Maude Frickert Falls
British Columbia • 27 m
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Before you go
The Squamish Valley Forest Service Road, the only road to these falls, was closed to the public at the 21 km mark after an August 2025 washout at Mud Creek. Confirm current road status with the BC Ministry of Forests or Squamish Nation before driving.
Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.2 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Maude Frickert Falls
Maude Frickert Falls is a powerful horsetail waterfall of about 87 feet on Maude Frickert Creek, right beside the Elaho Main road just before the creek joins the Elaho River, north of Squamish. Its spray keeps the road bridge wet, which is why it is also called Carwash Bridge. It is a roadside view reached by a long drive on gravel forest roads.
The Setting
Maude Frickert Falls sits at 260 metres in the foothills of British Columbia. The falls drop 27 metres.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Maude Frickert Falls 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 a 87-foot drop where softer material downstream has already eroded.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Maude Frickert Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
No hike is needed. The falls are beside the road at the bridge over Maude Frickert Creek on the Elaho Main.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 27 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 Maude Frickert Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Maude Frickert Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring typically offers the best water flow while summer provides drier, easier trail conditions. Early fall can be pleasant for fewer bugs and cooler weather. Winter access may be more difficult due to muddy roads, rain-swollen creeks, and icy conditions.
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
Spray makes the bridge and nearby rocks slick. The access roads are gravel beyond the first 19 km and can be closed by washouts; do not stop or linger in washout zones.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the Water Survey of Canada gauge on Elaho River, 3.4 km away, not on Maude Frickert Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
29.6 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 44 years of record
2.93 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 ELAHO RIVER NEAR THE MOUTH (3 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
30 m³/s
4/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
29 m³/s
4/10Sat
Barely Flowing
28 m³/s
3/10Sun
Low
28 m³/s
4/10Mon
Barely Flowing
33 m³/s
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
31 m³/s
4/10Wed
Barely Flowing
31 m³/s
4/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, cloudy (trip score 4/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late May to mid 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 Powell River hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
From Highway 99 north of Squamish, follow the Squamish Valley Road (Squamish Main) for about 48 km; it is paved only for the first 19 km. Turn left onto the Elaho Main and drive about 8 km to the bridge over Maude Frickert Creek.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is no formal parking. Pull fully off the road near the bridge and leave room for other traffic.
Elevation
260 metres above sea level
Coordinates
50.128971° N, -123.469983° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Check current Squamish Valley Forest Service Road status before driving; the road has washed out repeatedly at Mud Creek, around the 21 km mark. Bring a paper map and enough fuel for a long gravel drive.
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
Squamish-Elaho Recreation Site
5.2 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Squamish is the nearest town, at the south end of the Squamish Valley Road. The road follows the Squamish and Elaho valleys.
Wildlife
Typical coastal B.C. wildlife: black bear, deer, cougars (rare), small mammals, and abundant birdlife. Ticks and biting insects can be present in warmer months. Take standard wildlife precautions (store food securely, be bear-aware).
Cities near Maude Frickert Falls
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