Hike of the Week: Della Falls Trail

This weekly series aims to inspire you to go out there and experience amazing backpacking locations in person. Simply looking at them on your phone or monitor is not enough. Feel the wind, breathe the air and bask in the sun.

Our hike this week is the popular and gorgeous Della Falls Trail in Central Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

Why This Hike?

This multi-day hike takes us through the rich forests and up a mountain on the Della Falls trail in Strathcona Provincial Park.

Distance: 29 kilometers (18 miles)
Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation gain: 3,500 feet
Best time to visit: June-October
4 days are recommended to complete this hike.
Della Falls is one of Canada's tallest waterfalls at 440 meters (about 1,400 feet)!
There are several smaller falls and creeks along the trail.
Speaking of creeks, Dinkwater Creek will be a near constant on your journey.
Enjoy the views of Mt.Septimus and Mt.Rosseau from your campsite at Love Lake.
You'll have the chance to ride a cable car.
You might see wolves, deer, elk and other uncommon wildlife.
Some of the wildflowers you might see include columbine, lupine, Indian paintbrush, and heather.

Take note of these factors before starting your adventure:

Parts of the trail may be steep. It will take you through the forest and up the mountain, so expect some climbing.
Be ready for creek crossings.
Expect sudden rains with cold weather.
Pack light; the trail takes you through valleys and up a mountain.
There are several bridge crossings; steel, wood, and even log bridges
Cell phone service is difficult at the park, but satellite phones should work.
You should also be aware of landslides, rockfalls, and lightning amongst other natural hazards.

How Do I Get There?

The Della Falls trailhead is only accessible by water through Great Central Lake. You have the option of paddling a canoe or taking the Della Falls Water Taxi. Reservations have to be made in advance and are available from May to September. There are daily trips which would normally take around 50 - 60 minutes one way, depending on the weather.

See the Resources section below for their website and more information.

Map of Recommended Route

The following outlines our recommended route. Click the "Load Interactive Map" button to load the correct map. Once loaded, you can navigate along the route and view recommended campsites.

For even more detailed mapping, including being able to print a copy for yourself, click the "Open in CalTopo" button at the top of the map once it's loaded into view.

Day 1: Trailhead to Della Falls Camp (8.25 miles)
Day 2: Della Falls Main Camp to Love Lake (1.75 miles)
Day 3: Love Lake to Della Falls Base Camp (2.4 miles)
Day 4: Della Falls Base Camp to Trailhead (9 miles)

Trail Description

Day 1 - Trailhead to Della Falls Camp

We start off our hike from the BC Parks Dock trailhead. The trail is relatively easy for the first 14 kilometers with stone and soil trails. It is advisable to have a break and take your lunch at Margaret Creek because the trail will get a bit difficult with landslide areas, muddy creeks, boulder fields and a ride on a cable car. This will also be the start of an increase in elevation. But once you reach the Della Falls camp at the banks of Drinkwater Creek, you’ll get a chance to rest and set up camp for the night.

Day 2 - Della Falls Camp to Love Lake

Start off your next day early and enjoy the wild flora around you. You may even have the chance to pick some blueberries to add to your breakfast. From here you will be hiking further up the mountain and get a view of Della Falls, Della Lake, Beauty Falls, Nine Peaks, and Big Interior Mountain. Continue the climb up until you reach the gorgeous Love Lake. We suggest spending the 2nd night here so you have enough time to enjoy the lake.

Day 3 - Love Lake to Della Falls Base Camp

From Love Lake, head back south on the trail until you reach Della Falls Trail again. From there head west up to the base of Della Falls. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the falls and set up camp.

Day 4 - Della Falls Base Camp to Trailhead

The last part of the hike takes you back down through Della Falls trail to BC Parks Dock trailhead. You have the option of cutting down the hike to 3 days by skipping the Love Lake leg of the trail.

What Will I Need?

The hike is best between June and October. But, you will still need to wear warm clothes and waterproof hiking boots because of unexpected rains and muddy trails. It's a good idea to bring an extra pair of footwear and socks.

Speaking of surprise rain storms, a tarp makes an excellent, quick shelter. You can also use this in conjunction with a mesh bivy for nighttime. A down sleeping bag or quilt will keep you warm at night. And, of course, a good sleeping pad goes a long way in nighttime comfort and warmth too!

Bug spray is also important for this trek. Mosquitos love wet areas. It would be best to spray early on and not wait for them to attack.

Although there are a lot of creeks on the trail, it's still best to treat water before you drink it or use it for cooking. It is also advisable to fill up your containers whenever you have the chance. Water may be difficult to get at some parts of the trail, especially in summer.

If there's anything else you need to complete your pack, visit our full line of high-quality, affordable backpacking gear.

Shop Backpacking Tents
Shop Ultralight Tarps
Shop Backpacking Quilts
Shop Down Sleeping Bags
Shop Insulated Sleeping Pads
Shop Backpacking Pillow
Shop Folding Trekking Poles
Shop Titanium Cookware
Shop Tent and Tarp Accessories

Finally, to make sure you don't forget something at home, use our Ultimate Backpacker's Packing List. It even includes a convenient printable checklist!

Do I Need a Permit?

There are no camping fees or permits necessary for this trail. The park has a LEAVE NO TRACE policy in place so bring your own trash bags. Camping is only allowed on the designated campgrounds: