Hiking at Nairn Falls Provincial Park, BC
I expect that many people camp at Nairn Falls Provincial Park while they’re using the vast network of mountain biking trails around Pemberton. For me, the hike to Nairn Falls was the draw.
The sign to the right at the start of the trail says: “Nairn Fall, 1.5 Km. This trail traverses steep banks above a swift flowing river. Stay on the trail and keep a close watch on children. Sturdy footwear is recommended.” Other signs advise that bicycles are not allowed, and dogs must be on leash.
The trail is excellent when there are very few people here. An interpretive sign points out that Nairn Falls Provincial Park is home to the rubber boa, the only boa constrictor found in Canada. Only 45 cm (18 in) long, they live in the forest litter and feed on small rodents.
The Green River was at maximum flow – a great time for waterfall viewing.
By the time you get near the falls, the trail is far above the river.
The roughest part of the trail for anyone with challenges (including the woman with twins in a stroller that we saw) is just before reaching the falls.
The first view of the Nairn Falls viewing area. We started at the upper level.
Nairn Falls isn’t very large, but the power of the water roaring through a twisting, multi-drop canyon of granite is very impressive. At low water levels, a granite bridge and some sections where part of the river flows under the granite can be seen.
To the L’íl’wat people, Nairn Falls is a spiritual place called Yélmícw. Their stories tell of the land being re-shaped by supernatural beings called “Transformers.” They left a trail of distinctive boulders, rock formations, lakes, rivers, mountains, and waterfalls. At Yélmícw, Elastic Man’s cave is behnd the lower falls, and a Transformer’s footprint can be seen in the granite at an ancient L’íl’wat fishing spot below the falls.
Looking straight down into a slot off to the side side of the main canyon.
Then we went down to the lower viewing area.
The lower drop of Nairn Falls. There are actually more drops below, but they aren’t accessible.
Bella and Tucker showed me how to navigate the granite up from the viewing area back to the trail. I was much slower than them 🙂
Looking up to the upper viewing area as we walked back to the trail.
About 45 minutes after starting down the trail, we were back at the parking lot. It’s quite small and when it gets busy won’t be very big-rig friendly.
The kids were ready for a nap, so before getting dinner ready, I made the short drive into Pemberton to do some grocery shopping.
The rough old logging town of Pemberton is long gone. It has a very “yuppy” feeling to it – “Whistler North”.
The plan for the next day was to drive to Lillooet for a 2-night stay.
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