Cheakamus River Waterfalls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.9 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
30 m
About Cheakamus River Waterfalls
The Cheakamus River Waterfalls are cascades in the Cheakamus River canyon at the south end of Whistler, between the Cheakamus Crossing neighbourhood and the Whistler Train Wreck site, and are also called Train Wreck Falls. The nearest established route is the short Train Wreck walk on the Sea to Sky Trail, which crosses the river on a suspension bridge.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Cheakamus River Waterfalls 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
Brandywine falls (70 m) lies 7.4 kilometres to the southwest. Also nearby: Alexander Falls (43 m, 8.0 km) and Rainbow Falls (29 m, 6.6 km).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.9-km out-and-back trail gains 30 metres of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The Train Wreck walk starts across Jane Lakes Road from the Train Wreck parking area, follows the Sea to Sky Trail and crosses a suspension bridge over the Cheakamus River to the painted boxcars. Vancouver Trails lists it as easy, about 2 km round trip with 30 m of elevation gain.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Cheakamus River Waterfalls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Leashed dogs are allowed on the Train Wreck trail, including on the suspension bridge.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Cheakamus River Waterfalls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring (peak snowmelt) for highest flows and dramatic waterfalls; early summer for accessible trails and strong flows; fall can offer lower flows and good foliage colors. Winter visits are possible but may involve snow, icy conditions, and restricted road access, exercise caution and check road/closure reports.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with the managing park or local authority for current conditions.
Safety Information
The Cheakamus River is fast and cold, and the canyon edges are steep and slippery. Stay on the trail and well back from the water.
Current Water Conditions
6.6 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 43 years of record
1.85 m
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge CHEAKAMUS RIVER ABOVE MILLAR CREEK (1 km away).
Today
Low
7.1 m³/s
4/10Tomorrow
Low
6.5 m³/s
5/10Sat
Low
6.3 m³/s
4/10Sun
Moderate
6.5 m³/s
5/10Mon
Low
6.7 m³/s
5/10Tue
Low
5.9 m³/s
5/10Wed
Low
6.1 m³/s
5/10Best window: Tomorrow — low flow, cloudy (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late May to late August, peaking in July.
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 Lillooet hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Drive Highway 99 to Function Junction, the first traffic light when arriving in Whistler from the south, and turn in. Cross the small bridge, turn right onto Jane Lakes Road and drive about 500 m to a small road on the left signed Train Wreck Parking. The trail starts across the road at the Sea to Sky Trail sign.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park in the small area signed Train Wreck Parking off Jane Lakes Road, about 500 m from Function Junction.
Elevation
609 metres above sea level
Coordinates
50.084163° N, -123.049084° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
There are no toilets on the trail or at the trailhead. Keep dogs leashed, including on the suspension bridge, and pack out dog waste.
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This easy 1.9 km hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
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
Cal Cheak North Camp
3.9 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
The Whistler Train Wreck boxcars, the Sea to Sky Trail, Function Junction and Brandywine Falls Provincial Park to the south.
Wildlife
Black bears, cougars (rare), deer, eagles, osprey, and seasonal salmon runs in parts of the watershed. Insects (including biting flies and mosquitoes) can be abundant in summer. Practice wildlife safety and keep a respectful distance.
Cities near Cheakamus River Waterfalls
Nearby Waterfalls
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