Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
cone and many spectacular, rugged peaks, including snow-covered Garnet Peak, highest in
the park.
Wells Gray is best known for its waterfalls, the two most spectacular of which are ac-
cessible by road. Southernmost is Dawson Falls, four kilometers (2.5 miles) into the park,
where the Murtle River cascades over a 90-meter-wide (295-foot-wide) ledge. A little
farther along the main road is the Mush Bowl (or Devil's Punchbowl), where the river has
carved huge holes in the riverbed. But save some film for incredible Helmcken Falls, Brit-
ish Columbia's fourth-highest falls, where the Murtle River cascades off the edge of Murtle
Plateau in a sparkling, 137-meter-high (449-foot-high) torrent to join the Clearwater River.
In winter, the frozen falls create an enormous ice cone as tall as a 20-story building.
For an enjoyable short walk from the road (20 minutes each way), hike the one-kilo-
meter (0.6-mile) trail out to Ray Farm, former home of one of the area's first settlers. The
picturesque abandoned farm buildings sit among rolling meadows full of wildflowers.
Farther north up the road, a 500-meter (0.3-mile) trail (10 minutes each way) winds
through a stand of towering cedar trees to Bailey's Chute, a narrow rapids-filled passage.
In fall, large numbers of chinook salmon battle the torrent, trying in vain to leap up the
chute. After a number of valiant attempts, they're washed back downstream to the gravel
beds, where they spawn and die.
Clearwater Lake
The road ends at a boat ramp and canoe dock beside the southern end of Clearwater
Lake, 66 kilometers (41 miles) from the town of Clearwater. To make the most of the
lake, you really need to take to the water. Based just before the end of the road (take
the Clearwater Campground turnoff), Clearwater Lake Tours (250/674-2121,
www.clearwaterlaketours.com ) offers a couple of options. A full day motorboat cruise to
Azure Lake, including a short walk and picnic lunch, departs daily at 10:30am and 2:30pm
($150 pp). The company rents canoes ($55 per day) and kayaks ($55-75 per day) for those
who would rather propel themselves.
Accommodations
Around halfway between Clearwater and Helmcken Falls, M Wells Gray Guest Ranch
(250/674-2792 or 866/467-4346, www.wellsgrayranch.com , Jan.-mid-March and mid-
May-Sept., $130-160 s or d) is surrounded by grassy meadows full of wildflowers and
grazing horses. Activities organized for guests include horseback riding ($55 for a two-
hour ride), canoeing, white-water rafting, fishing, and western-style barbecues each even-
ing. Overnight options are well-furnished, kitchen-equipped duplex units within log cabins
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