Alvin Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Jun 2026
About Alvin Falls
Alvin Falls is a little-documented waterfall located at approximately 49.604, -122.6144 near the Canada–US border in the vicinity of Custer/Blaine/Lynden. There is limited official information about the feature in public trail databases. The waterfall appears to be on a small creek in a forested/rural area and may be seasonal or have reduced flow in late summer. Access details, exact height, and formal trail development are not well documented and may involve informal or unmaintained routes; visitors should plan for uncertain conditions and possible private-property boundaries.
The Setting
Alvin Falls sits at 553 metres within Old Growth Management Areas (Mapped Legal), in the hills of British Columbia.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Alvin Falls flows over hard intrusive rock laid down about 145-162 million years ago. These resistant rocks form a durable ledge that water cannot easily wear away, creating the falls where softer material downstream has already eroded.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Pinecone Falls (40 m) lies 10.8 kilometres to the northwest.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
There is no widely published, maintained trail description for Alvin Falls. Access may require following an informal boot path, cross-country travel, or a short walk from a nearby road. Expect indistinct routing, possible short sections of bushwhack, and variable footing. Because official trail data is limited, plan for navigation by GPS and basic route-finding. Respect private property, posted signs, and local access rules.
What to Expect
Expect a small forested creek setting with a modest cascade or falls. Flow can vary seasonally, higher in spring snowmelt and after heavy rains, lower in late summer. Terrain is likely uneven with roots, mud, and slippery rocks near the water. Vegetation typical of lower mainland coastal forests (ferns, alder, coniferous trees) and wet-ground understory is probable. Facilities (signage, restrooms, marked viewpoints) are likely absent.
Accessibility
Accessibility for people with mobility limitations is likely poor, no developed viewing platforms or paved access are known. Terrain is probably uneven and may involve short off-trail travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Alvin Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Alvin Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late winter through spring is generally best for higher flow and more dramatic water; early fall can offer stable weather with moderate flows. Avoid periods immediately after heavy rain if you are not experienced on slippery/muddy trails.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with the managing park or local authority for current conditions.
Safety Information
Hazards may include slippery rocks, steep or unstable banks near the creek, cold water, seasonal high flows, poor trail definition, and potential private-property issues. Cell reception may be limited. Always wear appropriate footwear, avoid getting too close to the edge, and do not attempt difficult crossings during high water. If you are inexperienced, consider going with someone who knows the area or choosing a better-documented waterfall.
Current Water Conditions
4.2 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 44 years of record
1.84 m
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Vancouver hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
General approach: use the provided coordinates (49.604, -122.6144) as a navigation reference. The feature lies in a rural/forested area near the Canada–US border; nearest named communities include Custer (~34.7 miles), Blaine (~35.7 miles), and Lynden (~38.7 miles) as referenced. Roads in this region can be small and unmarked; a high-resolution map or GPS is recommended. There may be no signed trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is likely informal (roadside or at an unofficial pullout). There may be no developed parking lot; park only where legal and safe and avoid blocking gates or driveways. If access crosses private property, parking may be restricted.
Elevation
553 metres above sea level
Coordinates
49.603968° N, -122.614374° W
Land Management
Managed by Government of British Columbia
Visitor Tips & Gear
• Use the exact coordinates and a reliable map/GPS. • Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear with good traction; expect slippery rocks and muddy trail. • Leave no trace: pack out trash and avoid disturbing streambanks and vegetation. • Check property boundaries, some approaches may cross private land; obtain permission if required. • Cell reception may be spotty; bring offline maps and let someone know your plan. • Spring offers highest flows; late summer may have low water. • Be cautious around stream edges, banks can be unstable and slippery.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Vicker's Creek North
10 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby communities and attractions in the broader region may include small rural recreation areas, regional parks, and border towns (Custer, Blaine, Lynden). Specific nearby named attractions to Alvin Falls are not well documented; consult local visitor information for more options.
Wildlife
Expect typical Lower Mainland/western BC wildlife: deer, a variety of songbirds and waterfowl, small mammals, and possibly black bears or cougars in more remote forested areas. Take standard wildlife precautions (store food securely, make noise when hiking, know bear-response procedures).
Cities near Alvin Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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