Bosuemarne Falls
Markus posing in front of the upper falls at Bosuemarne Falls
On one of the last major trips that we did, we made our way out to Lindeman Lake. To this day, it is still one of our favourite lakes although the hike itself was a bit of a workout. This time, we found ourselves driving along the same path towards Lindeman Lake, so much so that we even found ourselves on the same parking lot when we accidentally drove past the trailhead we were looking for.
Compared to Chilliwack Lake and Lindeman Lake which are roughly 3 kilometres down, Bosuemarne Falls is a lot less popular, but not necessarily any less scenic and beautiful. Although this hike is more hidden and can be a little tricky getting to the end, the view at the end of the waterfalls is absolutely amazing.
About Bosuemarne Falls
Markus walking along the beginning path at Bosuemarne Falls
Length: 2.5km
Traffic: Low
Route Type: Out & Back
Bosuemarne Falls is located about 30 minutes past Chilliwack and kilometres before Chilliwack Lake and Lindeman Lake. Compared to these two lakes, Bosuemarne Falls is not as popular and more hidden - so hidden that we drove right past the entrance and wound up at the parking lot to the trailhead for Lindeman Lake. Circling back, we found the nook and the entrance for Bosuemarne Falls, so we parked along the road and began our trip.
There are actually two entrances that become one on the way to Bosuemarne Falls and out of all the maps that we've seen, AllTrails has the best view of it. Unfortunately the best description of the trailhead that we can give you is that it's a nook off to the side of the road (enough to fit a car). If you're driving in the area, you'll have to just keep your eyes open and if you're lucky, there will be other cars parked in the area that serve as cues for where the trailhead is. You'll be able to find parking along the road from the trailhead.
Markus cutting through the tall shrubs at Bosuemarne Falls
We should also mention that the reception is a bit spotty out there. The AllTrails app served us well especially since it worked as a GPS without reception, but be aware of this in case you're planning on looking up the location once you're closer because you might not be able to.
The trailhead that we started at (the left, western-most one) had a small ditch right at the beginning. It's easy to cross and once you're on the other side, you'll find a trail although it's not very well-groomed. There are two very distinct experiences on this trail. The beginning half cuts through a lot of tall plants on a narrow path to take you into the woods. When you emerge out of the shrubs and begin to enter the forest, you'll been met with two teepees (one small one), which lets you know that you're on the right track.
Markus finding the teepee landmark at Bosuemarne Falls
Right around this area are where the lower falls are located. It is mostly overgrown with moss and trees and not exactly a scenic area to stop for photos. You can spend some quiet time here, but we would recommend you to keep going towards the upper falls. While the view at the end is exceptional, the trail to the upper falls has a couple tricky spots, so proceed with caution.
Once you get past the lower falls and on the way towards the upper falls, you will be met with a makeshift bridge without rails. It really is just two logs with planks laid on top. The water's rushing right below it and for this reason, we highly recommend leashing your dog. If you're not comfortable taking this bridge with your dog, then don't do it (also because it doesn't get easier on the other side). The log is fairly wide, but it's also not all that secure and will bounce a bit as you're walking on it.
Markus testing to see if the rickety bridge at Bosuemarne Falls is any good
Not far after crossing the bridge, you will come across another log with notches on it that serves as makeshift stairs. It's not the end of the world if you happen to fall off the log, but the sides are a bit muddy without much space for stepping onto. You will have to be careful with your balance, especially if you're leading your dog upwards.
At the top of the makeshift stairs is a rocky area that you might have to use your hands to help you up, but the waterfall is waiting for you just beyond it. The waterfall is beautiful and since the trail is quiet, you can pause and take as many photos as you like! Although there are some difficult parts along this trail on the way up, the view at the end makes it absolutely worth it.
What we liked
The waterfall at the end of the hike is spectacular. It's especially neat because you can get nice and close to it.
The trail was fairly quiet as we only passed by two other groups of hikers.
We loved the landmark of the two teepees by the entrance of the forest!
What we didn't like
The makeshift bridge and stairs makes those two areas a little bit more suspect. Proceed with caution.
It's a little harder to find and the reception is not as great out here. The AllTrails app (which surprisingly still works without reception) is perhaps the best resource out there.
Our Recommendation for Reactive Dogs
We would recommend this trail especially since it's fairly quiet, but it should be noted that the trails and the paths can be quite narrow, especially the beginning parts as you're cutting through the shrubs and before you enter the forest. The area around the lower falls isn't too bad and - lucky for us - this was where we passed another dog.
Markus finding sweet serenity at the base of Bosuemarne Falls
The makeshift bridge and stairs and the rocky area are quite limited in space so it could be difficult if your dog starts reacting to other dogs around this area. Although the views at the upper falls are amazing, it might not be the easiest for a reactive dog, but the saving grace is that the trail isn't very busy as we only passed by two other groups of hikers.
Another note and although we didn't come across one, there have been warnings by other hikers to be bear aware. Consider attaching a bear bell to the dog.
Disclaimer
Markus is a reactive, but not aggressive dog. His instinct is to avoid other dogs and he may growl, bark or lunge if provoked, but will not attack. We normally do not have issues with leashed dogs when both sides are controlled, but we will be on guard when an oncoming dog is not leashed. There are varying levels to a dog’s reactivity and only you can decide if this park, trail or hotel is appropriate for your dog. Our visits generally will not include off-leash areas; most experiences shared on The Markus Project are within leashed or undefined areas.
Please remember that our past experience visiting a park, trail or hotel may not be the same as your experience at the same park, trail or hotel. We have no control of who visits the park and whether they adhere to park rules - like leashing their dogs on leash-required paths - or not. Please use your discretion with the information provided and with your personal knowledge of your dog’s reactivity when visiting these parks, trails or hotels.
