Kalamunda Loop Hike via Statham's Quarry, Helena Pipehead Dam and Rocky Pool

This is the entrance to the Kalamunda Railway Heritage Trail off Elizabeth Street, Kalamunda. As you can see, it is a nice flat track shaded by plentiful vegetation. As I continue north such scenery continues.

The Kalamunda Railway Heritage Trail seems to be popular with the locals and their furry friends. I can understand why, as it would be a good morning walk to start off the day.

It doesn't take long before I am off the trail and walking along Lascelles Parade and the Zig Zag Scenic Drive. Despite being a road walk, there are hardly any cars to dodge and there are plenty of sweeping views to keep me entertained.

Time to get off the road and hit the bush tracks to my first rest spot, Statham's Quarry.

I have visited Statham's Quarry several times and it never fails to disappoint. I still can't get close to the edge without my knees trembling, but I can still enjoy the expansive views a few meters from the edge of the cliff. Time for a rest and to enjoy some views.

Then it's back onto the bush tracks to find Helena Valley Road.

I have walked the path above before. If you take a left you will reach the floor of Statham's Quarry, but this time I am taking the path to the right into unknown territory. This is what I find.

Rocky trails surrounded by bushland with plenty of wattle and other flowers in bloom. The trail looks like it might be a bridle trail as there are a few horse poos lying around.

I hit Helena Valley Road and take a right. Time for a road walk, a road with zero cars, the best type of road.

When the asphalt turns to gravel I know Helena River Valley views are on the way. But first, a pit-stop at an access point to the Helena River.

After a rest in the shade, it's time to take on the sunny paths along the Helena River Valley. This is one of my favourite sections of the walk.

After reaching halfway along the Helena Pipehead Dam the path turns into the bushland.

The paths along here can get a bit rocky and steep, but in the distance, I can hear the sound of rushing water at Rocky Pools, so I know the slog will soon be worth it. And it is ...

I think this is the best spot to sit and rest while watching and listening to Rocky Pools. There is a large flat rock, just off the path which provides the eagle view. Unfortunately, this vantage point is also popular with "people" who can't be arsed picking up after themselves. Looks like I will be hauling some cigarette butts, cigarette packets and a few drink bottles to a bin within Kalamunda.

Off my high horse, I continue the walk. Usually, I take the Bibbulmun Track to Kalamunda from Rocky Pool, but today I am going to try something new. After a bit of investigation via Google Maps Satellite view and OpenStreetMaps, I notice a path (called "Medivac" on OpenStreetMaps) which I would like to explore.

It's a bit rocky and steep at first ...

but it does start to flatten out and the wildflowers also make a dramatic appearance.

I think the Bibbulmun Track option back to Kalamunda is more scenic, but it was a nice change.

The Medivac Trail does continue west, but I take a left at the main trail (part of the official Kalamunda Rocky Pool Trail) and head towards Spring Road. At Spring Road, the bushwalk is over and it's just an uphill slog to Kalamunda bus station.

What a good way to spend a day off work. I really enjoyed this walk as it passes through several scenic areas in the Kalamunda region. Plenty of bang for your buck with this hike.