Nymph Falls
British Columbia • 15 m
By Armen Suny · Last verified Jun 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.6 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
14 m
About Nymph Falls
Nymph Falls is a small forested cascade on Vancouver Island, located near Courtenay and accessible from secondary forest roads and short hiking access. The falls are set in a coastal temperate rainforest environment with mossy banks and mature conifers. Seasonal flow varies, highest in spring and after heavy rain, and lower in late summer and early fall. Exact measured height and formal park designation appear to be undocumented in major trail databases; descriptions below reflect commonly reported conditions and access characteristics for small Vancouver Island falls near Courtenay (coords: 49.6691, -125.0825).
The Setting
Nymph Falls sits at 123 metres in the coastal lowlands of British Columbia. The falls drop 15 metres.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Nymph Falls flows over layered sedimentary rock laid down about 66-101 million years ago. Over time, the stream has worn through these layers at different rates, creating a 50-foot drop that forms the waterfall.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.6-km out-and-back trail gains 14 metres of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Access to Nymph Falls is generally via a short forest trail or informal path from a roadside pullout. Trails to similar small falls on Vancouver Island are often narrow, rooty, and may be wet or muddy, with occasional steeper sections near the stream. Expect limited or no signage, and possibly short scramble sections to reach the best viewpoints. Trails are likely unmaintained in places and can be slippery when wet or icy.
What to Expect
The falls drop 15 metres over layered sedimentary rock.
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 Nymph Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Nymph Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring offers high flows and lush green surroundings; early summer and fall provide more stable access and drier trails. Winter can offer a dramatic, high-flow sight but trails and roads may be icy or muddy and access could be more difficult.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with the managing park or local authority for current conditions.
Safety Information
Hazards include slippery and unstable rocks near the stream, steep or unmarked drop-offs, fast or cold water especially in spring, and limited cell coverage. Seasonal road or trail conditions (mud, ice, fallen trees) can make approach difficult. If visiting alone, tell someone your plans and expected return time. Carry layers, navigation, and a basic first-aid kit. Exercise caution around wildlife and follow bear-safety best practices where applicable.
Current Water Conditions
13.7 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 31 years of record
120.67 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
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Courtenay hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Nymph Falls is on Vancouver Island, roughly 4.2 miles from Courtenay and about 24 miles from Campbell River (user-provided distances). Expect to reach the general area via regional roads and possibly short paved or gravel side roads. Final approach may require driving on a forestry or local access road and a short walk on a wooded spur or unmarked trail. Cell service may be intermittent; bring a map or offline directions.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is typically informal: a small pullout or roadside parking near the trailhead or access point. There may be no formal lot, signage, or facilities. Park clear of gates and do not block roads. If parking on a shoulder, use caution and leave room for service/forestry vehicles.
Elevation
123 metres above sea level
Coordinates
49.669121° N, -125.082479° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
1) Wear sturdy, grippy footwear and expect mud and slippery rocks. 2) Stay on established paths and avoid scrambling on wet rock near edges. 3) Bring insect repellent in spring and summer. 4) Park considerately, use designated pullouts if present and do not block gates or driveways. 5) Pack out all trash. 6) If visiting in winter or high-flow conditions, use extra caution near water and avoid approaching the plunge pool or edges.
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For this easy 0.6 km trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
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.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
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
Camp Gilwell
2.7 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Courtenay and Comox Valley attractions (museums, cafes), Mount Washington (ski area and alpine hiking), local beaches and estuaries around Comox and Courtenay, and other Vancouver Island hiking areas and waterfalls. Elk Falls Provincial Park near Campbell River is a larger, more developed waterfall attraction within driving distance.
Wildlife
Common coastal-forest wildlife: black-tailed deer, black bears (rare but possible), raccoons, squirrels, small mammals, and many bird species. Insect activity (including mosquitoes) can be significant in warmer months. Practice standard wildlife safety and food storage precautions.
Cities near Nymph Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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