Cherry Creek Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.3 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Cherry Creek Falls
Cherry Creek Falls is a waterslide-like cascade into a whitewater pool on Cherry Creek, inside the 14.5-hectare Cherry Creek Falls Regional Park north of Kimberley. The Regional District of East Kootenay maintains the park, and an easy trail of about 200 m leads from the parking area to the falls, with a wooden staircase to a viewing platform at the base.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Cherry Creek Falls flows over Purcell Group, a hard volcanic rock layer deposited over 1.0-1.6 billion years ago. The softer shale and siltstone erodes faster than the resistant volcanic rocks and mafic, creating a ledge that the water plunges over.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
An easy trail of about 200 m leads from the parking area to the falls, with stairs down to a viewing platform at the base.
What to Expect
Water slides smoothly down rock into a lively pool, shaded by conifers. The park has parking, picnic tables, a fire pit, benches and a seasonal portable toilet.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Cherry Creek Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Cherry Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The park is maintained from spring to fall. Flow is strongest in late spring, and in summer the shaded pool is a popular place to cool off.
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
There is no lifeguard; swim at your own risk. Rocks around the pool and the stairs can be slippery.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the Water Survey of Canada gauge on Mather Creek, 0.2 km away, not on Cherry Creek Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
0.3 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 53 years of record
2.19 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge MATHER CREEK BELOW HOULE CREEK (0 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
0.3 m³/s
4/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
0.3 m³/s
3/10Sat
Barely Flowing
0.3 m³/s
4/10Sun
Barely Flowing
0.3 m³/s
3/10Mon
Barely Flowing
0.3 m³/s
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
0.3 m³/s
4/10Wed
Barely Flowing
0.3 m³/s
3/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, cloudy (trip score 4/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to mid 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 Cranbrook hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
From Kimberley, drive about 7 km on Highway 95A and turn left (north) onto Thomason Road, following signs for Cherry Creek Falls. After about 400 m, turn right onto Clarricoates Road and follow it about 1.8 km to the park on the right. Clarricoates Road becomes the Ta Ta Lost Dog Forest Service Road.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
The park has its own parking area at 7550 Ta Ta Lost Dog Forest Service Road. Park so you do not block road or trail access.
Elevation
1,033 metres above sea level
Coordinates
49.713236° N, -115.894033° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
The park is day use only, with no overnight camping. Alcohol and cannabis are not allowed. Pack out all garbage.
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
Hahas Lake Campground
6.3 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Kimberley is about 11 km away by road. Tourism Kimberley also lists Marysville Falls, Meachen Creek Falls, Mary Anne Falls, Perry Creek Falls and Lumberton Falls in the area.
Wildlife
Typical East Kootenay species may be encountered: deer, elk, black bear, small mammals, and a variety of birds. Take normal backcountry precautions (store food securely, make noise on approach, carry bear spray where appropriate).
Cities near Cherry Creek Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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