Rosewall Creek Provincial Park is a 15-mile (24 km) drive north from Qualicum Beach, or 19 miles (30 km) southeast from Courtenay and Comox. You may take the Island Highway (19A) scenic route or the Inland Parkway (19). The park is a short two kilometres from the Cook Creek exit.

Hiking at Rosewall Creek Provincial Park is worth the effort and appears to be a well-kept secret. I have hiked it many times without meeting anyone. It is for day-use only and covers 54.3 hectares with a wonderful waterfall as your reward if you hike the full trail. Or, you may choose the short path where picnic tables are set beside a natural pool on both sides of the creek and just minutes from the parking lot. You can then follow the trail under the new inland parkway and carry on from there.

The trail is well marked and follows the creek as it weaves through large evergreens such as Douglas fir, Grand fir, Western Red Cedar, Western Hemlock, and Sitka Spruce. Alder and Maples and other leafy deciduous intersperse among the many evergreens to lend their showy leaves to the landscape. Remember to look up at the forest’s canopy above you. Fungi, mushrooms, and ferns carpet the forest floor along with roots that rise up out of the earth and threaten to trip you. Many species of birds live in this forest as well, and the coho salmon return to this protected creek to spawn in the fall. The fall season is a wonderful time to visit as the deciduous trees drop their leaves and create a riotous display of foliage and colour.

Near the start of the trail, but after you have gone under the inland highway, is one of my favourite locations. You come upon a pool and across the water is a wall of clay, which has a natural spring that pours out into the creek. It is a lovely spot to sit and ponder.

The trail is well maintained with a few hills that are easy to negotiate and you cannot get lost. As you continue to follow the path you will come to a viewpoint where you can see the larger falls. There is also a smaller waterfall – so don’t be tricked when you see it first because the bigger one is a little bit farther along. Now here I will give a warning as it is rougher getting to the base of the larger waterfall and isn’t considered safe. BC Parks does not maintain this portion of the trail and you are out of bounds of the park. However, there are a few spots where you may view the waterfall while you sit on large stones and enjoy your lunch while staying in the park’s boundaries. Remember to be cautious of small wildflowers and plant life and adhere to the rules and take out what you bring in. Enjoy this lovely park and share the experience with friends.

Please Note: This is a walking trail; cycling is on the roadways only. Dogs are to be kept on a leash at all times. Rosewall Creek Provincial Park also has a wheelchair accessible loop.

This article was written by Dona Naylor of Island Times Magazine. Visit the BC Parks website for more information about our parks.

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