Hidden among the misty mountains of northern Taiwan, Songluo Lake Taiwan is one of the island’s most mysterious natural destinations. Surrounded by dense forest and frequently covered in fog, this seasonal mountain lake has earned the romantic nickname “the Lake of the Seventeen-Year-Old Maiden.”
However, Songluo Lake is not a casual sightseeing stop. Reaching it involves a remote trail, muddy terrain, steep sections, changeable weather, limited facilities, and a mountain-entry permit. Travellers should prepare carefully before attempting the hike.
International visitors who need private transportation to the trail area can contact Justaiwantour to discuss a customized Taiwan hiking and nature itinerary. Transportation arrangements depend on your group size, luggage, planned hiking time, and whether you intend to make a day or overnight trip.
Important: Songluo Lake is a serious mountain destination. A private driver or regular sightseeing guide is not automatically a qualified mountain guide. Travellers who require hiking leadership should request an appropriately experienced or qualified guide in advance.
Table of Contents
✨ Songluo Lake Taiwan at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | 松蘿湖 |
| Common English spelling | Songluo Lake |
| Location | Near the boundary of Datong Township, Yilan County, and Wulai District, New Taipei City |
| Main access point | Songluo Village, Datong Township, Yilan |
| Elevation | Approximately 1,230–1,300 metres |
| Landscape | Seasonal mountain lake and wetland |
| Trail conditions | Muddy, steep, slippery, and rugged |
| Recommended for | Experienced and well-prepared hikers |
| Mountain-entry permit | Required under current regulations |
| Public facilities at the lake | Extremely limited |
| Best plan | Long day hike or properly prepared overnight expedition |
Yilan’s official tourism information describes Songluo Lake Taiwan as a high-mountain wetland reached by roughly 10 kilometres of muddy and rugged mountain terrain. The lake sits at approximately 1,300 metres and is frequently surrounded by mist.
1. Where Is Songluo Lake in Taiwan?
Songluo Lake is located in the Snow Mountain Range of northern Taiwan, close to the administrative boundary between Datong Township in Yilan County and Wulai District in New Taipei City.
This geographical detail can be confusing. Some maps place the lake itself within Wulai, while government tourism and permit information commonly lists it under Datong Township. For practical travel planning, visitors should treat it as a Yilan hiking destination, because the usual trailhead is approached through Songluo Village in Datong Township.
The official road approach leaves Provincial Highway 7 at approximately the 98.5-kilometre point, continuing via Benjue Road and Yulan Road toward the trailhead. The official trailhead coordinates are:
24.67574 N, 121.573233 E
Parking near the access road is limited, so the forestry authority recommends using available parking around the Yulan tea-growing area rather than expecting a large parking facility directly beside the trail.
Can You Enter Songluo Lake from Wulai?
Although the lake is close to Wulai geographically, the standard visitor route does not begin in central Wulai. You should not plan to visit Wulai Old Street in the morning and then casually walk to Songluo Lake in the afternoon.
They are very different experiences:
- Songluo Lake is a demanding backcountry hike.
- Wulai is an accessible mountain town with indigenous culture, waterfalls, hot springs, and scenic attractions.
Travellers who want to enjoy Wulai’s mountain scenery without attempting a strenuous wilderness expedition can join a Wulai day tour from Taipei.
2. Why Is It Called the Lake of the Seventeen-Year-Old Maiden?
Songluo Lake is often covered by mist, and its appearance changes according to rainfall, water levels, sunlight, and the season. Sometimes the water forms a broad reflective lake; at other times, the wetland becomes shallower and reveals more grass and winding channels.
This changing, partly hidden appearance inspired hikers to compare the lake to a shy young woman whose face is covered by a veil.
According to Yilan tourism information, a National Taiwan University mountaineering team reached and documented the lake in 1976. Impressed by its untouched appearance, team members reportedly described it as the “Lake of the Seventeen-Year-Old Maiden.” It is also called the “Dream Lake” and the “Seventeen-Year-Old Lake.”
The traditional Atayal name is recorded as bsilung Syora, meaning the pond or body of water associated with Songluo Village. The surrounding mountain routes also carry cultural connections to generations of Atayal hunting and movement through the region.
3. Songluo Lake and Songluo National Trail Are Not the Same Place
One of the most important points for international visitors is that Songluo Lake Trail and Songluo National Trail are different hiking experiences.
Songluo Lake Trail
The Songluo Lake route is a demanding mountain hike leading to the high-elevation wetland. It involves:
- Remote mountain terrain
- Muddy and slippery sections
- Steep climbing
- Limited phone reception
- Few visitor facilities
- A mountain-entry permit
- A full-day or overnight commitment
Songluo National Trail
Songluo National Trail is a separate low-elevation forest walk beside Songluo Creek. It is approximately two kilometres long, ranges from around 280 to 400 metres in elevation, and is classified as an easier half-day trail. A mountain-entry permit is not currently required for this lower trail.
The lower trail follows a former Atayal hunting route and passes through a humid forest environment with streams, ferns, mosses, and dense vegetation.
Visitors who search only for “Songluo Trail” may accidentally find information about this easy trail and assume that the route to the lake is equally simple. Always confirm whether a map, blog, or tour description refers to:
- 松羅步道 — Songluo National Trail
- 松蘿湖山徑 — Songluo Lake mountain route
They are not interchangeable.
4. How Difficult Is the Songluo Lake Hike?
Songluo Lake is generally better suited to hikers with previous mountain experience.
The greatest challenges are not necessarily extreme altitude. Instead, hikers must deal with a combination of:
- Deep mud
- Wet roots
- Slippery rocks
- Steep slopes
- Rope-assisted sections
- Heavy backpacks
- Fog and reduced visibility
- Sudden rainfall
- Long hours on the trail
Yilan’s official destination description warns that the approach is muddy, rugged, physically demanding, and includes sections where hikers must climb steep terrain.
The trail can feel considerably harder after rain. Mud slows the group, reduces traction, and increases the time required for both ascent and descent.
Is Songluo Lake Suitable for Beginners?
It is not an ideal first hike in Taiwan.
Beginners should first gain experience with:
- Long-distance walking
- Steep ascents and descents
- Hiking in wet conditions
- Carrying a loaded backpack
- Using an offline map
- Following a planned turnaround time
- Responding to sudden weather changes
A shorter guided mountain experience can help travellers understand Taiwan’s climate and trail conditions before attempting a remote route.
For an accessible alternative near Taipei, consider the Yangmingshan Hiking Adventure. The tour provides private transportation, a licensed Chinese- and English-speaking guide, and several route options for different fitness levels.
5. Can You Complete Songluo Lake as a Day Hike?
Experienced and physically fit hikers may attempt Songluo Lake as a long day hike, but the schedule must allow sufficient time for the return journey.
A day-hike plan normally requires:
- A very early start
- Stable weather
- Strong fitness
- Familiarity with the route
- A light but complete equipment load
- A firm turnaround time
- Headlamps in case of delay
- Transportation available at the trailhead
Visitors should never plan the hike based only on the time needed to reach the lake. You must also reserve enough energy and daylight to return safely.
The National Culture Memory Bank’s Songluo Lake entry notes that reaching the lake from the Yulan-area trailhead can take around six hours, although actual hiking time depends greatly on fitness, pack weight, trail conditions, and weather.
A group that reaches the lake later than planned should not continue simply to complete the itinerary. Mountain conditions must take priority over sightseeing goals.
6. Can You Camp at Songluo Lake?
Songluo Lake is frequently associated with overnight hiking, especially among visitors hoping to see mist, sunrise, evening light, or changing reflections on the water.
Nevertheless, travellers should not imagine a developed campground.
In practical terms, you should not expect:
- A staffed campsite
- Permanent tents
- Toilets at the lake
- Food shops
- Electricity
- Treated drinking water
- Reliable mobile reception
- Emergency supplies
The forestry authority advises hikers to use the public toilet near the Yulan tea-growing area before entering the mountain, carry the necessary personal and group equipment, prepare navigation and communication tools, and arrange appropriate insurance.
Overnight hikers must carry suitable shelter, sleeping equipment, food, water-treatment equipment, lighting, rain protection, and waste-management supplies.
Camping practices and environmental restrictions can change. Confirm the latest rules with the relevant authorities before departure, and never assume that previously used camping areas are always open or appropriate.
7. Do You Need a Permit for Songluo Lake?
Yes. The Songluo Lake mountain route is currently classified as being within a frequently restricted mountain area.
The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency instructs hikers to apply through the National Police Agency Mountain Entry Permit Application System.
When searching for the destination in the application system, enter:
松蘿湖
Then select:
松蘿湖（宜蘭縣－大同鄉）
The National Police Agency currently states that online applications generally must be submitted between 3 and 124 days before the planned entry date. Requirements and processing arrangements may change, particularly around long holidays or mountain closures, so check the official system again before finalizing transportation.
Foreign visitors can use passport information when completing the application.
You may be asked to provide:
- Applicant information
- Passport or identification details
- Emergency contact information
- Group member list
- Entry and exit dates
- Hiking route
- Route map
- Mountain-entry plan
- Email verification
8. How Do You Get to Songluo Lake from Taipei?
Getting to the trailhead is one of the most complicated parts of the trip.
By Public Transportation
Public transportation may bring travellers toward Datong Township, but services are not designed around the very early start required for a long mountain hike.
Potential problems include:
- Limited early-morning departures
- Transfers between different services
- Distance from the final stop to the access road
- Difficulty carrying overnight equipment
- No guaranteed return transport after the hike
- Delays caused by trail conditions
Public transportation is more practical for travellers visiting established Yilan attractions than for groups following a strict backcountry hiking schedule.
By Rental Car
A rental car provides flexibility, but the driver must be comfortable with:
- Mountain roads
- Narrow access roads
- Limited parking
- Early-morning driving
- Driving after a physically exhausting hike
- Weather-related road conditions
The official trail information confirms that the access road and parking area are limited.
By Private Vehicle
A prearranged private vehicle can be a practical choice for international hikers carrying backpacks and camping equipment.
Possible arrangements include:
- Pickup from a Taipei hotel
- Pickup from a Yilan or Jiaoxi hotel
- Transfer to the trail access area
- Scheduled return pickup
- Space for hiking equipment
- Yilan accommodation before or after the hike
Justaiwantour can discuss transportation and itinerary coordination through our customized Taiwan travel service.
The exact pickup location must be agreed upon carefully because road and vehicle conditions may limit how close a driver can travel to the mountain trailhead.
9. What Should You Bring for the Songluo Lake Trail?
Equipment should be selected according to the latest weather, the length of the trip, and whether you are hiking during the day or staying overnight.
Essential Day-Hiking Equipment
- Hiking boots with good grip
- Comfortable hiking socks
- Waterproof outer layer
- Quick-drying clothing
- Warm mid-layer
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Offline trail map
- GPS-capable phone or navigation device
- Portable power bank
- Personal medication
- First-aid supplies
- Emergency food
- Sufficient drinking water
- Water-treatment method
- Whistle
- Emergency blanket
- Gloves for rope-assisted or muddy sections
Rain boots are sometimes used by local hikers because of the deep mud. However, footwear should provide enough grip, ankle stability, comfort, and protection for your own hiking style.
Do not wear ordinary city sneakers simply because the route does not reach extremely high altitude.
Additional Overnight Equipment
- Appropriate tent or shelter
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- Additional warm clothing
- Cooking system where permitted
- Additional food
- Water containers
- Waste bags
- Personal sanitation supplies
- Dry bags or waterproof backpack liners
The forestry authority recommends carrying communication and GPS equipment, downloading offline navigation information, checking the official weather forecast, assessing every group member’s condition, and completing appropriate insurance arrangements.
10. Follow Mountain Safety and Leave No Trace Principles
Songluo Lake lies within the Qilan Important Wildlife Habitat. Visitors must minimize their environmental impact and follow applicable forest and wildlife regulations.
Responsible hiking practices include:
- Take all rubbish back with you.
- Do not leave food scraps.
- Do not wash cookware directly in the lake.
- Do not use soap in natural water.
- Avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Do not remove plants, rocks, or natural objects.
- Keep noise to a minimum.
- Use established paths where possible.
- Follow current camping and fire regulations.
- Use toilet facilities before entering the mountain.
- Inform a trusted person of your hiking plan.
- Carry offline navigation.
- Check weather and closure information before departure.
The forestry authority also recommends creating a check-in or mountain-watch plan so that someone outside the group knows the route and expected return time.
Never continue into the mountains during typhoon warnings, heavy-rain warnings, road closures, or other unsafe conditions.
You may also like:
“Taiwan Hiking: My Misadventures on the Top 10 Mountains in Taiwan.”
🥾 Easier Mountain Experiences Near Taipei
Songluo Lake is beautiful, but it is not appropriate for every visitor. Northern Taiwan offers several more accessible ways to experience forests, mountains, and local culture.
Yangmingshan Hiking Adventure
The Yangmingshan Hiking Adventure is the best internal tour link for this article.
The tour offers different route levels and includes private transportation from Taipei. Depending on the selected route, visitors can experience forests, grasslands, volcanic scenery, ridgelines, and panoramic views without arranging a remote overnight expedition.
Travellers interested in the history of Yangmingshan can also read our guide to the Jinbaoli Trail, Yangmingshan.
Wulai Day Tour
A private Wulai day tour from Taipei is suitable for travellers who want mountain scenery at a more relaxed pace.
Wulai is known for its Atayal culture, forested valleys, waterfalls, old street, and hot-spring environment. It provides a useful geographical connection to the wider mountain region around Songluo Lake, but the standard Wulai day tour does not include the Songluo Lake hike.
Yilan Private Tour
Travellers staying in Yilan before or after the hike can also consider a private Yilan tour from Taipei.
Depending on your interests, a customized Yilan itinerary may include:
- Mountain scenery
- Hot springs
- Local food
- Cultural attractions
- Whisky tasting
- Coastal scenery
- Family activities
- Rural landscapes
The standard Yilan sightseeing package does not automatically include Songluo Lake. Any hiking transportation must be discussed separately.
Can Justaiwantour Arrange a Songluo Lake Tour?
Justaiwantour may be able to assist with private transportation and itinerary coordination according to the group’s requirements.
Before requesting a quotation, provide:
- Hiking date
- Number of travellers
- Hotel or pickup location
- Day hike or overnight plan
- Number and size of backpacks
- Expected starting time
- Expected return time
- Hiking experience
- Whether a qualified mountain guide is required
- Any special insurance requirements
Private transportation does not replace the permit, suitable equipment, hiking experience, weather assessment, or professional mountain leadership.
For travellers who prefer a supported hiking experience without the logistical challenges of Songluo Lake, the Yangmingshan Hiking Adventure is the more suitable bookable tour.
Frequently Asked Questions About Songluo Lake Taiwan
Is Songluo Lake in Yilan or New Taipei?
Songluo Lake lies near the boundary between Datong Township in Yilan County and Wulai District in New Taipei City. The standard hiking access and permit destination are associated with Datong Township, so most travellers approach it from Yilan.
Is Songluo Lake suitable for beginner hikers?
It is generally not recommended as a first mountain hike. The route can be muddy, steep, slippery, remote, and physically demanding.
How long does it take to reach Songluo Lake?
Hiking time varies significantly. Some local records estimate approximately six hours from the Yulan-area trailhead to the lake, but weather, mud, fitness, group speed, and backpack weight can substantially change the schedule.
Do foreigners need a permit for Songluo Lake?
The route currently requires a mountain-entry permit. Foreign visitors can apply through the National Police Agency system using their passport information.
Is Songluo National Trail the same as Songluo Lake Trail?
No. Songluo National Trail is an easier two-kilometre, low-elevation forest trail. The Songluo Lake route is a longer and more challenging mountain expedition requiring a permit.
Can you drive directly to Songluo Lake?
No. Vehicles can only approach the trailhead area. The lake must be reached on foot.
Is there a campground at Songluo Lake?
Songluo Lake should not be treated as a developed campground. Do not expect toilets, shops, electricity, treated water, or other normal campground services.
Can Justaiwantour arrange transportation?
Transportation and customized itinerary coordination may be available depending on the hiking plan, group size, equipment, vehicle access, and pickup schedule. Contact us through our custom travel service with your full hiking details.
What is an easier alternative to Songluo Lake?
Travellers who want a private guided hike closer to Taipei can choose the Yangmingshan Hiking Adventure. Visitors who prefer sightseeing with mountain scenery and indigenous culture can consider a Wulai day tour.
Final Thoughts: Is Songluo Lake Worth Visiting?
Songluo Lake Taiwan is worth visiting for experienced hikers who appreciate remote forests, misty landscapes, seasonal wetlands, and physically demanding adventures.
Its beauty comes from its isolation, but that isolation also creates risk. Visitors must arrange the correct permit, monitor the weather, carry appropriate equipment, plan reliable transportation, and honestly assess the experience of every person in the group.
Travellers who are not ready for a remote mountain expedition can still discover northern Taiwan’s natural beauty through a private Yangmingshan hiking tour or a relaxing Wulai day tour from Taipei.
For private transportation, Yilan travel planning, or a customized Taiwan nature itinerary, contact Justaiwantour and tell us about your travel dates, group size, fitness level, and preferred experience.