The Lupin Falls Trail is an incredible path to walk. You wander along a very pleasant trail that leads you up a few switchbacks. All around you is the heady scent of a rainforest filled with big trees, mainly fir and cedar. There are insect and bird sounds coming at you from both sides of the trail. Then, as you top the last switchback, you begin to see the falls through the trees. This is a beautiful waterfall.
To Reach Lupin Falls, take the western mine road that follows Buttle Lake until you reach Lupin Falls Park. From here you can cross the road to the trailhead or go down the trail that takes you to buttle lake. The trailhead is right across the road. As soon as you start on the trail you will come to a junction. This is a loop trail so go either way. We always seem to stay right, as you head out you will follow a pretty little creek that has such thick and green moss on its banks.
I have walked many of Vancouver Islands trails, short and long, flat or steep and this is one of my top trails. It’s the forest and the moss, walking on the moss as the stream gurgles at the path’s edge is exhilarating. Then you reach the falls and are overwhelmed with their beauty.
I used to love running this trail after I got my new knee brace, that brace kept me hiking while I waited for my new knee. The best part about this trail is a loop meaning you can do as many laps as you want.
This is so worth the drive up to Buttle Lake. You can also visit Karst Creek Falls Trail and both lower and upper Myra Falls Trails. Then there are the other trails that start at the roadside, like Ralph River Trail and Ginger Trail, plus many more. It’s best to get to Buttle Lake early and make a day of it.
Watch for wildlife as you are likely to see some, you could see black bears, elk, deer or any of the smaller creatures, so have your camera ready.