-day commitment. For learning opportunities, Fushan Botanical Garden's guided courses are highly worthwhile.
What makes Yilan's mountain trails most attractive isn't just the waterfalls and streams themselves—but when walking among them, you can feel the dialogue between the mountains and people: the footprints of Atayal ancestors, the dreams of modern hikers, and the ecological stories that nature is constantly creating.
