Escape into the lush coastal rainforest at Rosewall Creek, a true local secret. You can enjoy a gentle walk and a picnic by the picturesque creek near the entrance, or follow the trail further for a moderately challenging 6-kilometer round-trip hike to a stunning waterfall. The path meanders through beautiful old-growth forest, offering a peaceful and immersive nature experience just a short drive off the highway.
A 54-hectare day-use park on central Vancouver Island, known for its lush coastal rainforest and picturesque waterfalls. It is a popular spot for photography, especially in autumn when the big-leaf maples change colour.
Lieutenant Ian Philip MacDonald Picnic Area - A memorial site dedicated to a local soldier who fell during the Normandy Invasion in WWII.
Salmon Spawning: The creek is a critical spawning ground for Coho salmon, which can be seen in the pools during October.
Flora & Fauna: The forest is a mix of coniferous trees, old-growth Douglas firs, and moss-covered maples. You may also spot kingfishers, bald eagles, and various waterfowl.
Hiking Trails
Short Loop: A wheelchair-accessible path near the picnic areas that leads to a view of an abandoned railway trestle.
Rosewall Creek Falls Trail: A 7–8 km return hike that follows the creek upstream. While mostly flat, it is "rooty" and can have narrow sections due to riverbank erosion.
Waterfall Access: To reach the main falls, hikers must walk beyond the official park boundaries. The final section to the base of the falls is steep and can be slippery.
The park is located approximately 3 km south of Fanny Bay.
From Highway 19: Use the Cook Creek interchange and follow the signs for roughly 2 km.
From Highway 19A: The entrance is off Berray Road, north of Bowser and Deep Bay.