Gardner Creek Falls
British Columbia • 6 m
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.2 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Gardner Creek Falls
Gardner Creek Falls, also called Gardner Falls, is a roadside waterfall on Gardner Creek near where it flows into Kuskanax Creek, along Nakusp Hot Springs Road northeast of Nakusp. It is about 20 feet high and is a short walk from a pullout, about 3.5 km before the hot springs. Flow is best during spring snowmelt.
The Setting
Gardner Creek Falls sits at 726 metres in the hills of British Columbia. The falls drop 6 metres.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Gardner Creek Falls flows over hard intrusive rock laid down about 162-175 million years ago. These resistant rocks form a durable ledge that water cannot easily wear away, creating a 20-foot drop where softer material downstream has already eroded.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Gardner Creek Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
There is no real hike. A short path leads from the roadside pullout to the falls, and you can scramble over rocks to the base and a small, shallow pool.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 6 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 Gardner Creek Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Gardner Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring snowmelt brings the strongest flow.
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
Rocks near the falls and pool are slippery, especially during spring high water. Take care on the short scramble to the base.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the Water Survey of Canada gauge on Kuskanax Creek, 0.5 km away, not on Gardner Creek Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
3.6 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 63 years of record
0.35 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 KUSKANAX CREEK NEAR NAKUSP (1 km away).
Today
Low
3.6 m³/s
5/10Tomorrow
Low
3.6 m³/s
5/10Sat
Low
3.9 m³/s
4/10Sun
Moderate
3.9 m³/s
5/10Mon
Low
3.7 m³/s
5/10Tue
Low
3.6 m³/s
5/10Wed
Low
3.6 m³/s
5/10Best window: Today — low flow, cloudy (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April 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 Revelstoke hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
From Nakusp, drive 2.4 km north on Highway 23 and turn right onto Nakusp Hot Springs Road. The falls are about 3.5 km before the hot springs at the end of the road (about 12 km). The pullout is on the left going up and is easier to spot on the way back down.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Roadside pullouts beside Gardner Creek on Nakusp Hot Springs Road. There is no formal lot.
Elevation
726 metres above sea level
Coordinates
50.287083° N, -117.730778° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
The pullout is easy to miss driving up; stop on the way back down from the hot springs. Rocks at the base are 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
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Nakusp Hot Springs Campground
3.2 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nakusp Hot Springs is 3.5 km farther up the road, and the Hot Springs Trail has its east trailhead there. Nakusp is roughly 11 km back by road.
Wildlife
Typical interior BC wildlife may be present, black bears, possibly grizzly in parts of the region, moose, deer, cougars, and smaller mammals and bird species. Be bear-aware: make noise while hiking, store food securely, and carry bear spray where appropriate.
Cities near Gardner Creek Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Writing about Gardner Creek Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.