Type of hike: Interior Backcountry, Linear/Out & back
Difficulty: Very Challenging
Time: 2 to 3 days (8 to 10 hours hiking time)
Distance: 24 kms / 15 miles
On this overnight hiking journey you will see green and feel like you are in a rainforest, ferns growing up to 4 feet tall, and view the highest waterfalls in the park; Agawa Falls at 85 feet.
TStep into another world - this first 45 minute section is a corridor of ferns and maple saplings on a level to downward, well-groomed, tranquil path until reaching Burnt Rock Pool. A sign directs you down to the rocky shore where you can stop for lunch, fish, relax by the river and take a few photos. There is a
campsite here, near the water, nestled in the tree line. Burnt Rock Pool is where you will start to see the high cliffs of the canyon that run along the Agawa River.
Continuing on ... the trail sign here, reads “7kms to the Agawa Falls. Caution - take care, there is steep, rugged and challenging terrain up ahead.” This is where the real hike begins, and it will take you about 3 to 4 hours from here to reach the bottom of the falls, depending on your physical conditioning. Between Burnt Rock Pool and the bottom of the Agawa Falls there are three campsites.
As you make your way up and down the side of the canyon hills, you’ll come out to view the river on a sandy shore and be enveloped by the cliffs for about 30 minutes, and then downhill for about another 30 minutes. If you are here in the summer the berry bushes are usually full with ripe, tart blueberries. Soon you can hear the rushing water of the falls. The campsite here is a perfect location ... a romantic view of the falls beside a calm pool of water. It will take another 30 minute hike, uphill to reach the
top of the falls where there is another campsite. When the sun is shining, a rainbow almost always appears from the mist. The view is spectacular!
Note: Times will vary depending on the weather, trail conditions, and physical conditioning. This is only a general scenic guide; refer to your park map available at the Agawa Bay Visitors Centre or Park Office at Red Rock. Check with the park staff for up to date trail conditions.