Russell Falls waterfall
Live Conditions · 2.1 m³/s · Lower than usual

Russell Falls

British Columbia 25 m

By Armen Suny · Last verified Jun 2026

MOUNT SEYMOUR PARK A - Park · Government of British Columbia
Photo Credits (5)
1.
Unknown authorUnknown author Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
2.
division, CSIRO CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
3.
DANIEL JULIE from Paris, France CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
4.
5.
DANIEL JULIE from Paris, France CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Difficulty

Drive Up

About Russell Falls

This entry refers to a small waterfall/cascade near coordinates 49.3924, -122.9188 on the southern edge of Metro Vancouver (near Tsawwassen / Boundary Bay). Sources for this specific feature are limited; it appears to be a modest creek cascade rather than a large scenic waterfall. Access appears to be close to developed areas and may be visible from a short path or roadside pullout. Details below are conservative where confirmation is lacking.

The Setting

Russell Falls sits at 768 metres within MOUNT SEYMOUR PARK, in the hills of British Columbia. The falls drop 25 metres.

Why This Waterfall Exists

Russell Falls flows over hard intrusive rock laid down about 66-101 million years ago. These resistant rocks form a durable ledge that water cannot easily wear away, creating a 82-foot drop where softer material downstream has already eroded.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Sunshine Falls (12 m) lies 5.3 kilometres to the south.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

No hiking required. Russell Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.

Trail Description

If present at this location, the waterfall is reached via a very short walk from roadside parking or a small informal path, many reports indicate only a brief approach is needed. The immediate approach may be over uneven, muddy, or vegetated ground rather than a constructed trail. Expect minimal signage and few built amenities.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 25 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 Russell Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Russell Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Late winter through spring for the best flow (after rains or snowmelt). Summer and early fall are fine for milder weather but flow may be reduced. Avoid visiting in heavy storm conditions when creek flows can increase quickly.

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 may include slippery rocks, steep or unstable creek banks, sudden high flows after heavy rain, and private property boundaries. Because the location is near the international border, be careful not to inadvertently cross into U.S. territory (Point Roberts) without proper identification. There are likely no on-site emergency services, plan accordingly and let someone know your plans.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Low

2.1 m³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Based on 95 years of record

0.85 m

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

WSC 08GA030
8.2 km from waterfall

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the WSC gauge SEYMOUR RIVER NEAR NORTH VANCOUVER (8 km away).

High confidence
Low right now
2.1 m³/s
→ Holding steady
24242424242432TodayTomorrowTueWedThuFriSat

Today

Low

2.1 m³/s

5/10

Tomorrow

Low

1.9 m³/s

5/10

Tue

Low

1.8 m³/s

5/10

Wed

Low

1.7 m³/s

5/10

Thu

Low

1.7 m³/s

5/10

Fri

Low

1.6 m³/s

5/10

Sat

Moderate

1.7 m³/s

5/10

Best window: Today — low flow, fog (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late June, peaking in May.

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 Vancouver hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Use the GPS coordinates 49.3924, -122.9188 for the precise location. The site is on the southern Vancouver peninsula near Boundary Bay / Tsawwassen, within a short drive from Highway 99. Nearest population centers: Vancouver (≈16 mi), Point Roberts (≈25.6 mi), Blaine (≈27.5 mi). Expect local streets and likely short, informal access from a nearby parking area or roadside pullout.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is likely limited to a small pullout or street parking; there may not be a formal developed lot. Park legally and avoid blocking private driveways. Expect little to no services or facilities.

Elevation

768 metres above sea level

Coordinates

49.392383° N, -122.918846° W

Land Management

MOUNT SEYMOUR PARK A - Park

Managed by Government of British Columbia

Visitor Tips & Gear

• Use the provided GPS coordinates rather than relying solely on place names. • Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear and watch for muddy or slippery ground. • Parking may be limited, do not block private property. • Respect private property boundaries; if access crosses private land, obtain permission. • Cell service may be intermittent in some spots, download directions if needed. • Take photos responsibly; avoid scrambling on wet rocks near the edge.

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Boundary Bay Regional Park / beach areas, Crescent Beach, Tsawwassen community amenities, ferry terminal at Tsawwassen (for trips to the islands). The US border/Point Roberts area is nearby, do not cross international borders without required documents.

Wildlife

Local waterfowl and shorebirds are common in Boundary Bay and adjacent wetlands. Small mammals and typical urban-edge wildlife may be present. Be aware of ticks in grassy/brushy areas in warmer months.

Nearby Waterfalls

66 km away
British Columbia
Easy
0.2 km Unknown
68 km away
British Columbia
Unknown
Unknown Unknown
65.5 km away
British Columbia
Hard
12.2 km Unknown
65.1 km away
British Columbia
Unknown
Unknown Unknown
62.5 km away
In Say Nuth Khaw Yum Park
British Columbia
Moderate
10.0 km 195 m

Other waterfalls named Russell Falls

1 other waterfall shares this name across Canada.

Writing about Russell Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.

← → walk · Esc to stop