Bailey's Chute
A turbulent stretch of the Clearwater River where a narrow rocky passage creates rapids. In late summer, large numbers of Chinook salmon leap upstream here, making it the park's best place to see salmon.
Bailey's Chute is a stretch of rapids on the Clearwater River, where rocks narrow the channel and the water surges violently. From about mid-August to mid-September each year, Chinook salmon arrive here after swimming nearly 1,000 km upstream from the Pacific. They cannot pass the rapids, so they leap out of the water again and again trying to get through, a dramatic sight. This is also the end point of their journey. A flat, easy path through the forest takes about 10 minutes on foot from the parking lot to the viewing platform. Salmon season is also the peak period for black bear activity, so travel in groups, make noise, and do not take food out of your car. The site is about 15 km north of Helmcken Falls. Beyond Helmcken Falls the road is gravel, and ordinary cars can reach it by driving slowly.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Ray Farm & Mineral Spring
- Clearwater Lake
- Pyramid Mountain
- Helmcken Falls
- Dawson Falls
- Green Mountain Lookout
- Moul Falls
- Spahats Creek Falls