Helmcken Falls
The Murtle River plunges 141 metres off the edge of a lava plateau into a bowl-shaped canyon; the emblem of Wells Gray Provincial Park and one of Canada's tallest waterfalls.
Helmcken Falls is a single-drop waterfall where the Murtle River pours over the edge of a lava plateau, falling 141 metres into a huge circular canyon walled by layers of basalt. Mist rises from the water, and rainbows often appear on sunny afternoons. The main viewing platform is only a few minutes' walk from the car park, with railings, and nearly every visitor stops here. For a different angle, walk the Rim Trail along the canyon edge, about 4 km one way, where you can see the river above the falls. Winter roads are still plowed, and tens of metres of ice cones form at the base of the falls, making it a famous ice-climbing destination. The falls are about 42 km from Clearwater town, a paved drive of about 45 minutes. The cliffs beyond the viewing platform are steep, so never climb over the railings.
Opening hours
All day (winter road conditions per BC Parks notices)
Nearby sights
- Dawson Falls
- Pyramid Mountain
- Ray Farm & Mineral Spring
- Green Mountain Lookout
- Bailey's Chute
- Moul Falls
- Clearwater Lake
- Spahats Creek Falls