Mystical & Worthwhile Ruta Rio del Casaño Day Hike

This is a basic map and overview of the Ruta Rio del Casaño hike in the foothills of the Picos de Europa National Park in the Asturias region of Spain.

The fairly easy out and back hiking trail follows along the Casaño River and is also known as the “Foces Del Rio Casaño.” The trail boasts incredible views of the gorge and towering limestone mountains.

This half day hike starts from the village of La Molina, near Las Canales de Cabrales. It is lesser known than the nearby Cares Gorge Hike and completely different. While the Cares Gorge is all about the staggering limestone cliffs, Ruta Rio del Casaño passes through an enchanted forest lined with ancient chestnut trees, moss-covered rocks, abandoned stone homes, and small waterfalls.

Here’s how to experience the lovely Ruta Rio del Casaño hike.

⁉️ If downloading the map, please verify that the map is correct and follows the waypoints. Oftentimes, there are daily updates to the site, map platforms, and other external issues that may cause a bug in downloading. Be mindful that this map is solely for entertainment purposes. See my full disclosure here. Always hike responsibly and respect the mountains by following a no-trace philosophy, avoid hiking alone, be conscious of the weather and personal limitations, and do not stray from the visible trail

Ruta Rio del Casaño Day Hike Logistics

• Out & Back Trail
  • The Ruta Rio del Casaño trail hike begins from the village of La Molina in the Picos de Europa National Park
• Difficulty:Easy – Moderate, but some sections can be overgrown from vegetation
  • The trail is sometimes stoney and can be slippery and muddy in the rain
• Round-Trip Distance:just under 5 miles
  • add 1.4 miles each way if walking from Las Canales bus stop
• Excursion Duration: +/ – 4 hours, depending on breaks, speed, ect
• The Ruta Rio del Casaño trail doesn’t have official trail markers, but the path along the river is apparent
• This hiking route is best hiked before the snow falls
• Day Hiking Essentials for Ruta Rio decl Casaño
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Small Day Hiking Backpack
  • Water in a Reusable Water Bottle
  • Trekking Poles if you love them
  • Hiking Boots or trail runners
  • Layered clothing and hiking pants for some of the overgrown parts of the trail
  • Snacks & Picnic
  • Swimming gear if the river and swimming conditions are ideal
  • Small currency for the bus or taxi

How to Get to La Molina Asturias

La Molina is easily accessible from the village Canales de Cabrales, which is where most hikers base (or in nearby Poncebos). Alsa bus company runs buses from Las Arenas de Cabrales to the village. It’s easier and faster to call a verified taxi.

La Molina allows no outside vehicles into the hamlet and there are only a handful of parking spots outside the village, so find parking is one of the biggest challenges. In my opinion, it’s best to bus to Canales or taxi directly to La Molina.

 🚐 Las Arenas de Cabrales to Canales de Cabrales Bus | Bus Company: Alsa | Duration: 10 minutes | Bus Ticket Price: €1.55 | Morning Bus Times: 7:30, 8:25, 9:00 | Check the Alsa Bus Schedule Here

Be mindful that the bus stops on the main road in Canales de Cabrales. The walk to the trailhead in La Molina is around 1.5 miles (2.5 km) and takes around a half an hour. If walking, be mindful that it follows the road, so walk on the left-side of the road.

Alternatively, a taxi is fast and convenient. Taxis drops right at La Molina in around 15 minutes and costs around €11 for the entire van.

Ruta Rio del Casaño Trailhead

The trail for the Casaño River walk is at the end of the village of La Molina. Look for the wood signboards with white paint. There is a small water fountain in the village, but no restrooms.

The Ruta Rio del Casaño is a casual out and back hike, so if you are pressed on time, turn around whenever you wish.

Follow the forest trail and there is a small stone bridge (Pompedru Puente). You can cross it for some photos and to look down into the gorge, but the Ruta Rio del Casaño trail follows to the right.

The trail continues along the Casaño River. A ways up is a small “beach” area where some opt to swim or dip their feet if the river is calm and low enough.

Small Steel Bridge

After a mile, there is a small steel bridge with a cattle door at the end of it. Pass the bridge and make sure to close the door behind you. Turn to the left to continue along the Casaño River Trail. Pass by a few small abandoned stone houses.

 Bridge | Distance: 1 Mile | Duration: 45 minutes

Another Small Steel Bridge

There is another small bridge that you need to cross. Be mindful as some of the guardrails are missing from this bridge and during the rain it’s quite slippery.

 🥾 2nd Bridge | Distance: 1.4 Miles | Duration: 1 hour

Small Waterfalls

The trail continues to a set of multiple thin pipe-like waterfalls on the left-hand side.

Viewpoint River Waterfall

There is a lovely viewpoint of a Waterfall in the Casaño River. For me, this was an excellent place to turn around and head back to La Molina. I continued for a short time further, but the trail started getting narrow, steep, overgrown with landslide trees, and was not maintained.

This viewpoint of Waterfall is an excellent turn-around point for the Ruta Rio del Casaño trail.

🥾 Distance: 2.4 Miles | Duration: under 2 hours

Return to La Molina

When finished, return to La Molina on the same path. For me, I enjoyed walking into Las Cabales and enjoying the spectacular mountain and village views. The bus stop is right in front of Hotel Alto de las Estazadas, which is a perfect place to grab a delicious menu del dia and try some typical Asturian cuisine.

Be aware of the bus times back to Las Arenas de Cabales and that the bus can arrive 5 – 10 minutes early or late.

🚌 Canales de Cabrales to Las Arenas de Cabrales | Bus Company: Alsa | Duration: 10 minutes | Bus Ticket Price: €1.55 | Afternoon Bus Times: 15:43, 16:09 | Verify the schedule here as they change with the seasons

Hiking Ruta Rio del Casaño Trail

This map and overview is all about hiking Ruta Rio Casaño in Asturias Spain at the foothills in the Picos de Europa. For the complete hiking guide, detailed directions, and photo inspiration, read the complementing blog post here:

The Enchanted Ruta Rio del Casaño Hiking Trail in Asturias Spain

More Picos de Europa Guides

• Picos de Europa National Park in 4 Days
• Cares Gorge Hike the Best Hike in the Picos de Europa
• How to Visit Bulnes via the Canal del Texu Hiking Trail
• Best Things to do in Las Arenas de Cabrales Asturias
• 8 Best Picos de Europa Hiking Trails from Poncebos Asturias
• Hike to 4 Asturias Villages in the Picos de Europa in 1 Day

Disclosure: This is part of my Hikes & Adventures series, which means these treks can be strenuous and challenging. These are my experiences and I am not an expert. Please have all the proper equipment, verify the weather conditions, use professional resources, do your own research, and take into consideration your own physical abilities and/or limitations. These guides are for entertainment purposes only. Please see my full disclosure for more information here.

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