Dales Gorge Loop

3.1 km circuit

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

Dales Gorge Loop

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

Starting from the Fortescue Falls Carpark on Dales Road, Karijini, this walk takes you on a circuit around Dales Gorge via the Gorge Rim Walk and Fortescue Falls Track. One of the most satisfying walks in Karijini National Park, this walk combines all the trails in Dales Gorge into a scenic loop. The first of many viewpoints is a short walk from the car park and shows off the views down towards Fortescue Falls. From there, the trail snakes its way along the edge of the gorge walls, providing spectacular views across the landscape to the distant hills. After passing the Dales Gorge Lookout, the trail descends steeply to a wide expanse at the bottom of the gorge, where you can take a short detour and visit the Circular Pool. The pool is not very large, but the massive amphitheatre-like space, lush green ferns and trickling water make it a truly magical spot. After visiting Circular Pool the trail widens, contracts, skirts and snakes its way through the gorge with plenty to see and photograph on the way to Fortescue Falls. Fed by a spring, Fortescue Falls is one of the few permanent waterfalls in the park, flowing even in drier years. As this place is in a spacious natural amphitheatre, you won't have problems finding a scenic place to sit. The trail continues past Fortescue Falls, crossing a series of stepping stones to reach the other side of the gorge's watercourse, where the trail forks off to either Fern Pool or up the stairs to the car park. One of the most beautiful pools in the park, Fern Pool features a small waterfall and a wooden deck platform that allows visitors easy access for swimming. From Fern Pool, the trail heads back towards Fortescue Falls and up the metal staircase towards the car park. As the longest gorge hike in Karijini, Dales Gorge is a true delight to explore thanks to the many different side trails and swimming spots, and the full loop experience provides excellent coverage of both the gorge rim and valley floor. The trail is well-marked and requires minor rock hopping and water crossings. Dales Gorge features a few seams of blue asbestos along its walls, and while it is safe in its unprocessed natural state, visitors are advised not to break off or touch any of these formations. Keep in mind that the gorges are at high risk for flash floods. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

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