One way to escape the heat, and get the babies to nap, is to go for a long air conditioned car ride! I recently heard of Greer Creek Falls just outside of Vanderhoof, and we opted to head out that direction for a carnap and to have lunch. I hoped Woody’s bakery would be open, but to my dismay, it was not. No fear, we discovered C&J’s for lunch (and post-hike ice cream).
Greer Creek Falls, Vanderhoof
Greer Creek Falls is located south of Vanderhoof. You head towards Kenny Dam and turn left on Kluskus Forest Service Road. The trailhead is located at kilometer 37.5. It is paved for some distance, otherwise, it is a maintained gravel road the rest of the way. Kluskus Forest Service Road is double lane and rather busy (no logging trucks on the holiday Monday, but tons of other traffic).
There is a good chance of missing the trail head at Greer Creek Falls if you’re not paying attention. There is no sign, just a trail in the bush. A parking lot-like area on the left, along with other vehicles indicated we might be in the right place. Did we really venture down a trail assuming it was something. Yes. Yes we did.
Greer Creek Falls Trail
Considering you’re in the middle of nowhere without cell reception and no trail signs, the trail is well maintained. It is very rooty and the toddler tripped more than a dozen times, but there is also bridges and boardwalk during this 1.7km adventure.
It’s downhill to the creek. The trail starts off gradual with a few steep drops.
Once down at the creek bed, you are almost at the falls. During this part of the trail the bugs picked up and began to be a nuisance. We continued onwards. The trail splits. You can go straight and check out the fall. Or you can head to the right and go over a bridge, or two to what might be a campsite with picnic benches. Because we had fussy children we opted to head straight to the falls and take a quick break.
Greer Creek Falls in Vanderhoof, BC is beautiful. While War Falls is a dramatic scene, Greer Creek Falls is a classic picturesque view. Plummeting 8 metres into a big pool the water is delightfully cold on an August Day. The falls trickle into a slower moving stream. Playing in the stream was a delight to the toddler, but I wished I brought towels, swimsuits and more!
With Family
This is definitely a carrier-only trail.
I was surprised by the number of people we passed on the trail! There were many families with kids in structured carriers!
A rough 1.7km thru the bush, this trail is just pushing the limits for our 2-year old to hike. He did the trail with many stumbles and jumping off the boardwalk. It was unlikely he would clamber back to the parking lot without a meltdown. Simply Dad carried him back up to the parking lot. We did the return trail in about 40 minutes.
We arrived shorty after 1:30 and returned to our vehicles at 4pm. I left my phone in the vehicle and we did not have anything to keep track of time. It was sort of refreshing, but it means I don’t know much for times.
There is no washroom facility or trash. Be prepared for a nature pee and to pack out what you pack in.
Next Time…
Next time I visit Greer Creek Falls I would pack a lunch and towel.
Our decision to make the drive was impromptu. Children were melting down in the heat and needing a nap. We tossed a couple of diapers and snacks in the car and just drove. We didn’t bring a backpack or much of anything with us. This would be a lovely hike in for a day trip and picnic lunch. I would cross the river and settle into the beach to play along Greer Creek.
The hike back is exhausting in the heat, but totally manageable. Next, I would love to tackle Cheslatta Falls further down at Kenny Dam.
Mar says
This place looks stunning! I love a good waterfall. And what a great secret for getting a babe to nap. Sadly, there are no waterfalls as beautiful as that in the Toronto area.
Alaina Monster says
It looks beautiful! <3