Musgrave Creek
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Musgrave Creek
Musgrave Creek is a small stream on the southwest side of Salt Spring Island, in the southern Gulf Islands, that reaches the sea near Musgrave Landing facing Sansum Narrows. Federal hydrography maps several short drops on the creek, the lowest near the coast and others about 500 m upstream. We could not find an official or published description of the falls, a public trail to them, or whether the surrounding land is open to the public, so treat this listing as unverified.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Musgrave Creek flows over Fourth Lake Formation, a hard siliceous rock layer deposited about 299-359 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
What to Expect
A modest series of cascades or small falls amid coastal temperate forest and possibly adjacent pasture or shoreline. Flow can vary considerably with season and recent rainfall, higher flows in late winter/spring and lower, possibly intermittent flows in late summer. Bank sides may be steep, slippery and covered with moss, ferns and conifers. Limited facilities are expected (no toilets, trash bins, or maintained viewpoints). Wildlife typical of the Salish Sea region (marine mammals offshore, bald eagles, waterfowl, deer) may be present nearby.
Accessibility
Accessibility is likely limited. Expect uneven, muddy, rooty ground and possibly short steep sections, not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. There is no documentation of formal accessible infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Musgrave Creek?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Musgrave Creek?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late winter through spring for highest water flow and greener forest conditions. Summer and early fall are better for drier, easier access and lower mosquito/insect levels but flows may be reduced. Weekdays typically have fewer visitors; avoid visiting during heavy rains when trails are slippery.
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
Hazards may include slippery and unstable banks, wet rocks, steep or unmarked drop-offs, cold water and strong currents during high flows, ticks and biting insects, and potential for limited cell service. Private property boundaries may be present, do not trespass. Check recent weather and tide conditions (if near the coast) and avoid visiting during heavy rain or high wind. Always tell someone your plans and expected return.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the Water Survey of Canada gauge on Koksilah River, 10.2 km away, not on Musgrave Creek's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
0.5 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 69 years of record
0.48 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
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 KOKSILAH RIVER AT COWICHAN STATION (10 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
0.5 m³/s
4/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
0.6 m³/s
4/10Sat
Barely Flowing
0.7 m³/s
3/10Sun
Low
0.8 m³/s
4/10Mon
Barely Flowing
0.8 m³/s
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
0.8 m³/s
4/10Wed
Barely Flowing
0.7 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 November to late December, peaking in December.
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 Victoria hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Salt Spring Island is reached by ferry. The mapped falls are east of Musgrave Landing on the island's southwest side. We found no documented public route to them.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking information is not well-documented. Expect limited or informal roadside or small lot parking if any. In many places in this region parking may be limited, on-street, or on private property; plan to verify permitted parking options in advance.
Elevation
120 metres above sea level
Coordinates
48.744091° N, -123.534197° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
• Check land ownership and access rules before visiting, some areas may be private. • Spring and early summer generally have the best flow; late summer can be dry. • Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear; expect muddy, slippery terrain. • Bring a map or GPS and download offline maps, cell coverage may be intermittent. • Pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles. • Avoid approaching the edge of cascades and unstable banks; wet rocks are slippery. • If travelling by ferry, plan your schedule around ferry times and seasonal service changes.
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
Sol Sante Club
9.7 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby regional attractions likely include Victoria (gardens, museums, ferry terminals), San Juan Islands destinations such as Roche Harbor and Friday Harbor (whale watching, historic sites), Lime Kiln Point (on San Juan Island) for whale viewing, and general Salish Sea boating and kayaking opportunities. Butchart Gardens and other Victoria-area sites are accessible if traveling via Vancouver Island.
Wildlife
Common regional wildlife includes harbor seals, river otters, bald eagles, various waterfowl, migratory birds, deer and marine mammals (including transient or resident orcas in the Salish Sea). Salmon runs can influence creek flows seasonally. Take care around wildlife and keep a respectful distance.
Cities near Musgrave Creek
Nearby Waterfalls
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