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DEER CREEK FALLS TRAIL

This is an easy walk on a good trail. This trail is suitable for all ages and abilities and is a great place on a hot day.

Difficulty: Very easy A1
Elevation gained: 15m (50’)
Key Elevations:
Distance: 1km
Time: 15 minutes one way
Season: All year-round
Map: 82F/5 Castlegar

Drive:
From Nelson. Drive Hwy 3A west to Castlegar and just before the bridge across the Kootenay River, take the exit right towards Robson and Syringa Creek Provincial Park. After 3.3km, turn right onto Broadwater Rd and proceed toward Robson. Left goes to the major bridge across the Columbia. Zero odometer.
From Castlegar. Go through downtown Castlegar, cross the Columbia River and turn left onto Broadwater Road in Robson. Zero odometer.
0.0km Broadwater Road, Robson
11.8km. Pass Hugh Keenleyside Dam (completed 1968)
20.3km. Just before the yellow gates of Syringa Creek Provincial Park, turn right onto the gravel Deer Park Forest Service Road. Follow this narrow, good 2-wheel drive gravel road for approximately 15 km to the community of Deer Park. There are one-lane-only sections with traffic possibly coming the other way. Logging trucks also use the road and must be given lots of room and the right-of-way.
34.3km. After passing Tulip Creek Falls and Cayuse Creek and before Deer Park, turn right onto the “Deer Creek Forest Service Road”. Drive 3.5kms
37.8km. Turn left onto a dirt track. Park at the trailhead.

Trail: Along the trail are some unusually large white pine and ponderosa pine trees. As the trail descends gently into the creek draw, the temperature drops, making this a good trail for a hot day. The Deer Creek Falls cascade in two tiers through the gorge. The upper fall is narrow and drops into a pool before cascading over the lower fall. The crystal clear pool at the foot of the lower fall invites dabbling. The entire scene is framed by a lush cedar forest. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the table, while you cool off by the falls.

In the autumn, look for mushrooms on the lower portions of the trail. At other times of the year, shade-loving plants such as Indian pipe can be found. On the way up the trail, rest on the bench and take in the peace and quiet of the forest. The only sounds will be the birds in the forest.

The 20-metre-high falls cascade through a beautiful gorge framed by a lush cedar forest that boasts an easy walking path that is suitable for all ages and abilities. These are one of the only two-tiered waterfalls located near Castlegar. The beautiful setting makes it the perfect afternoon picnic spot, especially in the summertime when the temperatures are hot.

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I would like to think of myself as a full time traveler. I have been retired since 2006 and in that time have traveled every winter for four to seven months. The months that I am "home", are often also spent on the road, hiking or kayaking. I hope to present a website that describes my travel along with my hiking and sea kayaking experiences.