The Gattling Gorge Trail starts at Helmcken Falls in Wells Gray Provincial Park.

From the viewing area, just continue along the rim as it follows the Murtle River west.  After a kilometre it looks out over the confluence of the Murtle and Clearwater Rivers.

As the trail turns north upriver, it descends eventually down to the river’s edge at Gattling Gorge.   At this point the Clearwater River funnels through a narrows.   A rock shelf juts out  for better viewing.   Be careful if the rock is wet.

The Gorge itself is about 200 metres long, a whitewater channel.

The trail from Helmcken Falls viewing area to Gattling Gorge is about 3.3km.    It is really a route, not a signed trail, with a number of drop-offs, narrow spots, and some rough sections.   At one point along the route, you will see a scramble route going down to the left, the old “trail” to Helmcken Falls Canyon.   It is a long and difficult trail not recommended by Parks.   The time that I did that route, after a long arduous trek, I found myself coated in mists near the foot of the falls, trying to get a photo in the spray zone.   The Gattling Gorge route is a better choice.

This is not a great route for children, pets, or anyone with a fear of heights/drop-offs, but it is a good hike, and we get to see Helmcken Falls at the start and at the end of our venture.

[map style=”width: auto; height:400px; margin:20px 0px 20px 0px; border: 1px solid black;” maptype=”OSM Cycle” z=”13″ gpx=”https://kamloopstrails.net/wp-content/uploads/Gattling Gorge.gpx” elevation=”no”]