Vetter Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (3)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
10 m
About Vetter Falls
Vetter Falls (Ts'itksim Aks) is a set of falls on Vetter Creek in Anhluut'ukwsim Lax̱mihl Angwinga'asanskwhl Nisg̱a'a Park (Nisg̱a'a Memorial Lava Bed Park), jointly managed by the Nisg̱a'a Nation and BC Parks. It is a stop on the park's self-guided auto tour along the Nisg̱a'a Highway (Highway 113), with a short walk from the road. Below the falls the water disappears under the lava beds.
The Setting
Vetter Falls sits at 79 metres within ANHLUUT'UKWSIM LAX̱MIHL ANGWINGA'ASANSKWHL NISG̱A'A PARK [A.K.A. NISG̱A'A MEMORIAL LAVA BED PARK], in the coastal lowlands of British Columbia.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Vetter Falls flows over layered sedimentary rock laid down about 66-201 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
The Approach
The easy 0.5-km out-and-back trail gains 10 metres of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The short Vetter Creek Trail to the falls begins as a gravelled, accessible path through the lava field.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
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 Vetter Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Leashed dogs are allowed in the park but not in beach areas or park buildings.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Vetter Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer for highest flows and more dramatic water. Late summer and early fall can be drier but may offer easier road access. Winter access may be limited by snow/ice and is potentially hazardous without winter gear.
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
Lava rock can be sharp and unstable, and surfaces may be thin, especially near lake and stream edges. Stay on the trail.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the Water Survey of Canada gauge on Nass River, 9.5 km away, not on Vetter Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
604.0 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 88 years of record
4.23 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
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 NASS RIVER ABOVE SHUMAL CREEK (9 km away).
Today
Moderate
652 m³/s
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
661 m³/s
8/10Sat
Moderate
657 m³/s
8/10Sun
Moderate
658 m³/s
8/10Mon
Moderate
659 m³/s
8/10Tue
Moderate
659 m³/s
8/10Wed
Moderate
630 m³/s
8/10Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, fog (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid May to mid August, peaking in June.
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 Terrace hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
The park is about 100 km north of Terrace on the Nisg̱a'a Highway (Highway 113). Vetter Falls is stop 6 on the Nisg̱a'a auto tour; printed auto tour brochures are available at the Nisg̱a'a Visitor Centre and the Terrace Visitor Centre.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park at the Vetter Falls auto tour stop on Highway 113.
Elevation
79 metres above sea level
Coordinates
55.178110° N, -129.059679° W
Land Management
Managed by Government of British Columbia
Visitor Tips & Gear
Pick up the self-guided auto tour brochure, which lists Vetter Falls with the park's other short stops. Mushroom harvesting is not permitted in the park.
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For this easy 0.5 km trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
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.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
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
Vetter Creek Campground
4.1 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Lava Lake, Beaupre Falls and the Nisg̱a'a Visitor Centre in the same park. The park's Lava Cone is reached only on scheduled guided tours.
Wildlife
From the Vetter Falls viewpoint visitors may see 'phantom' steelhead, fish trapped where the creek disappears under the lava.
Cities near Vetter Falls
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