Helmcken Falls
British Columbia
Helmcken Falls is a majestic 141-meter (463 feet) waterfall located on the Murtle River within Wells Gray Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada. The falls are a central feature of the park, which was established in 1939 partly to protect this natural wonder. Helmcken Falls plunges over the western escarpment of the Murtle Plateau, a volcanic formation created by lava flows dating back 200,000 years. The waterfall's deep canyon was carved by massive floods at the end of the last ice age around 10,000 years ago. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from a viewing platform at the canyon rim and explore several trails, including the Brink Trail that leads to the brink of the falls, and trails to Helmcken Canyon and Gatling Gorge. In winter, the falls become a spectacular ice climbing destination, featuring some of the world's most challenging ice climbs. The impressive ice cone that forms at the base of the falls can reach heights of up to 50 meters, attracting climbers and visitors alike. Helmcken Falls is not only a natural marvel but also a site of historical significance, named after John Sebastian Helmcken, a prominent figure in British Columbia's history who helped bring the province into Canadian Confederation.
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Tip: The best time to visit Helmcken Falls is during summer for hiking and panoramic views, or in late January to February to witness the impressive ice cone formation. Visitors should consider purchasing park entry passes in advance and prepare for winter conditions with snow tires and chains if visiting in colder months. Caution is advised on trails near the falls, especially with children and pets, as some areas lack fencing. Winter visitors can also explore nearby cross-country ski trails starting near Dawson Falls, though grooming has been limited since 2012.
Interesting facts
- •Helmcken Falls is 141 meters (463 feet) tall, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada.
- •The falls drop over the western escarpment of the Murtle Plateau, formed by volcanic lava flows 200,000 years ago.
- •The canyon beneath the falls was shaped by massive floods at the end of the last ice age approximately 10,000 years ago.
- •In winter, an ice cone forms at the base of the falls, sometimes reaching up to 50 meters tall.
- •Helmcken Falls is renowned worldwide as a premier ice climbing destination, featuring some of the highest graded ice climbs such as Spray On (W10) and Mission to Mars (W13).
History
Helmcken Falls was discovered in 1913 by Robert Henry Lee, a British Columbia government land surveyor, who initially proposed naming it McBride Falls.
The Premier of British Columbia, Sir Richard McBride, instead named it in honor of Dr.
John Sebastian Helmcken, a Hudson's Bay Company physician who played a key role in bringing British Columbia into Canadian Confederation in 1871.
The waterfall's protection was a primary reason for the establishment of Wells Gray Provincial Park in 1939.
The geological formation of the falls is tied to volcanic lava flows from 200,000 years ago and subsequent glacial floods about 10,000 years ago that carved the canyon below the falls.
Place Guide
Main Viewing Platform
A paved viewing platform at the rim of Helmcken Canyon offers panoramic views of Helmcken Falls and the surrounding canyon, ideal for photography and sightseeing.
Brink Trail
A 4-kilometer trail starting near Dawson Falls that follows the south bank of the Murtle River to the brink of Helmcken Falls, allowing visitors to experience the falls from the edge of the canyon. The trail takes approximately 1.25 hours each way and lacks fencing at the end, requiring caution.
Helmcken Canyon Rim Trail
A 30-minute walk west from the main viewpoint along the canyon rim leads to an overlook of the confluence of the Murtle and Clearwater Rivers, approximately 250 meters below.
Gatling Gorge Trail
Trail from the main viewpoint to Gatling Gorge, the narrowest point of the Clearwater River at about 20 meters wide. The hike takes about 1.5 hours each way and provides access to a dramatic river gorge upstream from the confluence with the Murtle River.
