Marcus Falls
British Columbia • Wells Gray Park • 5 m
By Armen Suny · Last verified Jun 2026
Photo Credits (1)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
3.2 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
15 m
About Marcus Falls
Marcus Falls is a modest but scenic waterfall tucked inside Wells Gray Park in British Columbia, managed by the Government of British Columbia. The cascade makes an excellent short outing for hikers and photographers who want a quiet nature stop without committing to a long backcountry trek. Its location inside a protected park gives the area a peaceful, forested character typical of the region. The route to Marcus Falls is an easy, family-friendly hike that rewards visitors with a pleasant waterside viewpoint. If you plan to camp before or after your visit, Falls Creek Campground sits nearby, about 6.7 km from the falls, making an overnight stay a convenient option for exploring more of Wells Gray Park's attractions.
The Setting
Marcus Falls sits at 632 metres within Wells Gray Park, in the hills of British Columbia. The falls drop 5 metres.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Marcus Falls flows over layered sedimentary rock laid down about 252 million to 1.0 billion years ago. Over time, the stream has worn through these layers at different rates, creating a 15-foot drop that forms the waterfall.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Bailey's Chute (10 m) lies 0.6 kilometres to the east. Also nearby: Osprey Falls (5 m, 7.4 km) and Falls Creek (3 m, 7.1 km).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 3.2-km out-and-back trail gains 15 metres of elevation on the way to the falls.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 5 metres over layered sedimentary rock.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Marcus Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Marcus Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Current Water Conditions
Based on a Water Survey of Canada gauge 47.4 km away
382.0 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 87 years of record
3.70 m
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge CLEARWATER RIVER NEAR CLEARWATER STATION (47 km away).
Today
Moderate
430 m³/s
4/10Tomorrow
Moderate
402 m³/s
8/10Tue
Moderate
373 m³/s
8/10Wed
Moderate
360 m³/s
6/10Thu
Moderate
347 m³/s
6/10Fri
Moderate
366 m³/s
5/10Sat
Moderate
385 m³/s
4/10Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, mainly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early May to early August, 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.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Elevation
632 metres above sea level
Coordinates
52.074096° N, -120.198525° W
Land Management
Managed by Government of British Columbia
Visitor Tips & Gear
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
This easy 3.2 km hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
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.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
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
Falls Creek Campground
6.7 km away
Additional Information
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