Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area Butterfly Valley Introduction
※Trail opening information can be found in the latest news section of the Hualien Branch of the Council of Agriculture's Forestry and Nature Conservation Administration. 【Important Announcement】The Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area will be closed for renovations starting February 5, 2025. The Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area has sustained severe damage due to the April 3 earthquake and Typhoon Kong-rey, affecting the park facilities significantly. To ensure the safety of visitors and allow nature to recuperate, the park will undergo a complete renovation and will reopen to the public in a better state. The park is temporarily closed. Please do not trespass to avoid danger! The trails in the area vary in length and incline, providing different scenic views. Visitors can choose trails that suit their physical condition and preferences to deeply experience the pristine natural beauty and appreciate the biodiversity of flora and fauna. Located in Ruisui Township, Hualien County, the Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area boasts the largest camphor tree forest and original broadleaf forest in Taiwan, and offers a beautiful natural ecology with butterflies fluttering about, hence its more familiar name—Butterfly Valley. Originally under the jurisdiction of the Hualien Forest District Office of the Council of Agriculture’s Forestry Bureau, the area was privately managed in 2004 and has since been re-planned and developed, integrating the original mountain trails, forest recreation areas, hot springs, and resorts, becoming a popular spot for hiking, sightseeing, and relaxation. The Wooden Trail can be divided into three trails: the main trail, the creek loop trail, and the mountain loop trail. Visitors can enter through the creek loop trail entrance, surrounded by a dense original forest, breathing in deeply the phytoncides emitted by the trees, allowing a complete relaxation of body and mind. Through the gaps in the branches, one can see the clear, gently flowing Fuyuan River beneath the trail, known for its clarity, earning it the nickname "White River" during the Japanese colonial era. Walking upstream along the creek for about 40 minutes will lead to a junction with the main trail; however, do not turn back just yet, as continuing along the creek will lead to the Fuyuan Suspension Bridge. The stable wooden plank bridge can be crossed with ease, allowing visitors to take in the natural scenery around, appreciating the emerald hues reflected in the Fuyuan River, and the magnificent white rocks scattered throughout the creek valley contrasting with the lush green mountain ridges, creating an awe-inspiring sight wrought by nature. The latter half of the creek loop trail features the famous Longyin Waterfall, which is currently under repair due to landslides caused by a typhoon in 2016, and is expected to reopen in 1 to 2 years for everyone to enjoy. The main trail, located in the center of the recreation area, allows for a leisurely stroll through the butterfly viewing area and the butterfly specimen museum, providing educational value and suitable for parent-child outings as visitors observe the butterflies’ growth environments and beautiful forms up close. The mountain loop trail is steep and lengthy, taking about 2 hours to complete, and is more challenging with fewer people usually attempting it, as it weaves through dense broadleaf forests. Sunlight filters down through the leaves, offering a different experience from the creek loop trail. Walking slowly on the trail creates a symphony of nature with the sounds of insects and birds, and one may frequently see little toads hopping among the bushes or various butterflies dancing about, especially in the peak butterfly-watching season from March to August. The rich diversity of plants, animals, and insects in the area serves as a forest classroom for understanding natural ecology while being a recreational spot for relaxation.
Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area - Stroll Through Butterfly Valley
Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area - Strolling through Butterfly Valley 1
