Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.3 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
48 m
About Matheson Falls
Matheson Falls is a remote, forested waterfall in southeastern British Columbia near the Canada–US border (coordinates 49.4894, -114.943). The falls sit in a rugged, largely undeveloped area of the southern Kootenays and are most often visited by people prepared to travel on secondary/forest roads and do some off-trail walking or short scrambles. Flow and appearance are seasonal and depend on spring melt and rainfall. Exact published height information is not readily available.
The Setting
Matheson Falls sits at 1,275 metres within Privately Protected Area (NCC 1001320), in the mountains of British Columbia.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Matheson Falls flows over Kootenay Group, a layered sedimentary rock layer deposited about 66-201 million years ago. Over time, the stream has worn through these layers at different rates, creating the step that forms the waterfall.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.3-km out-and-back trail gains 48 metres of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
There is no widely documented maintained trail to Matheson Falls. Visitors typically leave a forest road and follow an unmarked route involving a short bushwhack or scramble to reach viewpoints. Trails, if present, are primitive and may be indistinct; route-finding skills are helpful. Expect uneven, rooty, and potentially slippery terrain near the water.
What to Expect
A remote, natural setting with limited or no infrastructure (no restrooms, signage, or established viewpoints). The waterfall may be best viewed from a short scramble above or below the falls; rock and moss can be very slippery. Water flow is seasonal, higher in spring and after heavy rain, lower in late summer or dry periods. Cell service may be intermittent or absent. Wildlife (including bears and moose) and biting insects are possible.
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 Matheson Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Matheson Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring (snowmelt) typically offers the highest flows and most dramatic appearance. Early summer often provides good access with strong flows. Late summer and fall can be drier but offer clearer weather and fewer insects. Winter access is likely difficult without snow-vehicle experience and the falls may be ice-covered.
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
• Expect unmarked and potentially steep or slippery approaches near the falls. • Rocks and logs near the water are often slick, falls and injuries can result from a single slip. • Flashy stream flow can change quickly after rain or rapid snowmelt; avoid standing in or below the channel during and after heavy precipitation. • Winter ice and snow create additional hazards (avalanche risk in some gullies, icefall, poor route visibility). • Cell coverage may be unreliable; carry a personal locator or satellite communication device if traveling alone or far from services. • Road conditions may change rapidly, check with regional forest service or local authorities for closures and advisories.
Current Water Conditions
60.2 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 59 years of record
2.09 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 nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge ELK RIVER AT FERNIE (9 km away).
Today
Moderate
60 m³/s
9/10Tomorrow
Moderate
58 m³/s
8/10Tue
Moderate
57 m³/s
8/10Wed
Moderate
56 m³/s
8/10Thu
Moderate
57 m³/s
8/10Fri
Moderate
55 m³/s
9/10Sat
Moderate
53 m³/s
9/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, mainly sunny (trip score 9/10).
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 Cranbrook hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Access is via regional highways and then by secondary/forest service or logging roads. Exact approach routes vary depending on road conditions; high-clearance or 4x4 vehicles may be recommended for the last stretches. Expect limited signage, navigation with GPS coordinates or a detailed topo map is recommended.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is likely an informal pullout or small cleared area off a forest road. There are no formal developed parking lots or facilities at the falls. Park well off the traveled roadway and avoid blocking gates or landings.
Elevation
1,275 metres above sea level
Coordinates
49.489355° N, -114.943009° W
Land Management
Managed by Nature Conservancy of Canada
Visitor Tips & Gear
• Use the provided coordinates and a topographic map or GPS for navigation. • Check local forest service or district road reports before traveling; roads may be gated, washed out, or closed after heavy weather. • High-clearance or 4x4 vehicles may be needed on unpaved roads. • Wear sturdy boots and bring trekking poles for slippery/steep sections. • Practice Leave No Trace: pack out all trash and avoid disturbing vegetation or stream banks. • Carry bear spray and know how to use it; make noise when traveling through dense forest. • Tell someone your plan and expected return time; expect limited cell service.
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For this easy 1.3 km trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
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.
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.
OR Sombriolet Sun Hat
UPF 50+ sun protection with vents so your head doesn't cook on exposed trail sections.
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
Mount Fernie Campground
10.8 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Regional towns such as Cranbrook and small border communities are the nearest services. The general area offers other outdoor activities including lake and river recreation (for example Lake Koocanusa region), backcountry hiking, and fishing. Exact local trail networks and attractions vary by access route.
Wildlife
Typical southern Kootenay wildlife may be present: black bear, mule deer/white‑tailed deer, moose, coyotes, small mammals, and various birds. Ticks and biting insects can be common in warm months.
Cities near Matheson Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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