Helmcken Falls, Waterfall in Wells Gray Provincial Park, Canada
Helmcken Falls is a waterfall in Wells Gray Provincial Park, British Columbia, where the Murtle River drops 141 meters (463 feet) into a canyon carved from volcanic rock. The water rushes over a sharp cliff edge and tumbles into a narrow gorge, sending mist rising through the forested walls above.
A surveyor named Robert Henry Lee came across these falls in 1913 while mapping land for the provincial government in the remote backcountry. His discovery helped draw attention to the area and eventually led to its protection within the park system.
Named after John Sebastian Helmcken, a Hudson's Bay Company physician, the falls honor one of the doctors who played a role in joining British Columbia to Canada. His name connects this natural site to the early medical pioneers who worked in the Pacific Northwest during the colonial period.
A short trail leads from the parking area to a viewing platform that offers clear sightlines across the entire drop. The path is well maintained and accessible for most visitors who want to see the falls without a long hike.
During winter, the spray at the base freezes into a massive ice cone that can reach around 50 meters (164 feet) in height. This frozen tower attracts ice climbers who use its steep walls for training and recreation throughout the coldest months.
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