Fletcher Falls

Just outside of Kaslo, Fletcher Creek drops into an impressive waterfall as it flows into Kootenay Lake. It’s a quick, scenic hike down to the falls, and Fletcher Creek also offers a picnic area and backcountry camping.

Summary

Trailhead: Fletcher Creek Frontage Rd
Distance, round trip: 1.1km
Elevation: +50m
Season: late March to early November
Difficulty:  Easy

Trailhead & Driving Directions

The trailhead is 6km south of Kaslo, just off Highway 31 and is signed from both directions. Turn onto Fletcher Creek Frontage Road and park along the edge. As you start walking towards the creek, the trail is signed:

Down the trail

The trail gently descends and then reaches a junction – the right fork continues down an old road towards Kootenay Lake whereas the left fork switch-backs straight down to the waterfall. We took the left route on the way down and came up from the other side to make a loop.

Be careful. As you descend the switch-backs, the waterfall comes into view with faint trails continuously leading to the cliff-edge to overlook the falls and grotto. It isn’t apparent from the trail, but the cliff is very undercut.

Fletcher Falls

As the trail descends, Fletcher Falls comes into full view. In August, the waterfall was reduced to a pleasant trickle but during spring run-off, it’s a rip-roaring sight to behold!

The trail crosses Fletcher Creek on a bridge, and then winds into the grotto at the bottom of the falls.

Once you’ve seen the falls, you can explore the trail along Kootenay Lake which visits the day use area and campsites before switch-backing up to the parking area on the old road.