Explore Clearwater, BC: Your Ultimate Guide to Wells Gray Provincial Park
Clearwater, British Columbia, the gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park, is the land of fire and ice. This charming town, nestled in the heart of the Thompson Valley, is a gem for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. If you're planning a summer road trip, Clearwater should definitely be on your itinerary.
I've spent loads of time in Clearwater and Wells Gray over the past few years. From university courses and paddling the river to visiting my partner who works as a raft guide and my own experiences as a naturalist in the park, I've come to know the must-see spots and hidden gems in the corridor. Here are my top recommendations for things to do, eat, and see in the Clearwater Valley and Wells Gray Park!
Top Sights in Wells Gray Provincial Park
If you're short on time or prefer easy access, these sights are within steps of the parking lot:
Spahats Falls
The first accessible waterfall in Wells Gray, Spahats Falls, is only an 11-minute drive from the info center in town. This makes it the closest waterfall to Clearwater that you don’t have to hike to! The viewing platform is a short 300 meters from the parking lot and offers stunning views of the 75-meter waterfall.
Green Mountain Lookout
About 30 minutes further into the park, you'll find Green Mountain Road, a gravel road leading to a stunning lookout at an elevation of 1,084 meters. From the lookout tower, you can soak in views of the Trophy Mountain range and other summits. There are picnic tables and a pit toilet at the top. The narrow road has several switchbacks but is suitable for most vehicles and confident drivers. This spot is perfect for appreciating the surrounding area from above!
Dawson Falls
Dawson Falls is about 13 minutes past the Green Mountain Lookout and includes a short trail to a 90-meter wide waterfall. Imagine a mini Niagara Falls! The view is amazing, and you can often spot a rainbow over the falls.
The Mushbowl
Another quick stop on your way further into the park is the Mushbowl, a rapid that pours under the single-lane wooden bridge on Clearwater Valley Road. There's a small pullout north of the bridge where you can park and explore the rapid up close. Be careful and watch for traffic.
Helmcken Falls
Of course, no guide to Clearwater and Wells Gray would be complete without mentioning the magical Helmcken Falls. This is the last turnout of the paved portion of Clearwater Valley Road and is definitely worth the 45-minute drive from town. At 141 meters tall, Helmcken is the fourth tallest waterfall in Canada and a must-see! If you only have time for one stop, make it Helmcken Falls. There are several picnic tables, two pit toilets, and a 6.6-kilometer hike from the parking lot.
Hikes in Wells Gray Provincial Park
If you have more time and want to break a sweat, check out these trails:
Triple Decker Falls
This short 30-minute hike leads to a three-level waterfall in the forest. The trail is in great condition and as you approach the waterfall, the air becomes much cooler – like walking into air conditioning! Turn left at the sign for ‘Clearwater River Recreation Trail’ if you’re coming from town. You can also go right at the fork to explore Candle Creek Falls, another beautiful waterfall you can hike behind.
Moul Falls
I love this hike so much! You can even go behind the waterfall on a slightly slippery flattened rock trail – watch your step and prepare to be sprayed! The trail is mostly uncovered, so expect lots of sun if you are hiking mid-day. Pack the sunscreen! There's also plenty of black bear activity on this trail, so make sure you’re making noise and know how to behave in case of a bear encounter.
Silvertip Falls
Although not technically in Wells Gray, Silvertip Falls is located up the same road as the Trophy Meadows trail. Turn right at the sign for Trophy Meadows and then right at the fork towards Silvertip Falls Recreation Site. The walk is only 2 kilometers and takes you up close and personal to a cascading waterfall much larger than Helmcken!
Trophy Meadows
Trophy Meadows is fantastic for its accessibility into the mountains. The forest service road up to the trailhead is rough with loose rocks and several potholes and washboards, but most cars can make the drive. This trail is great for admiring wildflowers and, on clear days, stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Keep an eye out for hoary marmots and wolverines!
If you’re keen, there are lots of trips from Trophy Meadows for more exploration, such as an overnight at Sheila Lake, a trip up Long Hill, or a climb to the West summit of Trophy Mountain.
South Rim Trail
If seeing Helmcken from the viewing platform wasn’t close enough, venture out to the South Rim Trail. This 8-kilometer round trip trail takes approximately two hours at a casual pace and leads you alongside the Murtle River to the brink of Helmcken Falls. Keep your dog on a leash and supervise your children, as the end of the trail has steep cliff edges looking straight down into the canyon.
[South Rim Trail on AllTrails]
Raft Mountain
Closer to Clearwater lies the Raft Mountain trail. Similar to Trophy Meadows, you get to drive most of the elevation gain! Only 6.4 kilometers from the parking lot, you reach the summit of Raft Mountain. The road is unpaved with loose rock and occasional large potholes. Beware – the bugs can be heinous up there!
Top Places to Eat in Clearwater
Wild Flour
If you're craving fresh pastries and a warm coffee to start your day, Wild Flour is a must-visit. This local bakery offers a cozy atmosphere with a variety of baked goods made fresh daily. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast sandwich or a sweet treat, you'll find something to satisfy your cravings. It's the perfect spot to fuel up before heading out on your adventures.
Clearwater Stop
For a quick and satisfying meal, head to Clearwater Stop. This spot is a local favourite, known for its burgers, schnitzel, and homestyle cooking. With a relaxed vibe and friendly service, it's an excellent place to grab a bite to eat after a day of exploring Wells Gray Provincial Park. Their delicious food and ice cream will leave you feeling full and ready for more adventure.
Hop 'n Hog
Looking for something a bit heartier? Hop 'n Hog serves up some of the best BBQ in the region. Their smoked meats, craft beers, and laid-back atmosphere make it a perfect spot to unwind after a day on the trails. Whether you're into ribs, pulled pork, or brisket, this place won't disappoint. The platter is enough to feed 2+ people!!
Top Activities in Clearwater
White Water Rafting
Clearwater is known for its thrilling white-water rafting experiences. The Clearwater River offers a range of rapids suitable for beginners and seasoned rafters alike. Personally I’ve gone rafting with Interior Whitewater Expeditions 3 times and I have loved it every time! All the companies in town have various levels of thrills offered on different trips from family trips to extreme adventure. Pick from half-day, full-day, or multi-day adventures and explore Wells Gray from the mighty Clearwater River! If you’ve already been rafting, try out whitewater kayaking for an even more adrenaline filled trip down the river!
Boat Tours at Clearwater Lake
There is so much to explore at Clearwater and Azure lake but with each lake being 25+km long, it can be tough to see everything in a short amount of time via canoe or kayak. Enter Clearwater Lake tours. Choose from full-day or half-day tours exploring the lakes and beautiful sights, like waterfalls, of the lakeshore.
Canoeing and Kayaking
There are tons of places around Clearwater and Wells Gray to rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards to explore the many rivers and lakes in the area. Head to dutch lake in town where the water is warm if you don’t have time to head into the park. Local stores like Wells Gray Outfitters offer rentals. Rentals are also available from Clearwater Lake Tours at Clearwater Lake in the park.
Mountain Biking
Managed by the Wells Gray Outdoor Club, the Candle Creek mountain biking trails are the best place around to go biking . There are very limited options for mountain biking within Wells Gray itself so most people head out to Candle Creek to get their biking fix. You can access these trails via the same road that takes you to Raft Mountain, the parking lot is about half way up the road.
Community Events
Every Saturday from 9am to 12pm throughout the summer at the Dutch Lake Community Center you can visit the Clearwater Farmer’s market. Local vendors sell baked goods, fruits, vegetables and art all from the community. After you visit the farmer’s market, head over to the Elk’s hall for their community breakfast from 8-11am. On Thursdays from 7-9pm you can also find live music at the same spot as the farmer’s market .
TIPS!
Now that you have an idea of what you’re going to do and where you’re going to go while visiting Clearwater and Wells Gray, let me give you some local tips to make the most out of your experience.
Bug spray is definitely an essential in Wells Gray, especially in the spring or right after it rains. There are 32 different species of mosquito that live in the park (there are only 48 total species residing in BC) so they can definitely get feisty. Pyramid campground is definitely a place to avoid if you don’t have a self contained unit like an RV or van as the mosquitos love that place. Although there is almost always space to camp there, you might be itchy if you spend your time relaxing at your picnic table. In the Trophy Meadows, the horseflies are also quite annoying, so come prepared!
For current events, announcements and more, join the Clearwater Info Board Facebook page. Farmer’s market vendors, guiding companies, and local businesses often post updates on the page and it’s a great place to connect with locals. I know some travelers have even found rides into the park and to events through this group. The community in Clearwater is super welcoming and it’s such a great place to explore.
Hopefully you now have a great itinerary for your visit to Clearwater and Wells Gray! Maybe if you were only planning on topping by to see Helmcken you’re adding some more stops to your visit, and if so, YAY! Wells Gray Provincial Park is seriously so underrated and the hikes and sights I’ve listed here only scratch the surface of what there is to explore in this area.
Please remember to always be respectful of the environment and other people while you’re travelling and in the outdoors. Familiarize yourself with the 7 Leave No Trace Principles and be respectful of the trails, people, and animals in the area.
Clearwater and Wells Gray are located on lands of the Simpcw and the Tsq’escenemc First Nations. Learn more about their history here https://www.simpcw.com/our-history.htm and https://canimlakeband.com/about/our-people/ .
