Triple Decker Falls                  Candle Creek Falls                     Clearwater River

This is the best of the lower elevation hikes in Wells Gray Provincial Park. We will leave some vehicles at the end of the trail at Dutch Lake and then make our way to the trailhead on Clearwater valley Road. The 8.5 km hike downhill will pass by Triple Decker Falls, the Osprey Lookout, Candle Creek Falls, the base of basalt cliffs and finally drop down to the Clearwater River. Both falls and possibly the river will be frozen.

This is a moderate hike in the summer, but is much more difficult in the winter. Expect to break trail through much of the 8.5 km. There are some steep sections that have fixed ropes during the summer. These ropes are buried under ice so you will need good traction. If you want to get close to the falls (climb partially up) you will need traction devices.

The plan is to:
Meet up at Paul Lake to Carpool at 8:00am
Drive up to Clearwater (125 km)
Meet the leader at the Wells Gray info Center at 9:30am
Shuttle some cars down to Dutch Lake
Start the trek shortly before 10:00am

In the summer, this hike typically takes 3 hours at a moderate rate. In the winter it should take about 4 hours at a reasonably fast pace (allowing lots of time at the falls). Good fitness and the ability to keep up with the group at a steady pace is essential.