Just off Highway 19, the Galrymole (Dalrymple) Creek Interpretive Trail is one of those hidden North Island gems that’s perfect for stretching your legs and stepping into a quiet coastal rainforest.

This short forest walk winds through towering second-growth and pockets of old-growth, following the gentle flow of Dalrymple Creek. Along the way, you’ll pass interpretive signage that shares insight into the local forest ecosystem and logging history—making it more than just a walk, but a small educational experience in the heart of Vancouver Island.

The highlight is the creek itself—flowing over rocks and small waterfalls, surrounded by moss-covered forest that feels calm, cool, and deeply West Coast.

Trail Details

Distance: ~1 km out & back (or short loop sections) 

Time: 15–30 minutes (up to 1 hour if exploring slowly) 

Elevation Gain: ~30 m 

Difficulty: Easy 

Route Type: Out & back / partial loop options 

What to Expect

• Lush rainforest with moss, ferns, and tall trees

• Small waterfalls and creekside views

• Interpretive signs about forest ecology & logging history

• Rustic picnic tables along the trail and at the trailhead

• Dog-friendly (on leash) 

Quiet, low-traffic trail—often you’ll have it to yourself

Good to Know

• Located about 5–10 minutes south of the Sayward junction on Highway 19 

• Off Track Travel

• Small parking area right off the highway

• No washrooms on site

• Great quick stop between Campbell River and the North Island

Why It’s Worth the Stop

This isn’t a big “destination hike”—and that’s exactly the point.

It’s a slow, grounding forest walk. The kind where you hear the creek before you see it, breathe in that damp cedar air, and feel like you’ve stepped off the highway into something much older and quieter.

Perfect for families, road trippers needing a break, or anyone wanting a quick rainforest experience without a long hike