Dawson Falls Trail
Wells Gray has a number of waterfalls for us to visit, explore, and photograph. Dawson Falls is most often viewed from a platform on the south shore of the Murtle River, but there is also a trail that goes right to the edge of the falls on the north side of the river. The trail starts at the Pyramid Campground.
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The trail follows the river downstream, winding through damp forest, coming right to the edge of the falls.
A rough trail (scramble) also goes to the foot of the falls.
The sheer force of the water tumbling over the cliff brings something primeval to mind. This is a wonderful spot for a contemplative time, watching the white water and hearing the roar of the falls. It is also a good spot to think about the journey the river takes from Murtle Lake, across the high plateau, descending down to the Clearwater River through 7 waterfalls and numerous rapids. We had the same thought at Diamond Lagoon on the west end of Murtle Lake, above the first rapids.
A faint trail goes a bit farther downstream past an abundance of windfall to a wider view of the Falls.
Back at the Falls viewpoint, the trail loops back to the Pyramid Road and then back to the campground, a distance of 2.5km. It is a fine family trail, a good one to combine with a visit to Helmcken Falls nearby.