Are there fees or permits required for Snake Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Snake Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Snake Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Snake Falls.

Live Conditions · 176.0 m³/s · Lower than usual

Snake Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Snake Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Snake Falls.

British Columbia • Princess Louisa Marine Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Jun 2026

Also For 5 other waterfalls also named Snake Falls, see below

PRINCESS LOUISA MARINE PARK A - Park · Government of British Columbia

About Snake Falls

Snake Falls is a coastal-forest waterfall located on the Sunshine Coast region of British Columbia. The falls sit in a temperate rainforest setting with mossy trees and ferns; the stream forms cascades and ledges rather than a single high plunge. Access typically requires a short hike on an unpaved trail and may involve crossings of a creek or wet, rooty sections. Exact height, trail length, and some access details are not well documented publicly, so some specifics below are conservative or listed as unknown.

The Setting

Snake Falls sits at 429 metres within Princess Louisa Marine Park, in the foothills of British Columbia.

Why This Waterfall Exists

Snake Falls flows over hard intrusive rock laid down about 66-145 million years ago. These resistant rocks form a durable ledge that water cannot easily wear away, creating the falls where softer material downstream has already eroded.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

James Bruce Falls, the tallest waterfall in British Columbia at 840 metres, lies 0.8 kilometres to the west. Also nearby: Chatterbox Falls (37 m, 1.1 km).

James Bruce Falls Chatterbox Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Trail approaches are typically through coastal second-growth or older cedar/hemlock forest. Expect a narrow single-track or old logging road that may be muddy, rooty, and uneven. The final approach to viewing points may be steep or involve scrambling over rocks and wet roots. There may be a short viewpoint area above or beside the stream; safe vantage points are not guaranteed and may lack railings.

What to Expect

Moss-covered trees, shaded stream corridor, multiple small cascades or a tiered drop rather than a single tall plunge. Water flow is highest in spring and after heavy rain; late summer flows may be reduced. Trails may be muddy and slippery; viewpoints can be close to fast-moving water and exposed rock.

Accessibility

Likely not accessible for wheelchairs or those needing an established, flat pathway. Trails are probably uneven, muddy, and may include steps or short scrambles.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Snake Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Snake Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Late spring for highest water flow and good access. Early summer offers pleasant conditions with lower flow but easier hiking. Fall can provide good colours and cooler temperatures. Winter access may be hazardous due to ice, mud, or storm-damaged roads and trails.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Princess Louisa Marine Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

Hazards include slippery rocks and roots, steep or unstable banks near the water, fast or cold water, limited or no cell service, seasonal road or trail damage from storms or logging operations, and potential private land boundaries. Always check local conditions before travel, tell someone your plans, carry basic navigation and emergency supplies, and do not approach edges or climb on wet rocks.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Low

Based on a Water Survey of Canada gauge 26.9 km away

176.0 m³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

161.0 182.0 261.0 313.0

Based on 43 years of record

4.09 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 regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.

ELAHO RIVER NEAR THE MOUTH

WSC 08GA071

26.9 km from waterfall

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the WSC gauge ELAHO RIVER NEAR THE MOUTH (27 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

192 m³/s

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

192 m³/s

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

196 m³/s

8/10

Tue

Moderate

191 m³/s

6/10

Wed

Moderate

189 m³/s

6/10

Thu

Moderate

206 m³/s

5/10

Fri

Moderate

211 m³/s

5/10

Sat

Moderate

220 m³/s

5/10

Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

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

Approximate coordinates: 50.2176, -123.7703. The site is in the Sunshine Coast region of British Columbia and is roughly 49.3 miles (as provided) from Powell River by road, expect a combination of paved and secondary roads and possibly forest or logging roads for the final approach. Use a detailed map or GPS for the coordinates; cell service may be intermittent. Road and trail conditions can change after storms or logging activity.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is likely informal: roadside or a small unmarked pullout near a trailhead. Parking may be limited and not developed (no formal lot or facilities). Park considerately, off the travel lane, and avoid blocking gates or private driveways.

Elevation

429 metres above sea level

Coordinates

50.217593° N, -123.770311° W

Land Management

PRINCESS LOUISA MARINE PARK A - Park

Managed by Government of British Columbia

Visitor Tips & Gear

• Wear sturdy, grippy footwear, rocks and roots are slippery. • Bring rain gear and insect repellent in warmer months. • Cell reception may be unreliable; download maps or bring a GPS with the coordinates. • Respect posted signs and private property; some access routes may share logging roads. • Park considerately off the roadway and avoid blocking gates. • Stay back from the edge of the falls; wet rocks and algae are very slippery.

Where to Stay

Hotels & Lodges Booking.com

Find hotels, lodges, and B&Bs near the trailhead

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

Macdonald Island

4.1 km away

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Powell River and Sunshine Coast beaches, regional hiking trails and viewpoints, coastal towns and boat access points. Specific nearby provincial parks or named trails should be checked on local maps and park websites.

Wildlife

Typical coastal BC wildlife: black bears, deer, small mammals, and a variety of birds. Be bear-aware, store food securely, and avoid surprising wildlife on narrow trails.