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Index
Parking and Entry / The Wanli River / The Forest Raod / Molishaka (Wanrong) Hot Spring / Molishaka (Wanrong) Waterfall / Getting out / The Nitty-Gritty (GPS, GPX, map, and more)
Molishaka (Wanrong) Hot Spring Area Map
Between the golden hill of the hot spring, the azure river flowing below, and the emerald jungle valley setting, it's like you've been transported to another world!
Posts in this series:
Azure Pools, a Hilltop Hot Spring, & an Awesome Name: Molishaka (Wanrong) Hot Spring (Wanli River 1)
Yuanyanggu Hot Spring (Wanli River 2)
Or, check out The Map Room's growing collection of Hot Springs in Taiwan!
The Map Room's Map of Hot Springs in Taiwan
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Introducing this week's adventure:
Molishaka (Wanrong) Hot Spring
Located in Wanrong, roughly one hour south of Hualien, the Molishaka Cave Hot Spring, also known as Wanrong Hot Spring, is a truly unique hot spring located in a cave at the top of a hot spring hill. There's a man-made pool capturing the natural hot spring water at the top. It takes about 40 minutes at a relaxed pace from the departure parking point to the destination. You need to climb up via a rope, but there's already one in place. The view from the top is really beautiful, with the gem-like, azure water of the Wanli River spreading out and flowing along below.
Parking and Entry
Eason and Ping, from OutDoorBoyZ at the Molishaka (Wanrong) and Yuanyanggu Hot Spring Trailhead
Getting to Molishaka Hot Spring is easy: Just drive to the trailhead, walk down a short trail, and head upstream! This is a beginner level trace to an incredibly accessible, and unique, hot spring that should take the casual tracer about 40 minutes one way.
Eason and Ping, from OutDoorBoyZ, head down the trial to Molishaka Hot Spring
Once you get down the trail (above) to the river, make sure to take a quick look at the marker showing where to go up (below) so you don't walk past it on the way out.
The Wanli River
David, from The Map Room, enjoys the amazing colors of the Wanli River
Head upstream along the riverside. You will need to cross a few times, but when we were there the crossings were not very difficult.
Eason heads upstream
Ping and Eason cross the Wanli River
Ping takes the lead!
The Forest Raod
After a little while, you will reach this forest road. it makes this already easy trace even easier!
There are lots of interesting things to see along the way!
Taking a break to enjoy the beautiful colors and scenery
Molishaka (Wanrong) Hot Spring
The hot spring itself is next to this abandoned bridge pillar. It's really distinctive, and makes finding the hot spring really easy!
View of the hot spring from above
Molishaka Hot Spring is unique because the water flows down to the river from a hilltop above. The chemicals have created this amazing scene, encrusting the entire hillside on their way down!
Though encased in hot spring chemicals, this rope was solid - and very helpful - when we climbed up
Natural formations at Wanrong Hot Spring in Wanrong, Hualian, Taiwan
The climb up from the Wanli River to Molishaka (Wanrong) Wild Hot Spring is fun, but also short and pretty easy (see above). Looking back down, you are treated to an amazing view of the azure river flowing through an emerald green, jungle valley with beautiful grey and white rockfaces making it all the more breathtaking!
The hot spring itself is in a manmade pool. It's a comfortable depth and can fit quite a few people at the same time. There is only one pool, though, and it's pretty popular on weekends and holidays, so you might have to share. We were really lucky that nobody else was there when we went!
Ping flies his drone from the comfort of the hot spring
Eason climbs up!
Enjoying the view
The view from the top is amazing! Between the golden hill of the hot spring, the azure river flowing below, and the emerald jungle valley setting, it's like you've been transported to another world!
Molishaka (Wanrong) Waterfall
For those who want a bit extra, there is also a waterfall just a few minutes from the hot spring. It's just up a little valley between the hot spring hill itself and the bridge pillar. Simply walk up five minutes, and you're there!
Beautiful colors at Molishaka / Wanrong Waterfall
Getting out
Eason swims in the azure pool below the hot spring hill
If getting in is easy, then getting out is a piece of cake! Heading back downstream along the way you came, you can even swim or float. If you bring an inner tube, you're sure to have a great time!
David, Eason, and Ping at the Wanli River Molishaka (Wanrong) Hot Spring in Hualian, Taiwan
See you next time!
THE NITTY-GRITTY
Molishaka (Wanrong) Hot Spring Area Map
The Map Room's Map of Hot Springs in Taiwan
GPX file: Molishaka (Wanrong) Hot Spring - The Map Room 摩里沙卡(萬榮 )溫泉 - 地圖寶庫.gpx
Check out the Map Room Members' Area for more maps, GPX links, and other members only perks!
Skill level:
Beginner
Length of trace:
Roughly 40 minutes each way
Water sources:
You could filter the water from the river, but given how close it is to some country roads, and how short the trace is, it might be better just to bring your own.
Gear and provisions:
Simple river tracing gear (see below)
Sun protection:
Yes, this is an exposed trace.
As long as you and your family are comfortable and proficient in crossing a river a few times that may be as much as waist deep for an adult. As always, be sure to check the water levels and the speed of the river first.
Dog friendly:
Yes, in theory, but see the, 'Family Friendly' section just above.
Camping /overnighting options:
Plenty! See the map and GPX (below).
Remarks:
Parking:
You can easily park at the side of the road by the trailhead.
Water:
See above and below
River tracing gear and provisions (for basic not requiring rappelling and rock climbing skills and gear):
Clothes: Should be ok for swimming and getting dirty/torn, protect from scrapes. Quick drying, non-cotton, close fitting. UV reflective for hot traces, wetsuit for colder traces.
Boots: Neoprene or other river tracing specific boots (not shoes, NOT rubber or fishing boots!) to prevent blisters. High tops to keep stones out, soles to provide good grip and prevent slipping. I prefer felt soles for extra padding, especially after prior injuries. Some prefer alternatives which prevent organisms from being transferred between various streams and rivers.
Helmet: Designed for rock climbing.
Backpack: Waterproof. IPX 8 rating (protected when immersed in water over 1 meter / 3 feet) recommended.
Rope: Non-climbing rated, floating rope (that does not absorb water and get heavy) with knots is helpful, but NOT for doing serious climbs. Use ONLY for pulling weaker swimmers through more challenging stretches of water, and perhaps helping with scrambles up short sections of difficult terrain. For advanced climbing or rappelling, get advanced climbing rope, gear, and training!
Life jacket: If you are not a strong and confident swimmer.
Phone case: IPX 8 rating (protected when immersed in water over 1 meter / 3 feet) recommended.
Water filter or other water treatment options.
Waterproof headlamp or flashlight. IPX 8 rating (protected when immersed in water over 1 meter / 3 feet) recommended.
The Map Room recommends Fenix headlamps for high-quality, durable headlamps for hiking and river tracing (Amazon affiliate link*).
Lighter (always!)
Optional gear: A bandanna, headband, or other light cloth for wiping sweat is also often useful when you are not fully immersed in water.
Drinking water:
Choose water from a fast moving, clean source. This kills certain parasites, like giardia. Check upstream for polluting factors (dead animals, droppings, etc). Look for signs of pollution (vehicle tracks, lots of footprints). It's best to filter, and possibly either boil or otherwise treat it as well.
The Map Room personally uses and highly recommends the Sawyer Squeeze water filter (NOT the Sawyer Squeeze Mini - Amazon affiliate link*)
Important river tracing safety notes:
Strength and water levels of rivers change with rain, seasons, and other factors.
ALWAYS check the weather in advance of a river trace. If there is rain upstream, it is not advisable to go, due to the risk of flash floods.
If it has rained recently, rockslides are more likely. If the sun then comes out and evaporates recent rain, they are more likely still. Wear a helmet, and be sensible!
Stopping to rest in rockfall areas, under rock overhangs, or near sheer cliffs is not advisable due to the risk of rockfalls. Look for a wider, open area with less steep rock walls.
So now you're ready to go! Get out there, enjoy nature, get wet, and have an amazing time!
Loved this article? Make sure to check out TMR's growing collection of hot spring articles!
All information on this page is intended for reference only. Preparing adequate food, water, and gear for your adventure, as well as following local rules and laws are, of course, your own responsibility! Always make sure that you check the weather for outdoor destinations, be careful and sensible for enclosed spaces like tunnels and bunkers, and bring a lighter - you never know when it could save your life! Now... get out there and have an amazing time!
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