Hiking & Sightseeing
Wells Gray Park is also dubbed the “Waterfall Park” thanks to the vast volcanic and glacial history of the area. Layers of lava from volcanic eruptions coupled with the carving effect of glacial activity created the Clearwater River Valley, and many of it’s tributaries have sculpted the mountains to bare beautiful and dramatic waterfalls.
During the early summer as the snow melts on the mountains, the waterfalls begin to swell. A few hours in the park is enough time to see the three most famous waterfalls, which are described below. The first waterfall (Spahats Falls) is only a 10 minute drive up the Clearwater Valley Road, which means that even if you only have half an hour to spare, you can get a taste of what Wells Gray Park has to offer. Each of the three falls described below are only a few minutes walk from the parking area, so everyone can see them!
Easy Views
Spahats falls
Spahats Falls is just a 10 minute drive from Clearwater with a 5 minute walk in. A 75m straight drop with the canyon close by. This gives you a good view of the layers of rock that formed over time with successive lava flows. This viewpoint is wheelchair and stroller accessible, however please keep in mind this is hard packed gravel, and is not paved.
Dawson falls
Dawson Falls is 42km from Clearwater, with a short 10 minute walk to the viewpoint. This waterfall has a wide elegant curve to it. Don’t just stop at the first viewpoint, there are two! This viewpoint is wheelchair and stroller accessible, however please keep in mind this is hard-packed gravel, and is not paved.
helmcken Falls
Helmcken Falls is our most famous waterfall due to the spectacular 141m freefall. It is 47km up the Wells Gray Park road and is an absolute must see! Once you arrive at the parking area, it is only a 2 minute walk to the viewpoint. This viewpoint is wheelchair and stroller accessible, however please keep in mind this is hard packed gravel, and is not paved.
HELMCKEN FALLS MAINTENANCE CLOSURE:
Beginning April 22 2024, and continuing into May and June, BC Parks will be replacing the Helmcken Falls viewing platform, improving accessibility on the nearby trails and upgrading supporting facilities. For safety reasons, the area will be closed to the public during this time, and road access will be closed at the junction with the Clearwater Valley Road (“Park Road”).
Short Hikes (1-2 Hours)
Moul falls
Moul Falls is one of our most popular waterfall hikes. This is mainly due to the fact that you can get right to the bottom! In the lower water, there is also a trail behind the waterfall. Please use caution! This amazing waterfall is 21km drive from Clearwater, with a 5km return trip hike, which takes most people 1.5 – 2 hours return trip.
triple decker falls
Triple Decker Falls is a bit tricker to find, but a steep 20 minute walk will get you to this beautiful waterfall. Please use caution – there is often loose gravel on this trail.
Trophy Mountain Flower Meadows
Starting at the roundabout in Clearwater from the south take the third exit toward Clearwater Valley Road and Wells Gray Park. At 11.4km (just past the turn-off to Spahats Falls) you will see a dirt road on the right. This is road 80 or the Trophy Mountain Road. Four-wheel drive is not necessary, but very low-clearance cars are not recommended. RVs and motorhomes will have a difficult time with this road.
Drive to approximately 4 km on the road, (this is the bumpiest part) and turn left. All other turns will be right and are signed. The trailhead is a total of 15km drive from the turn-off on the Wells Gray Park road. About 45 minutes of hiking leads you through an open forest to the beginning of the meadows. Another 15 minutes through the lower meadows brings you to the old shepherd’s cabin. You can turn around here or hike past to Shelia Lake. Hiking to Shelia Lake is about 3km from the parking lot. There is a campsite here. For a full day, you can hike to the top of the long ridge for amazing 360-degree views.
Longer Hikes (2-3 Hours)
Trophy mountain
The Trophy Mountain trail can be followed further to turn it anywhere from a 3 hour return hike to an overnight hike, with additional mountain views and several alpine lakes.
Chain meadows/easter bluffs
Beginning at the boat launch on Clearwater Lake, you ascend to an overlook of the lake itself, and can then continue on to an interesting lava column formerly known as the Easter Bluffs. This trail is approximately 4-5 hours return.
South Rim Trail
This 3 hour return trip trail brings you to a unique overlook of Helmcken Falls – directly above the waterfall itself! You must be cautious on this trail, as the viewpoint requires you to come very close to the edge of the cliff, and there is no fence or guard rail on this trail.
*Please be very careful if you are going to bring children or dogs on this trail!