Della Falls is a breathtaking waterfall in Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It is the second tallest waterfall on Vancouver Island, behind Kiwi Falls in Schoen Lake Provincial Park. Vancouver Island is famous for its natural exquisiteness, lush forests, and spectacular waterfalls.
Della Falls is 16th tallest waterfall in Canada overall, standing at 440 meters (1,440 feet). Four of the highest peaks on the island encircle the falls: Big Interior Mountain (6,103 feet), Mount Rosseau (6,437 feet), Mount Septimus (6,398 feet), and Nine Peaks (6,044 feet). Della Falls is a rocky environment that enchants both nature lovers and explorers, and getting there is a rewarding but difficult endeavor.
An even more thrilling experience is available for those who want to climb to the Love Lake overlook, which offers a panoramic view of the Della Falls region. The steep and difficult climb to Love Lake at the base of the falls provides an unmatched view point of the surrounding wilderness and the cascade.
Discovery:
Prospector and trapper Joe Drinkwater named Della Falls in honor of his wife in 1899 searching for precious metals. Joe Drinkwater constructed a 16-kilometer hiking trail that leads through Drinkwater Creek to the falls. Near the falls, there are still traces of his gold mine enterprise, including an aerial tramway he constructed. Discovered in the framework of Europe. Long before Drinkwater set foot on the falls, the First Nations Peoples knew about them. The della falls are a true hidden gem in British Columbia due to their amazing height and beauty. The waterfall is still somewhat secluded and less visited than other popular natural sites.
How to get to Della Falls
It takes a mix of boats and hiking to reach Della Falls, which is an adventure in and of itself. The Della Falls Trail offers beautiful backpacking opportunities. The only way to get to Della Falls is by boat across the entirety of Great Central Lake. Access to the lake is available only on the other side of Strathcona Park. With mountains and thick forests around it, the lake offers a breathtaking natural experience.
Helicopter travel is the only other viable option. A pier designating the start of Strathcona Park and a camping spot may be found after the 35 km crossing. This place can serve as a base camp for hikers wishing to attempt the further 9-mile journey to the base of Della Falls. Additional camping spaces can be found close to the falls’ base and along the route. The trail is rough and well-marked, with small spots that need to be used with caution, uneven ground, and fallen logs. It is an approximately seven-hour hike, appropriate for hikers of intermediate skill, (this does not include the 45.0-kilometer boat ride to the trailhead), that includes a portion that follows an old logging railway.
The sound of Della Falls grows closer as hikers near the trail’s last stretch, increasing their excitement for the astonishing vista that lies ahead. Once, visitors arrived, they were greeted with a breathtaking sight: multiple levels of cascading waterfalls, surrounded by towering cliffs and a deep green forest. The arduous trek is rewarding because of the sheer beauty and height of the falls, which provide awe and a sense of accomplishment.
Best Time to Visit Della Falls
July through September are the best times to visit Della Falls, due to better weather and easier access to the route. Since the higher elevations’ snowpack has melted during this period, there is less chance of trail closures or dangerous circumstances.
If you opt to visit in spring, then the sight of the gushing water from the melting snow is lovely, the trail can become slick and more challenging to walk. Although there are fewer people and colder temperatures in the fall, the weather can still be erratic. Because of the accumulation of snow and the increasing difficulty of path navigation, winter walks are not suggested.
Flora and Fauna
Hikers can enjoy more on the journey to Della Falls, where they can witness the abundant wildlife of Vancouver Island’s wilderness. Towering cedars, hemlocks, and Douglas firs may be seen throughout the forested walk, and the forest floor is covered in colorful ferns and mosses. Along the trail, wildlife enthusiasts may come across a variety of God creatures, such as deer, black bears, and smaller mammals.
The chance to see a range of bird species, including woodpeckers, songbirds, and bald eagles, will delight birdwatchers. The sounds of the roaring Drinkwater Creek and the woodland provide a serene and engrossing experience for hikers. Therefore, Della Falls is a genuinely exceptional and breathtaking experience. This hike is a must for anyone interested in discovering one of Vancouver Island’s hidden treasures.
Also Read: The White Water Terraces of Baishuitai
Reference 1,
