Aitken Falls Trail

2.10 km
76m gain
1.00 hours
Level 3.0/5
3.0/5
Difficulty
Moderate
2.10
Distance
kilometres
76
Elevation Gain
metres
1.00
Est. Time
hours

About This Trail

Aitken Falls Trail is a short but thrilling easy-to-moderate 1km hiking trail approximately 14.4km from Houston, leading to a spectacular waterfall canyon on Aitken Creek. The trail has been an unofficial local favourite for years and was formally developed due to its exceptional scenery. The trail starts on an old landing and follows a grown-in road to a fence line, which leads directly to the edge of the canyon rim. A side trail approximately 50 metres before the canyon viewpoint descends steeply via switchbacks (150m) to the base of the second of two falls this lower section earns the trail its difficult classification due to the final pitch into the canyon. The falls are most spectacular in early summer when winter snowmelt is at its peak, though the site is worth visiting throughout the season. Wide enough for cross-country skiing in winter. Dogs welcome. Located on the unceded traditional territory of the Wet'suwet'en people.

Leave No Trace

Please follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out all waste, stay on designated trails, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors.

Interactive Trail Map

Elevation Profile

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Getting There

Directions

From the Houston Tourist Information Centre, drive east on Highway 16 approximately 10km. Turn right onto McKilligan Road. Keep left onto Aitken Creek Road and follow it past the landfill site. Continue on the road to the small forest service parking area on the south side of Aitken Creek, approximately 14.4km from the Houston Visitor Centre. The trailhead begins from the old landing at the parking area.

Parking

A small forest service parking area is located on the south side of Aitken Creek off Aitken Creek Road. Free, no formal facilities. The access road passes the Houston landfill follow it past and continue to the parking area. All services available in Houston.

Safety & Preparation

Exercise extreme caution at the canyon rim the drop is severe and the edges can be unstable. Stay behind the fence line and do not lean over or sit on the canyon edge. The side trail descending to the base of the falls is steep and difficult only attempt the descent if you are confident, wearing sturdy footwear, and physically capable; trekking poles are strongly recommended. The descent trail can be very slippery when wet. Supervise children and dogs closely near the canyon edge at all times keep dogs on leash. The falls are most powerful and impressive during spring snowmelt (May–June); by late summer water levels are reduced. Bears are present in the Aitken Creek area carry bear spray. The access road may be rough in wet conditions.