Firstly, what is an amphibious hike? It is a hiking route that predominantly involves walking in water.
The route, known locally as Salto de Bierge and is to the east of Sierra y Cañones de Guara Natural Park following an amazing canyon of the river Alcanadre which has pristine water coming out of the Pyrenees in turquoise green colours. The environment of the waterfalls and rivers around Huesca region is an ideal place to spend a magnificent day of sun and water.
There are two distinct areas to this route. The upper part, around the large pools is characterized by the presence of large stone slabs and boulders where you can swim and sunbath on the pebble beaches of the river. The lower area the Alcanadre river and the dam forms a large pool of calm & shallow waters. This shallow part of water extends along large area of woods with abundant shade which is favourite place for picnic.
To avoid overcrowding and prevent injury, in 2016 regulations were put in place. It is forbidden to jump from the dam. Today it is roped off buy a cork fence. It is paid entry (€3) for the picnic area and pools behind the dam. Capacity to enter from the Dam end is limited to 250 people per day. This hiking route enters the river from the other end of the canyon avoiding the pay entry barrier.
Click on any of the 67 images to open full screen gallery player
The route starts at Albergue Restaurante Salto de Bierge next to the dam and follows a canyon top path for 4kms. Along this path there are various view points down into the river canyon. I recommend starting out at 10am and completing this section quickly to get to the aquatic part and enjoy the water.
After 4kms the path leads down to the first point of interest which is Fuente de la Tamara. This natural spring feeds a pool of perfect blue clear water that is the first great spot for swimming. At the North end of the pool is a narrow channel that can be swam into a beautiful canyon. Along the way there are points to cling onto the rock wall or stand on boulders to rest. This is the Barranco del Formiga popular canyoning section.
After swimming in the Fuente de la Tamara the route continues along the river downstream along a path on the left bank until the path leads into the river. From here continue walking in the river (the water is ankle, knee or waste deep).
The Alcandre river makes a U shape here and another great natural pool awaits. The gravel beach is also a great point to rest and enjoy the sunshine. After this section the route follows the river along a shallow section. Continue following until the river starts to sweep round to the right.
Here you will see a layered rock formation along the left side of the river. I recommend exiting the water here and following the river along the path on the left. After about another 500m the river drops down into a ravine that is not traversable without canyoning equipment such as helmet, wetsuit, padding etc. Stay on the path to the left.
As this path goes above the boulder section of the ravine, keep an eye out on the right for a sloped rock formation that has the texture of stony cement. At the bottom of this slope is a natural pool. To continue the route scoot down the rock slope by sitting down and using your legs to descend the 5 metre slope. At the bottom opposite you will see a high ravine wall with a beautiful natural pool and white gravel beach. This is another of my favourite places to stop and swim.
After swimming, continue along the path on the right side of the river along the rocky path. After about 300m there is another ravine and boulder section of the river that opens up into a spectacular natural pool. Probably the best along this route. Take time to enjoy this one.
Continue following the downstream flow of the river and where it bends round to the right thee is a path on the left side to follow the river. This section can be walked or swam without using the path but in a couple of sections there are deep pools that are deeper than head height so you will need to swim a 50m section of the river rather than wading. This is fantastic, refreshing and if you have packed your dry bag with some air, the rucksack can be used for flotation or pushed in front of you as you swim. The current of this river is not strong as it has a very gentle decline.
Once clear of the narrow section of the ravine there is also another great natural pool to swim in. After this pool the route is following the river in knee deep water for several kilometres. There are also sections where the path leads out of the water and along gravel beaches.
At 9Km into this route, in the river you will see a small island. on the left bank there is a path leading up to the ravine top path back to the car park and Albergue Restaurante Salto de Bierge. However, I prefer to continue along the river using the path on the right. This takes you to the forested picnic area and dam where you can swim some more.
To finish the route cross the natural pool close to the dam in waste deep water and upon exiting on the opposite side you will see a path with steps leading up to the Albergue Restaurante Salto de Bierge. The restaurant gives an excellent view point of the dam and the waterfall drop. Note that you will go through the barrier for the pay zone of this area. if the guard asks you to pay, say no because you entered the river from the other end at Fuente de la Tamara and the pay area is only for visitors to the picnic area.
the Albergue Restaurante Salto de Bierge serves tapas, platos combinados and drinks and has an outside seating patio area.
This route is so much fun for a dog. The first bit walking along the top of the canyon is boring for humans and dogs but after 30 minutes the route is down at the river. From here the walk is next to or in the river and your dog will love this day out because they can play in the water and run and swim for most of the day. Note that for most of the route the water is just below knee height so depending on the size of your dog a life vest/flotation vest may be advisable.
The foliage along the top of the canyon is shrubland and some trees with little to no pines so the chances of coming across poisonous Pine Processionary Caterpillars in the spring and summer is low.
I wear the running shorts and wet shoes to complete the river section of this route. I walk the mountain section along the top of the canyon in hiking shoes. Valuables such as phone, car keys, wallet and dry clothes go in my dry bag inside my rucksack.
Address: Pasaje Río Alcanadre A-1227, Bierge, Huesca. 22144
Access is via car only. you can park next to the Albergue Restaurante Salto de Bierge.
Follow the A1227 till you see a signpost for Salto de Bierge parking. at cordinates 42.171260, -0.09003586 the road forks off to the right and up to the parking area.
10Km circular amphibious hike along the natural pools of Alcanadre River to the Bierge dam. A refreshing hike for the Summer in Aragon near to Catalan border
Distance: 9.52 km
Difficulty: Medium
Return Travel Fare: €25.00
Transport Network: Car
Mountain Forecast weather for
CAR
CAR
CAR