Cascading down mountainsides, plunging into crystal-clear pools, and surrounded by mossy green forests – waterfalls in the West Kootenay are a sight to behold. The area has an abundance of these natural wonders, each unique waterfall waiting to be found just off the beaten path. From easy family-friendly trails to more challenging adventures that reward with breathtaking views, there’s a waterfall experience for everyone here.

Glade Creek Falls

📍 Glade (Between Nelson & Castlegar)

🥾 500m trail, 20m waterfall

One of the most accessible waterfalls in the West Kootenay, Glade Creek Falls is only a 1 kilometre round trip from the last vehicle access point. If you’re planning to visit in a sedan, you can park at the south end of Glade Road and walk two kilometres up to the falls. If you’re in a vehicle with a little more clearance, there’s a pretty smooth forestry road that will take you up to the main access path. From there it’s only a 5 minute (500m) walk along the roaring Glade Creek until you reach the falls.

If you’ve got the time, the walk from Glade Road is very pleasant, winding through the soaring cedar and spruce forest. There’s very little underbrush in this kind of forest, making for a picturesque woodland walk cooled by the evergreens and the mist from the falls.

Even if you walk from the paved turnaround at the end of Glade Road, you can still make the loop in an hour, making this an easy recommendation for a quick outing.

Syringa 3-in-1

📍 Castlegar

Because these three falls are all accessible from the same road, we’re packaging them together into one amazing afternoon outing! After entering Syringa Provincial Park, turn left onto Deer Park Forest Service Road to find all three of these.

1. Tulip Falls

🥾 300m trail, 15m waterfall

Just a few minutes up Deer Park Rd (around kilometre marker 3), Tulip Falls are easily accessible – perfect for families with little adventurers, or those looking for a short walk while you’re in the Syringa area. A short 300-meter trail leads you to the 15 meter waterfall. Take a deep breath of crisp mountain air, feel the spray on your face, and marvel at the stony walls that surround the canyon. It’s a quick stop, but well worth it!

There’s a secondary trail that leads up to the top of the falls for those looking for the full experience, and don’t mind a steeper climb. We wouldn’t consider that essential though – the best view is from the bottom. If you’re looking for a picnic spot, check out the rocky beach across the road from the Tulip Falls parking area, there’s a rough seating and fire pit area and panoramic bay views, as well as the mouth of Tulip Creek. A great place to watch the sun set.

2. Deer Creek Falls

🥾 2km trail, 20m waterfall

As you continue along Deer Park Rd, keep an eye out for signs pointing towards Deer Creek Falls. You’ll know you’re getting close when you pass a wide open meadow, around kilometre marker 18. There’s a picnic table at the head of the trail and another just before the falls if you’re in need of a pit stop before or after exploring the waterfall itself.

The trail weaves through massive ponderosa pines, hemlocks, and cedars, and rises and falls gently throughout its whole length. Right near the falls, the trail has been washed out, turning a dozen or so massive trees into a grid over part of the river. There’s a workaround route available, but the picnic area at the falls is uniquely positioned – VERY close to the water now.

Eventually you’ll find a series of crystal clear swimming holes, at the head of which is an awesome two-tiered waterfall that descends 30 and 40 feet, respectively. There’s a trail that curves up to the right of the falls, for those interested in seeing the upper portion of the falls, and the river that feeds them.

Not easy, but definitely not hard, this 35-40 minute out-and-back trail is highly recommended. The forest makeup is pretty unique for this area, and it has a totally different atmosphere than Kokanee Creek Falls or Fletcher Falls (which have a mossy, old growth feel).

3. Cayuse Falls

🥾 3.5km trail, 30 waterfall

The grand finale – the majestic Cayuse Falls! The tallest of the bunch at 30 meters, these stunning falls create a powerful roar that echoes through the valley as you get close. But here’s the best part – Cayuse Falls is a natural waterslide, with a smooth rock face polished by years of rushing water. For anyone doing the math: don’t worry, it’s not the main body of the falls, just a short section. Access it by crossing the road before the bridge that marks the parking area for the falls – there’s a trail that takes you down to the water from there.

Safety note: SIT, don’t lie down, as you slide down the falls! The smooth rock slide twists slightly as you go, and we’ve seen people knock their head against the rocks when lying down. Sitting is the only way to go👍

If you’re hoping to try the waterslide yourself, consider going in the Summer or Fall, as the water can be a bit fierce during Spring runoff. During the Summer through this is a blast! Throw on your swimsuit, channel your inner child, and slide into the crystal-clear pool at the base of the falls. A true Kootenay experience.

Little McPhee Falls

📍 Castlegar

🥾 2.3km trail, 10m waterfall

Accessible from the Brilliant Suspension Bridge or from the Castlegar Golf Course, Little McPhee Falls is a stunning two-tiered waterfall that runs through a cool mossy oasis. If you’re looking for an easy one hour hike with a beautiful payoff at the end, check this one out.

Getting There

From the car, the trail to Little McPhee Falls is a pretty level 2.3km, making it a great option for families and casual hikers. The trailhead for Little McPhee Falls branches off the Skattebo Reach Trail, between the McPhee Canyon and Doukhabour Waterline trailheads, which also function as a great loop if you’d prefer a different view on your hike back.

Seasonal Considerations

The best time to visit Little McPhee Falls is during the Spring runoff (April to June) when the water flow is at its highest. You can feel and hear the power of the cascade crashing into the pool below. The falls themselves are over 30 feet high and surrounded by mossy embankments that thrive in the mist of the falls.

Later in the summer, the water flow becomes significantly reduced, and the falls may just be a trickle. The surrounding forest trails are a great place to explore year-round, with several viewpoints to discover.

Fletcher Falls

📍 Kaslo

🥾 500m trail, 17m waterfall

Getting There

One of the quintessential things to do in Kaslo, visiting Fletcher Falls is always fun! The wide and gentle path on the 0.5 km decent to the falls is easy enough for kids of all ages, and the falls themselves are spectacular.

The trailhead and falls are marked on the highway in both directions, just a few kilometres South of Kaslo. Parking is directly off the highway, and the marked trailhead begins its descent right just five metres down Fletcher Falls Frontage Rd.

Seasonal Considerations

Go from May onwards to catch the falls in full force, or just after the snow melts to get up close and personal with the river bed that is submerged the rest of the year. With a great picnic area and an interesting rocky beach, Fletcher Falls is an essential stop on a Kootenay waterfall tour.

Kokanee Creek Falls

📍 North Shore (Between Nelson & Kaslo)

🥾 2.3km trail, 17m waterfall

Kokanee Creek Falls might not be a secret, but nonetheless it’s a very impressive waterfall with a perfect viewing platform across the ravine. If you’re looking for something fun to do on Nelson’s North Shore, make sure to stop by this fabulous Provincial Park.

Stop by the visitors centre to acquaint yourself with the park’s attractions, which include numerous bridges leading down to marshlands that are home to beavers, kingfishers, and the occasional bear before heading up to the walking trails for an afternoon adventure.

Getting There

The 2.3km falls loop is well marked and leads through old growth cedar and grand fir trees, and is accessible enough that schoolchildren commonly frequent this trail on one of their first field trips.

The falls themselves are an impressive 50 foot display of thunderous energy, disappearing into the canyon below. The trail leads to a wooden viewing platform safe for all visitors, with staircases that lead down to different vantage points. Because the falls drain out of Fletcher Lake, they’re impressive all year round.

When you’re done, head down to the beach area of the park for a BBQ, or book a campsite for the night at one of the four campgrounds at Kokanee Creek Park. One of Nelson’s most well-rounded and appealing destinations, either overnight or for a day trip.

If you love to explore, the Kootenays are the perfect place for you. Discovering hidden waterfalls in the West Kootenay is something we never tire of, especially in the heat of Summer, when the mist of the falls creates an oasis of cool in the forest. If you know of any waterfalls in the West Kootenay that deserve a little more shine, be sure to let us know on social media and we’ll add it to the list!