June 12, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Clearwater, Parks
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Wells Gray Park is located just north of Clearwater, in the heart of British Columbia. When we arrived we first stopped at the Visitor Centre to get an update on trail conditions, then entered the park and made Spahats Falls our first stop. After a short walk from the parking lot, visitors can marvel at how the stream of water has steadily eroded the rocks beneath it and carved a deep trench into the side of the cliff from which it spews.
We then took a drive up Trophy Mountain (leaving behind most of the other visitors, many of whom only venture as far as Spahats Falls). As you ascent the mountain you can see the view open up, and one can enjoy a wide-open south-facing panorama from the top. In later summer, Trophy Mountain's flowers burst into bloom, giving homage to its name.
After descending back into the valley, we drove to Dawson Falls, which is a wide, roaring, and intense albeit not high waterfall. Our last stop for the day was Helmcken Falls (see attached photo), which, at 141 metres, is the fourth highest waterfall in Canada.
Wells Gray Park is a gem located only a short to moderate drive from much of central BC, and many of its sights (including more than 250 waterfalls in the area) can easily be seen on a 1-2 day trip. We saw several bears while in the park, and in general chances of wildlife sightings are quite good.
Roam plenty and roam safely,
your Traveller13
Photo credit: Alex Schare