Access and Trails
A short paved side road from the main Wells Gray Park road leads to Helmcken Falls. A viewing platform on the rim of the canyon provides a panorama of the falls and canyon.
Brink Trail: A 4-km long trail starts near Dawson Falls and follows the south bank of the Murtle River to the brink of Helmcken Falls. This walk takes about an hour. There are no fences at the end of this trail so caution is important, especially with children and pets.
Helmcken Canyon: A 30-minute walk west from the main viewpoint follows the rim of Helmcken Canyon to an overlook of the meeting of the Murtle and Clearwater Rivers, about 250 m (820 ft) below.
Bottom of Helmcken Falls route: Continuing past the above overlook, the trail deteriorates into a strenuous scrambling route which descends into Helmcken Canyon, then follows the Murtle River to the bottom of the falls. This takes about four hours each way.
Gattling Gorge trail: Gattling Gorge is the narrowest point of the Clearwater River, about 20 m (66 ft) across. It is at the head of Helmcken Canyon, upstream from the confluence with the Murtle River. A trail from the main Helmcken Falls viewpoint accesses this gorge but signage is poor. It takes about an hour to walk.
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