Running River and Puzzle Creek - Trip Report

Date: Sunday 24 May 2026
Leader: Wilfred Karnoll
Tail End Charlie: Brent C
Participants: 14

Running River and Puzzle Creek bushwalk delivered yet again for Wilfred's group of 14, with a rough off-track route, rock hopping, ridge climbing, freezing swims, granite gorges, drone drama, a briefly misplaced GoPro, and a few laughs along the way - though it was an easy, relaxed, slow-paced walk.

This walk had a little more logistics than usual, with three meeting points: Yabulu for early car pooling with Brent, Wilfred's place at Paluma for those coming up the range or staying the night before, and the Hidden Valley cricket grounds for the final meet-up, paperwork, and 4WD shuffle. With everyone gathered, the group headed in via arranged private property access, ready for a day that Wilfred had warned would require waterproofed packs/dry bags, sturdy shoes, and, most importantly, a sense of adventure and humour.

The humour started early. Dom made it to the walk, and importantly, did not forget his backpack, but his drone's SD card and phone charger were apparently another matter. Fortunately, drone ambitions were still alive and well. Only about 10 minutes into the walk, the group reached the gorge, and Wes was quick to send his drone up for a look around while the rest of the group continued ahead slightly and then stopped to wait, with Brent settling into his role as Tail End Charlie and making sure no one was left behind.

From there, the walk followed Running River downstream, with plenty of rock hopping and the first river crossings of the day. Some walkers worked hard to keep their feet dry, carefully picking their way across the rocks, while others took Wilfred's lead and made the more practical decision to wade through and get on with it. We were going to get wet feet anyway during the pack swim later in the day. Ayeesha and Dom crossed early, with Ayeesha finding a sunny rock to relax on and Dom seeking the shade, both patiently waiting - and possibly napping - while the rest of the group made their way across.

Morning tea was enjoyed in the shade beside Running River, with the drone making another appearance and the group watching a bird of prey soaring overhead. Its nest was visible across the river in a pine tree, adding a lovely wildlife moment to an already scenic stop. The peaceful break did not last forever, however. As the group climbed towards the top of the ridge, a message suddenly began travelling up the line: a GoPro had been left behind at morning tea. Oops! Wes realised it was his, so the group split briefly, with Brent heading back with him to retrieve it while the others continued up and over the ridge towards Puzzle Creek.

By the time the main group reached Saint Peter's Gate, Wes and Brent appeared almost immediately behind them, having made impressively quick work of the recovery mission. Saint Peter's Gate proved a perfect lunch stop, with the striking granite formation, creek pools, and cliffs giving the group plenty to explore. Ayeesha, Dom, and Luen climbed the rock formation; many opted for a swim in the very cold water, and two walkers even braved a cliff jump or two. There was also some discussion about the origin of the name Saint Peter's Gate, with the earliest reference currently traced to a 1961 Townsville Bushwalking Club walk in the Running River area.

After a relaxing lunch, the group continued downstream along Puzzle Creek, passing more beautiful granite country. Andrea pointed out a particularly massive blue granite rock, and the group continued on to view the distinctive blue-and-orange rocks. We also stop to view the rock-climbing anchors and the abseiling area used by school camps on the Breadknife. This section offered the classic Running River and Puzzle Creek mix of scrambling, boulders, and dramatic gorge scenery.

Then came the main pack swim. With winter almost upon us, the water was freezing, and the long swim demanded a bit of courage. Some walkers clung to the rock walls where possible, taking any chance to pause on submerged rocks and catch their breath. Ayeesha tried to avoid the full swim by climbing up over the Breadknife, but as Wilfred had predicted, it was still too wet to cross that way. She clambered down to a ledge instead, making for a much shorter swim. Luen had a similar idea and also tried to make use of the cliffs where possible. Meanwhile, Dom and Ayeesha finished the swim first and were already stretched out on the warm rocks, sun-baking like lizards, by the time the rest of the group emerged from the water, looking more like drenched rats.

Despite the cold, the swim seemed to revive everyone. Once the packs were drained, the shoes were sorted, and the bodies had warmed up again, the group charged up the hill with renewed energy, leaving leader Wilfred and Tail End Charlie Brent to bring up the rear. Luen left the group early to head home, while Wilfred showed the rest of the group the Running River Falls lookout. As often happens on a good club walk, the next adventure was already being discussed before this one had fully ended, with plans brewing for a future trip to climb up the creek towards the waterfall.

A huge thank you to Wilfred for organising and leading another memorable Hidden Valley adventure, to Brent for taking on Tail End Charlie duties, to the drivers for helping with the car shuffle, and to everyone who brought good humour, patience, and a willingness to get wet. Running River and Puzzle Creek once again proved why this area remains such a special part of the Club's walking history - rugged, beautiful, challenging, and best enjoyed with good company.

- Luen
Photos by Brent & Luen