Songluohu (or Songluo Lake) is another small lake in the mountains near Yilan, Taiwan. It’s a medium difficulty hike, mostly because the trail spends a lot of time crossing slippery tree roots, rocks and muddy slopes. The 4 to 5 hour hike is well worth the effort though, as the lake itself is surrounded by small mountain peaks and is quite a unique sight.
We lead the second of our overnight hiking trips there about a week ago, so I thought I’d share the photos.
The sunrise was beautiful.
This hike can easily be done in a weekend from Taipei. We started off at 8:20 am from Xindian and, even with the heavy traffic, made it to the trail head by 11:00.
The trail is rough but easy to follow. It starts up a steep set of stairs but then flattens out for most of the 1.5 hours to the water source. After that, the trail starts to climb towards the 1,300m lake.
It was a hot and sunny day, so we were happy the trail stays in the forest for its entire length, giving shelter from the sun’s hot rays. Unfortunately, by the time we got to the lake, the sun was hidden by the usual afternoon mountains clouds. After dinner, a little rain even fell, forcing everyone to their tents for an early evening.
We awoke the next morning to the clouds being beautifully burned off the lake, revealing blue skies and reminding us why we go to all the effort to hike to these beautiful places.
A quick stop for adjustments at the beginning of the hike.
My boot is a US size 11, so that's about a 24 inch (60cm) worm.
This dragonfly hatched just that morning.
The trail had a couple of difficult places to traverse, but nothing too difficult.
The forest immediately surrounding the lake is often covered in fog. This causes this beautiful moss to grow on everything.
Taiwan Adventure's Songluohu Hiking Group photo.
Join out hiking group on facebook for information on future hikes!
Cheers,
-Neil
Hi Neil,
I just stumbled upon your site while googling for natural light portraits. Excellent work!!! I am just getting into serious photography and your blog is a real source of inspiration! I do not have a website at the moment as I am trying to build up my portfolio.
Keep up the good work!
John Lai
Thanks John. Good luck!
You have some really nice photographs. The first is particularly striking.
Thank you!
Wow… Very exciting adventure…
I also love hiking, but I’ve never gone to Taiwan. I do not know if in Taiwan there are lakes and hills so beautiful. During this time, I think that Taiwan only big cities are crowded.
What camera are you using? The photos it looks very clear… That there is moss on the hill was very beautiful and natural. I want to go there…
i wish to go with you!
You can Rick! Check out our facebook group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TaiwanAdventures/
Hi — am planning a trip to Yilin at Easter — will be traveling with my two daughters who are 8 and 6 and can hike for about 3-4 hours with breaks….is Songluohu too difficult for kids? they can manage quite steep climbs….but my concern is when there is no trail….any thots?
Well, it’s a bit of a long hike, it usually takes us 4-5 five hours. I think I would suggest going to Jialuohu instead. It has a steeper hike, but it is shorter and it also has more to see with a big grassy field and a few ancient trees. Have a look at these links: Jialuo Lake, or two of mine at Jialuohu. Also, if you’d like a guide, we can help you at info@taiwan-adventures.com
Cheers,
-Neil
Oh man, this is breath-taking! I didn’t even know such views existed so near me! You’ve inspired me to travel more around Taiwan! =]