quality falls and quality canyon

The trail leading to Quality Falls has an easy rating and covers a round trip of 2.5 km.

The Quality Canyon trail is easy to navigate, with boardwalks over some wet areas in the first kilometer. At the 2.5 km mark, a signed fork marks the beginning of a triangular loop that follows Quality Creek on one side. You can hike the loop in either direction, but clockwise offers a more scenic although steeper route. Taking the left path at the fork leads downhill until reaching the Murray River level. The trail continues alongside the river before reaching the mouth of Quality Creek, a great spot for fishing and relaxation.

During the winter months, both Quality Falls and Quality Canyon trails can be traversed with snowshoes. However, exercise caution as both trails have some steep descents that can become slippery due to ice and snow.

Believed to have been constructed in the early twentieth century, the Quality Canyon trail holds historical significance as a pack trail that was used by pioneers like Bill Warn and John Terry to bypass the steep cliffs along the nearby Murray River. Ancient tree blazes are still visible along certain parts of the trail.

The rocks at Quality Falls are in the Kaskapau Formation and are about 95 million years old, from the early part of the Late Cretaceous Period. These rocks are overlain by sandstones and shales of successively younger ages.

Besides common forest birds like the Hermit and Swainson's Thrush, Ruby- and Golden Crowned Kinglet, and Red Breasted Nuthatch, the Quality Falls trail features unique avian species. Listen and spot the winter wren near wet areas on the trail. The black-throated green warbler can be seen here at the western edge of its range. Spot the American Dipper flying along the creek at canyon level. The Pacific-slope Flycatcher can also be seen on the creek and canyon banks, although it is less noticeable.

Quality Falls is outfitted with a picnic site and viewpoint at the falls. It is also a great spot to take a dip in the water on a warm summer day.

Exercise caution in the area below the falls as it may become slippery. Additionally, be mindful of sudden increases in water levels during summer rainstorms, which can result in flash floods.

Before the viewpoint into the canyon, a sign on a tree cautions hikers against descending during floods or high water. Braver hikers may use a rope to enter the canyon. Stay clear of the creek, particularly at the lower end where it rushes down the narrow canyon over the bottom falls. Be mindful of the risk of falling rock from above. Retrace your steps and use the rope to exit the canyon.