11 Best Waterfalls In Wells Gray Provincial Park

Wells Gray Provincial Park, located in British Columbia, Canada, is renowned for its stunning wilderness and diverse ecosystems. Covering over 1.3 million acres, the park’s landscape was sculpted by a combination of volcanic activity and glacial erosion.

The dramatic contours of the land, including its numerous waterfalls and deep canyons, were primarily formed during the Pleistocene epoch when glaciers carved their way through the region.

The park is famous for its more than 41 known waterfalls. One of the park’s most famous sights is Helmcken Falls, a dramatic waterfall plunging 141 metres into the Murtle River. But there is so many more to see!

I recently spent a few days in Wells Gray Provincial Park and was blown away by the beauty and diversity of the area. It’s almost impossible to experience every waterfall in Wells Gray, so I’ve put together this list of best waterfalls in Wells Gray that you absolutely cannot miss!

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How To Get To Wells Gray

Wells Gray is accessible by car, and the journey typically begins from the city of Kamloops, which is well-connected by highways and has an airport with regular flights from major cities. From Kamloops, drive north on Highway 5 for about an hour until you reach the town of Clearwater, the main gateway to Wells Gray.

In Clearwater, follow the signs to Wells Gray Provincial Park, the Clearwater Valley Road (Wells Gray Park Road) runs north for approximately 42 kilometres.

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11 Best Waterfalls in Wells Gray

Triple Decker Falls & Candle Creek Falls

Triple Decker Falls, one of Wells Gray Provincial Park’s most unique and visually striking waterfalls, aptly earns its name from its three distinct cascading tiers. The combined height of the falls reaches approximately 45 metres (148 feet).

This multi-layered waterfall, located along the Clearwater river trail, is easily accessible via a short hike. Reaching Triple Decker Falls involves an easy 1.3km (0.8mile) round-trip hike that is doable for most fitness levels. There is some down hill on this hike but minimal at 60metres.

The trailhead is accessible at the 4km mark along the access road and you can park at the sign marked “Woodlot 301”

This was the first waterfall we visited in Wells Gray because it is the first one that you’ll come to on the access road. I really enjoyed the hike here – it was all downhill to the falls but that meant a bit of an incline on the way back.

You can also choose to continue on the trail that leads to another waterfall, Candle Creek Falls. Continuing onto Candle Creek Falls adds an additional 4km (2.5miles) roundtrip to the your hike

Spahats Falls

Spahat Falls, also known as Spahats Creek Falls, is a great example of the parks volcanic history. The waterfall plummets 75 metres (246 feet) from a narrow canyon into Spahats Creek before cascading into Clearwater Valley.

What sets Spahat Falls apart is not just its impressive height, but also the layered volcanic basalt rock that frames the waterfall. Spahat Creek Falls really reminded me of Brandywine Falls in Whistler, which was also formed from volcanic activity.

The falls are easily accessible, located just a short drive from the park entrance near Clearwater. You can find Spahats Falls at the 13 km mark along the access road. There’s lots of space for parking and restrooms at the parking lot.

A 5-minute walk from the parking lot leads to the main viewing platform, which is perched right at the edge of the canyon. This viewpoint features an unparalleled view of the falls and the extensive backdrop of Wells Gray.

Moul Falls

Moul Falls was by far my favourite waterfall in Wells Gray. It’s a popular spot, maybe even more popular than Helmcken Falls! Moul Falls sits at 35 metres (115 feet) high and plunges into a picturesque pool below.

Although not as tall as other waterfalls in the park, this waterfall definitely makes up for it in power. It had rained for around ten hours the day before we visited Moul Falls so the flow of water was incredibly powerful – and it was a sight to see!

Unlike many of the other waterfalls in Wells Gray, getting to Moul Falls does require a bit more effort. The hike to Moul Falls starts from a well-marked trailhead that is easily accessible from the main road and spans approximately 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) each way.

The trail to Moul Falls is easy to moderate, with little elevation until you reach the staircase that leads down to the falls. It can get slippery here so be careful with your footing.

What makes Moul Falls unique is that you can walk behind the waterfall to get a closer look at its cascading waters. I did manage to walk behind Moul Falls when I visited, but I got absolutely soaked in the process! If you’re planning on walking behind the falls I recommend a good rain jacket.

Silvertip Falls

Silvertip Falls is a hidden gem in Wells Gray, this waterfall sees far less visitors than some of the more popular waterfalls in the park, such as Helmcken Falls and Spahat Falls. The hike to Silvertip Falls is a great way to get off-the-beaten-path and experience a more remote section of Wells Gray Park.

Silvertip Falls stands at an impressive 200 metres (656 feet), making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the park. Getting to the trailhead however, isn’t the easiest, as there is no signage for this waterfall along the access road.

You can access the trailhead from the Spahats Creek Forest Service Road, which is a few minutes drive after the turn-off for Spahats Creek – you can find the FSR road on the right hand side.

You will drive approximately 5km before finding a fork in the road, take the dirt road to your right hand side and continue on until you see a sign that says “Silvertip Falls Recreation Site”. There’ll be another dirt road leading into the recreation site, take this road and find a space to park.

There are a few camp sites here but no official parking lot for the trail. We parked at an empty campsite. The trailhead is kind of hard to find, but if you keep going until you reach the last campsite – there is a very small overgrown trail – this is where you’ll start your hike!

The trail spans approximately 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) one way and features a challenging (and very wet) hike through a dense forest. I wouldn’t recommend this trail for beginners, it is the slipperiest trail I’ve ever experienced. There are tree roots the whole way – which are slippery AF! I did slip a few times on the trail, so be careful with your footing.

Dawson Falls

Dawson Falls, often referred to as the “Little Niagara of the North,” is one of the most impressive and accessible waterfalls in Wells Gray Provincial Park. It’s the widest waterfall in the park, spanning the width of the Murtle River.

Dawson Falls boasts a width of approximately 90 metres (295 feet) and a height of just 18 metres (59 feet). Despite its modest drop, the sheer volume of water that cascades over the falls is reminiscent of the mighty Niagara Falls on a smaller scale.

Accessing Dawson Falls is relatively easy. The falls are located at the 40.1km mark along the park access road. The main trailhead begins near the parking area and offers a well-maintained trail leading directly to several viewing platforms.

The hike is a 1-kilometre (0.6-mile) loop that meanders through lush forest and along the riverbank. It can get muddy here, so make sure to wear sturdy footwear!

The viewing areas provide excellent vantage points to appreciate the full breadth and power of Dawson Falls. The upper platform features a panoramic view of the entire waterfall, while the lower platform allows visitors to get closer to the action, where you can feel the mist and the thunderous roar of the water.

The Mushbowl

The Mushbowl isn’t necessarily a waterfall, but it is a quick and interesting stop to make during your time in Wells Gray Park.

Located on the Murtle River, just downstream of Dawson Falls, the Mushbowl is characterized by the river channel narrowing significantly, causing the water to rush through with tremendous force and creating a swirling display.

You can see the Mushbowl just a few minutes down the access road from Dawson Falls. You’ll cross a one-lane bridge over the river, and the Mushbowl will be on your right hand side. You can park right after the bridge where there’s a small space for a few cars. There is no hiking necessary for this stop!

Helmcken Falls

Helmcken Falls is undoubtedly the highlight of Wells Gray Provincial Park. With a staggering drop of 141 metres (463 feet), it is the fourth highest waterfall in Canada and a must-see for anyone visiting Wells Gray.

The waterfall originates from the Murtle River, which flows through a volcanic basalt plateau, a testament to the area’s rich geological past.

There are several ways to see Helmcken Falls, the first is from its famous observation platform (re-opening July 26th 2024) which showcases a spectacular view, especially during the spring melt when the water volume is at its highest.

The second is from the trail that leads up to the viewing platform – here you can see the waterfall from my viewpoints. And lastly, if you have the time, the Helmcken Falls Rim Trail is a 8km return hike that leads you to a unique view of Helmcken Falls from above – it will take around 2 hours to complete but is worth the effort!

Bailey’s Chute, Marcus Falls & Myanth Falls

Located at the 58.8km mark on the access road, Bailey’s Chute is known for its spectacular displays of leaping salmon during their annual migration.

This unique site on the Clearwater River draws people from around the globe, especially in late summer and early autumn when the Chinook salmon can be seen bravely attempting to ascend the powerful rapids of Bailey’s Chute.

Access to Bailey’s Chute is relatively straightforward, involving a short and accessible hike. The trailhead starts near the Clearwater River Road and meanders through a beautiful old-growth forest. The path is well-marked and suited for all fitness levels, making it an excellent family-friendly option.

Upon reaching Bailey’s Chute, you’ll come to several viewing platforms featuring great vantage points for observing the salmon and rapids. While Bailey’s Chute is most popular during salmon spawning season, it’s still worth visiting throughout the year.

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Tips and Recommendations For Visiting Wells Gray:

• Wear sturdy footwear with good traction for all hikes in Wells Gray Provincial Park. As you can imagine, a park full of waterfalls gets wet, and the trails are often very slippery (as I came to find out for myself) so I highly recommend a good pair of water resistant hiking boots.

• I highly recommend stopping by the visitor centre when you arrive in Wells Gray to pick up a map. The staff here are incredibly knowledgable and can help you with any questions you may have.

• Bring bug spray and bear spray when exploring the park. I got bitten many times while Wells Gray, even with the big spray! The park is also home to a variety of wildlife including bears, so bear spray when hiking is always a good idea.

• Always stay on designated trails and follow park rules to help preserve the natural beauty of the park. Let’s help keep this place pristine for future generations!

• Check weather conditions before heading out on any hikes, as trails can become difficult and dangerous during heavy rain or storms. I would recommend Triple Decker Falls, Spahat Falls, Dawson Falls and Helmcken Falls on a rainy day. Moul Falls and Silvertip are better for drier days as the trails get VERY slippery.

• Plan your hiking routes in advance and make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for longer hikes. I recommend downloading the Alltrails app before your trip and downloading the hiking trails ahead of time.

• Take time to stop at the viewpoints and enjoy the scenery. Wells Gray Provincial Park is home to some of the most stunning and unique waterfalls in the world, so be sure to take it all in.

• Pack out any garbage or waste from your hike to help keep the park clean and protect its wildlife.

• There is no cell service in Wells Gray Provincial Park, so be sure to have a physical map or GPS device if you plan on going deep into the park.

• Finally, don’t forget your camera! You’ll want to capture all of the breathtaking views and memories from your trip to Wells Gray Provincial Park.

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How Were The Waterfalls In Wells Gray Formed?

The waterfalls in Wells Gray Provincial Park were primarily formed through a combination of volcanic activity and subsequent glacial processes. Around 200,000 years ago, volcanic eruptions in the region created layers of lava, forming a basaltic plateau.

Glacial movements during the Ice Ages then carved deep valleys into this volcanic rock. When the ice retreated, it left behind a rugged landscape through which rivers and streams began to flow, carving out impressive waterfalls over the course of thousands of years.

The combination of volcanic rock formations and persistent erosive forces of flowing water resulted in the stunning array of waterfalls found in Wells Gray today.

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What is the closest town to Wells Grey?

The closest town to Wells Gray Provincial Park is Clearwater.

Clearwater is located approximately 35 kilometres (22 miles) south of the park’s entrance. It’s the primary gateway to Wells Gray, with great services and amenities for visitors. This charming town offers a variety of accommodations including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds, making it an ideal base for exploring the park.

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Where to stay near Wells Gray?

• Hotel Civilia Lakeside: If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat by the beach, look no further than Hotel Civilia Lakeside by Civilia Golf Retreat in Clearwater. This 3-star accommodation offers a range of amenities and activities. The air-conditioned rooms at Hotel Civilia Lakeside come equipped with a desk, coffee machine, fridge, microwave, safety deposit box, flat-screen TV, balcony, and a private bathroom with a shower. Some rooms even feature a kitchen with a stovetop and toaster. The motel also offers free WiFi and free private parking.

• Jasper Way Inn Resort & Campground: Situated on the picturesque Dutch Lake, Jasper Way Inn offers a variety of amenities, from canoeing and kayaking on the lake to grilling up a delicious meal at the BBQ facilities. The rooms at Clearwater Jasper Way Inn are cozy and inviting, with free WiFi and cable TV provided in each room. Most rooms also come equipped with a kitchen, so you can prepare your own meals during your stay. Whether you choose a lakeside room or one with mountain views, you’ll be treated to stunning scenery right outside your window.

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Final Thoughts

Wells Gray Provincial Park boasts some of Canada’s most majestic and awe-inspiring waterfalls. From the towering Helmcken Falls to the hidden gem of Silver Falls, there’s no shortage of natural beauty to discover in this park.

This list is the perfect introduction to Wells Gray’s impressive collection of waterfalls, especially if you are visiting for the first time. Most of them are incredibly accessible with just a short walk from the park access road, and others only require a short hike.

But the waterfalls are just one small part of what makes Wells Gray so special. The park is also home to incredible wildlife, including moose, black bears, grizzly bears, wolves, cougars, and more. It’s not uncommon to spot these majestic creatures while exploring the park. I sat and watched a black bear for a few minutes on the non-paved road, so keep an eye out!