Ashlu Falls
British Columbia • 10 m
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (1)
Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Ashlu Falls
Ashlu Falls is a short but significant waterfall along lower Ashlu Creek. The falls are located about 6 km above the mouth of Ashlu Creek and mark the head of Ashlu Canyon. The creek is actually crossed by a logging road bridge between the two tiers.
The Setting
Ashlu Falls sits at 248 metres in the foothills of British Columbia. The falls drop 10 metres.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Ashlu 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 a 33-foot drop where softer material downstream has already eroded.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Madden Falls (579 m) lies 5.8 kilometres to the southeast. Also nearby: Phantom Falls (100 m, 12.9 km) and Crooked Falls (60 m, 4.8 km).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Ashlu Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
There is no real hike. The Ashlu road crosses Ashlu Creek on a logging road bridge between the two tiers of the falls, so the falls are seen from the road at the bridge.
What to Expect
The falls drop 10 metres over hard intrusive rock.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Ashlu Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Ashlu Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring to early summer for highest flows and dramatic water volume. Summer and fall are fine for easier road conditions and clearer weather. Winter visits are possible but may present icy trails, frozen spray, and limited road access, take extra precautions.
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 include fast, cold water, strong currents, slippery rocks and steep drop-offs. Road and trail conditions can change quickly due to weather or forestry activity. Cell service may be unreliable. Do not attempt to climb down to the base of the falls without proper experience, rescues are difficult in this terrain. Wear appropriate footwear and supervise children closely.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the Water Survey of Canada gauge on Clowhom River, 16.9 km away, not on Ashlu Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
3.0 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 33 years of record
2.63 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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge CLOWHOM RIVER NEAR CLOWHOM LAKE (17 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
3.0 m³/s
4/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
3.0 m³/s
4/10Sat
Barely Flowing
2.9 m³/s
3/10Sun
Low
2.9 m³/s
4/10Mon
Low
4.0 m³/s
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
3.3 m³/s
4/10Wed
Barely Flowing
3.2 m³/s
5/10Best window: Wed — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early May to late July, peaking in June.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest WSC stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
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
From Highway 99 north of Squamish, turn left onto Squamish Valley Road, across from Alice Lake Provincial Park. The road turns to gravel; at about the 24.5 km mark cross the large bridge onto Ashlu Road. Ashlu Falls is farther up the Ashlu road, about 6 km above the mouth of Ashlu Creek, where a logging road bridge crosses the creek between the two tiers.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is no developed parking. If you stop near the bridge, pull fully off the road; this is a forest road with logging traffic.
Elevation
248 metres above sea level
Coordinates
49.934031° N, -123.359481° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
• Wear sturdy, grippy shoes; rocks and trail sections can be slippery. • Keep a safe distance from the cliff edge and fast-moving water, there are steep drop-offs and strong currents. • Park fully off the road where allowed; watch for logging trucks. • No facilities, bring water, snacks, and pack out all trash. • Check local FSR and weather reports before travel; some gravel roads may require high-clearance or 4x4 in wet conditions. • Respect private/industrial signs and do not enter closed roads.
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
High Falls (5.5km) Recreation Site
3.8 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
The Crooked Falls trail starts on Ashlu Road about 1.5 km past the Squamish River bridge. Alice Lake Provincial Park is at the Highway 99 turnoff, and the town of Squamish is to the south.
Wildlife
Black bears, black-tailed deer, small mammals, and various birds (including raptors). Standard bear and wildlife precautions recommended, store food securely and maintain distance from animals.
Cities near Ashlu Falls
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