Guest Author: Cassie Markham (Peak Experiences Blog)
Next time you find yourself in Revelstoke with an afternoon to spare I highly recommend checking out some of the local waterfalls. We went in July but these trails would be great year-round, even on snowshoes!
I’ve been coming to Revelstoke for over 10 years now and had no idea these falls existed, they’re stunning, super easy to access and family-friendly!
Begbie Falls
Begbie Falls has two access points, either via a short, steep trail from the Mount Begbie Forest Service Road or a longer trail from Begbie Bluffs, parking right off the highway.
The shorter trail follows a series of switchbacks through the forest to the falls and a beach with beautiful views across the valley when the river level is low. The Mount Begbie FSR to this point is in good condition and could be managed by a 2WD vehicle with a bit of clearance if you go slow.
- Distance: 2km roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: >100m
- Type: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Easy Hike
- Location: Begbie Falls Recreation Site
- Access: Gravel Road - 2WD
Insider tip: Once you've reached the falls you can continue down the trail to the Columbia River for some great views across the valley towards Revelstoke Mountain Resort.
Alternate Route: If you prefer to stay clear of the FSR, the falls can also be accessed from the Begbie Bluffs parking area off Highway 23S, just after Mt Macpherson Nordic Lodge.
This trail winds through the forest, past the climbing area and down to the falls.
- Distance: 5-6km roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 790m
- Type: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Easy - Moderate Hike
- Location: Begbie Bluffs parking area
- Access: Paved Road - 2WD
Sutherland Falls
Sutherland Falls is super accessible, located in Blanket Creek Provincial Park, a scenic 25 minute drive from Revelstoke on Highway 23 South. Once you make your way into the Provincial Park, the falls are just a 5 minute walk from the parking lot.
The falls drop over 10 metres into the stunning and impressive Blanket Creek canyon; they were in full force in July.
We also heard there are fish hanging out in the pools below at certain times of year but didn’t see any.
- Distance: >1km roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: >50m
- Type: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Easy Hike
- Location: Blanket Creek Provincial Park
- Access: Paved Road - 2WD
Insider tip: Once you've reached the falls you can find a small goat trail to the left of the falls that leads you up to the top, from here you can see the pools at the mouth of the falls. Exercise caution on this trail as it is unmaintained and unmarked, there are no guard rails at the top.
Gear List
With both of these trails being super accessible, you don’t need a lot of gear to access them. I would however, recommend making sure you have appropriate footwear for the steeper slopes and hiking sticks or poles. Bug spray was definitely an asset while we were there as well.