🌲 Chasing Spring in the Cariboo: Waterfall Wonders and Wild Trails Near Wells Gray Provincial Park
The last week of March arrived with a whisper of warmth in the Cariboo Mountains, just enough to coax the snow into melting and the rivers into roaring. For those with a restless heart and hiking boots by the door, it’s the perfect moment to slip into the shoulder season and chase waterfalls in one of British Columbia’s most spectacular wild spaces—Wells Gray Provincial Park.
While most travelers flock to BC’s beaches in summer or ski hills in winter, those in the know understand that early spring is when Wells Gray comes alive. The snowmelt awakens its legendary waterfalls, and the trails—still quiet from winter’s slumber—offer the kind of solitude that makes you feel like you're discovering the world for the first time.
It is March 31st, it is time to set out from Clearwater with a thermos of hot coffee, a camera, and that jittery excitement only the promise of nature’s grandeur can deliver. The drive itself feels like a movie—twisting through stands of cedar and pine, catching glints of the thawing Thompson River. Wells Gray isn’t just a park; it’s a canvas of water, rock, and sky.
Helmcken Falls: The Crown Jewel of Spring
The highlight of the day—and the trip—was the thunderous Helmcken Falls. At 141 meters high, it’s the fourth-largest waterfall in Canada, and this time of year, it’s fed by a surge of snowmelt cascading down the Murtle River. Standing at the lookout platform, mist brushing against your face, you feel small in the best way possible.
Unlike in the summer, when the falls are framed by crowds and sunshine, spring adds a wilder layer. The power. The echo. The lingering snow drifts along the canyon’s edge. Helmcken doesn’t just fall—it roars to life.
Easy Trails, Big Rewards
If you’re not quite ready to tackle backcountry hikes, spring at Wells Gray is forgiving. The trail to Spahats Falls is short and scenic, and in late March, the falls cut through snow-covered cliffs like a silver blade. Bring sturdy boots—the trails can be muddy, but that’s part of the adventure. (And yes, I fell once. No regrets.)
Dawson Falls is another spring favorite. It's less vertical than Helmcken but wide and powerful, giving off serious Niagara-vibes with none of the crowds. A picnic here, surrounded by bird calls and the rush of water, is better than any spa day.
Adventure Meets Solitude
What makes a March trip to Wells Gray special isn’t just the waterfalls—it’s the peace. No summer tour buses. No winter rush. Just you, the trees, and the sense that you’ve stepped outside of time. I passed only one other hiker all day, and we simply nodded—both of us knowing we’d found something worth holding onto.
If you're looking for lodging, Clearwater is your gateway. Quaint cabins, cozy B&Bs, and a few well-rated motels make it easy to base yourself near the park. For those booking travel, I found great package deals and car rentals through Expedia, especially if you plan ahead.
Spring Packing List Must-Haves
Waterproof hiking boots
Lightweight down jacket
Reusable water bottle
Binoculars (spring migration is real!)
Dry bag for tech gear (trust me)
You can even snag a spring gear bundle with essentials on Amazon or your favorite outdoor retailer.
Why This Adventure Matters
As someone who’s turned my passion for adventure into a platform for storytelling—and now teaching others how to do the same through my book and course on getting sponsored—this trip reminded me of why we chase these moments in the first place.
Wells Gray isn’t just a destination; it’s an invitation. To slow down. To feel the ground underfoot. To witness change in real time.
If you're dreaming of becoming an adventure creator, let this serve as your proof: all it takes is one hike, one story, one waterfall to start. Capture it. Share it. Get sponsored for doing what you love. (Want to learn how? Check out my book and course here.)
Conclusion (but not really):
So, if you’re itching to escape the noise and reconnect with something real, make your way to Wells Gray before spring rush hits. Let March be your month to wander, to wonder, and to write your own adventure story—one waterfall at a time.
Your journey is calling. Will you answer?