Trail: Englishman River Estuary, Parksville
Distance Walked: 4.3 km
Walking Time: 1 hr
Trail Rating: Easy
Trail: Rosewall Creek Trail, Comox
Distance Walked: 7.4 km
Walking Time: 2.5 hrs
Trail Rating: Moderate
Combined Distance Walked: 11.7 km
We had planned to hike The Abyss in Nanaimo today. We were actually on our way there when a nail in our SUV tire had other plans for us. Luckily, a local mechanic was available. Seeing us decked out in full hiking gear, he suggested that we head over to the Englishman River Estuary while waiting. It was an excellent idea.
Just over an hour later, our tire was restored, and so were we. In a quick change of plans, we decided to forego The Abyss for today, and to give Rosewall Creek a try. Alltrails lists this trail as 5.8 km. Recording it on our Alltrails App, we found that it was a bit longer, but we may have added an extra loop. Alltrails rates this trek as ‘easy’. Due to some tight, narrow sections near drop-offs, as well as many rock and root obstacles, a rating of ‘moderate’ is likely more appropriate.
Here’s an example of some of the terrain which varies throughout. It definitely is not stroller-friendly.
Regardless, this trail is worth the effort. Rosewall Creek is a second-growth forest of Hemlock, Douglas Fir, Grand Fir, Sitka Spruce, and Western Red Cedar. It reveals remaining springboard cuts used by fallers in decades past. To reward you for your commitment, it ends with a peaceful waterfall. Good hiking shoes and an adequate sense of balance are a must.
Tomorrow we will once again set off for the Abyss. The following day we will be joined by two ‘special guest hikers’. We look forward to seeing you then!
#30hikesin30days
Retirement Reflections 
Root obstacle is right! Wonderful picture of you inside that tree, and the waterfall is enchanting.
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Hi, Laurie – The waterfall was enchanting. It was a definite obstacle course to get to it, but well worth it. Thank you so much for so diligently following along. Your kind words have been very motivating!
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You might add a walking poles rating. And if there is a place for refreshments āļøšŗšāāļø
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Hi, Ann – That’s a good idea. I do find that hiking poles are a very personal decision. I personally was grateful for my poles today — but I did see very few others with them. Hellions I say! š
Refreshments are not usually a part of the provincial hikes that we have been doing. But drinks and snacks are a bonus at city walks and harborfronts.
Thanks so much for following along.
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Donna,
This is a great example of getting a lemon and creating lemonade…only the lemon was a nail. I admire your flexibility. Great photos. Joe
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Hi, Joe – Thanks again for your kind words. Richard and I have taken a very flexible approach to these hikes. We usually select them the night before, and then often change our minds in the morning and go with a different choice. Although we aim for an overall 10 km per day, sometimes its more and sometimes. less. It works well this well.
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So nice you have so many great trail opportunities where you live. Cheers!
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Thanks so much for following, John and Susan. We are definitely spoiled for choice!
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All those obstacles are very Bruce Trail-ish (and Iām sure Joanne will agree). Will feel like āhomeā when I get there. Looking forward to you posting about the Abyss. Checking out Colliery Dam Park and the Abyss is on my to-do list!
Deb
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Hi, Deb – I would love to hike the Bruce Trail. I have enjoyed all of the posts that I have read on this topic. I’m glad that the Abyss in on your list. I think that you will really like it.
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Deb knows me well š I do prefer challenging terrain.
Note to self – don’t forget to pack the hiking poles.
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“Good hiking shoes and an adequate sense of balance are a must” LOL that leave me out. Nice pictures.
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Hi, Janet – Richard and I are trying to select a wide variety of hikes so that there is something for everyone. If this hike is not one that you would enjoy, there will definitely be others that may interest you. Then all you would have to do is to come to Vancouver Island. That would be awesome! š
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Hi Donna, love the photo of you hiding in the tree. Magical. I love trees and their roots, although I realise you would need to tread carefully so as not to trip. Trees are always ‘old souls’ to me and stand tall and majestic. Another enchanting hike. You are really pushing through them! xx
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Thanks so much, Sue. Trees are ‘old souls’ to me as well. You really do need to return to Canada. I would love to share some of these hikes with you!
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How nice to find another trail to hike as recommended by a local, Donna. Such beauty in these woods! I wonder if the tree is a gate to another portal?
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Profound question, Terri. Now you have me thinking!
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š
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Was that particular hike on your radar screen before, or was it serendipitous to discover it through the mechanic? Either way, good for you to be able to get your hike in despite your tire’s other plans.
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Hi, Jans – I have walked the Estuary before and love that place. I thought that it might be too short on its own for a hike in this series. Combining it with another hike was absolutely perfect. However, I could write heaps and heaps about the Estuary. Be glad that I stopped myself! š
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I agree with your comment yesterday – you are worse than Richardxat hide and seek! Your camouflage is rubbish š.
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Hi, Anabel – Your comment made me laugh out loud! Thank you for the evening giggle!
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Donna, Too funny about your hiding. No seeking required š A very nice hike despite the rocks and roots. Waterfalls are always an attraction.
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Thanks, Natalie. I do have a fear of heights. So the sections of narrow trail beside the dropoffs were not my favourite. But this is definitely a hike worth doing. I loved everything (else) about it!
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Oh no, not a nail. Hate when that happens. At first I thought it was a blocked road when I saw the fallen tree.
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Hi, Dee – Fortunately it was not a blocked road. Just the forest being a forest. Ahtough that picture did make me sad and I almost did not use it.
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Hi Donna – sorry about the tyre – but wonderful sensible mechanic … do something while it’s being fixed. That trail looks delightful, while the fallen tree looks to be blown down – a tree that’s had its time … at least apparently not demolished. stay safe – Hilary
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Thanks, Hilary – Yes, that mechanic was really switched on. It was so much better than waiting a full hour at the coffee shop that was right next door to his shop!
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Roots and fallen trees can certainly up the level, but the track looks really lovely.
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Hi, Jo – This second-growth forest and waterfall is very lovely. The narrow, uneven sections of path immediately beside a drop-off weren’t my favourites. Fortunately, those sections were short and over quickly!
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Those roots are gnarly — full stop for any photos or looking around. I haven’t been to Englishman river estuary for a few decades but I remember it well.
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Hi, Bernie – The roots certainly were gnarly. And the estuary is beautiful and very memorable. Thanks so much for following along. I greatly appreciate it
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It can be hard to navigate tricky ground but what a sense of accomplishment when one does. A sense of balance definitely required. Lovely photos Donna, thank you for sharing with us š
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Thanks, Susan – Following the trail rating system, I opted for more comfortable trail shoes, rather than ones with better grip. Next time I will know better. Live and learn! š
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This might not be where you were headed to, but it is beautifully unique nonetheless. I like you posing as part of a tree. That tree is amazingly large.
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Thanks, Ally – The hikes that day turned out great, and we were still about to see The Abyss the next day. The Universe does have a way of sending out her message!
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Darn on the nail, yet staying flexible and a new, beautiful area. You can fit inside that tree Donna, because you have gone on a million hikes this month.š Beautiful photos!
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Not quite one million…but there are some mornings when it does feel that way! š
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The winter before we moved Here, we rented a house in Parksville for a month. It was near the Englishman River Estuary, and we spent many happy hours wandering around there. I havenāt yet hiked Rosewall Creek, but Iāve seen the signs for it many times going back and forth from the ski hill.
Jude
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HI, Jude – I remember when you rented that Painter’s Cottage (or was it Artist’s Cottage). It seems like just yesterday. How does the time fly by so much more quickly these days?! Thank you for stopping by and commenting. We all missed you yesterday.
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