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Wells Gray Provincial Park covers a vast wilderness in the Cariboo Mountains of east-central British Columbia, north of the town of Clearwater. Ancient volcanic activity shaped much of its landscape, leaving lava beds and cliffs where rivers now plunge over dramatic drops. The park is known above all for its waterfalls, and the sheer number of them has earned it a reputation as a waterfall destination.
Most visitors follow the Clearwater Valley Road north from town, stopping at a series of falls. Spahats Creek Falls drops into a narrow canyon near the park's southern edge, and Moul Falls is a short hike away, where a trail leads behind the curtain of water. Dawson Falls spreads wide across a volcanic ledge, and upstream, the Mushbowl shows the power of the river carving through rock. The highlight is Helmcken Falls, a tall plunge into a deep, rounded bowl, with walks nearby leading to other viewpoints. At the end of the road, Clearwater Lake offers canoeing and camping. Mahood Lake lies in a separate area with its own waterfalls, including Canim Falls and Mahood Falls. Murtle Lake is a paddling destination closed to motorboats, and Trophy Mountain is known for summer wildflower meadows.
Wells Gray suits road-trippers and paddlers alike. Services inside the park are limited, so Clearwater is the place to stock up.
WiserMap travel guideWells Gray British Columbia Helmcken and Moul FallsPlan a trip to Wells Gray Provincial Park in British Columbia: Helmcken Falls, Moul Falls, Clearwater Lake, Mahood Lake and the best trails near Clearwater.Read the guide
The signature waterfall of Wells Gray, where the Murtle River drops about 141 metres into a huge bowl shaped canyon, making it the fourth highest falls in Canada. A paved road leads to a viewing platform. In winter a giant ice cone forms below the falls, which is worth a visit too.
A waterfall near the park entrance where Spahats Creek plunges about 60 metres through a narrow slot into a canyon of layered volcanic rock. A short walk leads to two viewing platforms. It is the first falls most visitors see coming from Clearwater, and it only needs about 20 minutes.
A waterfall on Grouse Creek reached by an easy forest trail of about 2.7 km each way. The falls drop over a ledge with an open space behind them, so visitors can walk under and behind the curtain of water. Expect to get wet, and wear shoes with good grip on the slippery rocks.
A wide, curtain like waterfall on the Murtle River, about 90 metres across and 18 metres high, flowing over an ancient lava flow. A short trail from the road leads to viewpoints. Nearby, the river churns through a rocky gorge known as the Mushbowl, which you can see from the bridge.
A trail of about 4 km each way along the edge of the Murtle River canyon, with views down to Helmcken Falls from different angles and through quiet forest. It gives a more dramatic perspective than the main platform. There are steep drops with no fences, so keep children close.
High alpine meadows on the slopes of Trophy Mountain that burst with wildflowers such as lupine, paintbrush and arnica from mid July to August. A trail climbs from a gravel road through subalpine forest. The access road is rough, so check conditions and bring layers for mountain weather.
A long lake at the end of the park road, with a campground, boat launch and canoe routes that lead into a large wilderness lake chain. Boat tours run on the lake in summer. Paddlers should be ready for sudden winds and cold water, and should register multi day trips with the park.
A large lake in the quiet southwest corner of the park, reached from Highway 24 near 100 Mile House, with a campground, sandy beaches and some of the warmest swimming water in the park. Trails lead to Canim Falls and Mahood Falls nearby, which are well worth the short walk.
A large wilderness lake on the park's east side where motorboats are not allowed, making it a top destination for canoe and kayak trips with sandy beaches and backcountry campsites. It is reached by a portage of about 2.5 km from a road near Blue River. Bring a canoe cart and supplies.
A wooden lookout tower at the top of a short gravel spur road off the main park road, giving wide views over the forests, volcanic cones and mountains of Wells Gray. Information panels name the peaks. Go on a clear day and allow a few minutes for the steep drive up to the summit.
A section of rapids on the Clearwater River where chinook salmon try to leap upstream in late summer, usually from mid August to early September. A short trail leads to a viewing platform. Watch quietly, and be aware that bears also fish in the area, so carry bear spray.
The remains of a pioneer homestead built by John Bunyan Ray in the early 1900s, with old log buildings in a meadow and bubbling mineral springs nearby. A short trail leads from the parking area. Information signs tell the story of the family who lived here, far from any town.
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