Baileys Chute – West Lake Loop
The trail from the Wells Gray Corridor Road to Bailey’s Chute and beyond to Marcus Falls, Myanth Falls, and back past West Lake is a fine km hike in the forest by the Clearwater River. We hiked the 5.3 km loop route in June when the river was at its fullest.
There is a viewing platform at Bailey’s Chute which is a ramp-like narrows in the river. The power of the river’s flow makes the ground shake and the roar of the cascade is an immersive experience.
From Bailey’s Chute the trail follows the river upstream to Marcus Falls and a series of imposing rapids.
The quiet cedar-hemlock forest contrasts with the roar of the river.
In high water both Marcus and Myanth Falls look more like a large set of rapids. Both have minor drops, but the effect is still quite impressive.
The loop route back winds through the forest, a pleasing section of hiking on a good trail.
West Lake is a quiet hidden small lake surrounded by forest. The trail winds along the east shore on its way back to Bailey’s Chute.
Every part of this hike is worthwhile, but on this day, we enjoyed the section of the trail through the old growth over the last 1.5 km.
We have hiked all of the trails in the Wells Gray corridor, and this one is one of our favorites.
- My rating for this hike – [rating stars=”5.0″]