A short drive and a short walk will lead Kootenay nature lovers to a hidden treasure just off the beaten path.
Located 20 kilometres northwest of Castlegar, Tulip Creek Falls offers a treat for all seasons.
Framed by ice in the winter, displaying the power of nature in the spring, a cool oasis in the summer and coloured by nature’s canopy in the fall, the best part of these falls is that it’s only a short five-minute walk from the parking spots.
From Robson, continue along Broadwater Road for 15 kilometres until you reach Syringa Creek Provincial Park. The scenic drive takes travelers past two popular marinas leading to one of the most picturesque campgrounds in the region.
Once at the entrance to Syringra Creek campground, stay right and follow the dirt road, which leads to Deer Park, for four kilometres.
Although the short drive offers spectacular views of Lower Arrow Lake, it’s important to keep your eyes on the road ahead due to the sometimes twisty, sometimes narrow road that leads to the falls.
Nevertheless, there are pullouts to allow a moment to take in the views as your drive takes you high above the shoreline.
At the four kilometre mark, there is a small pullout for parking for the falls and from there it’s a short walk suitable for young and old.
The walking trail takes hikers along the clear, clean, rushing waters of Tulip Creek. The trail is easy enough for a young person or the oldest adventurist but beware of slippery rock sections during the spring’s high run-off.
Time and nature have eroded minor parts of the trail but hikers have quickly created alternate paths that dodge around any obtacles nature has thrown up.
The falls are tucked behind the final corner of the short trail and unveils a cool pool with shallow waters, for most of the year, that provides a picture perfect setting.
The moss-lined walls of the canyon and the clear waters of the creek reveal a oddly serene setting at the foot of the 50-foot falls.
A great spot to take the dog but not so great if you’re trying to tackle it on a mountain bike.
Best to leave the wheels and uses your shoes for the short walk.
This Kootenay Day Trip is perfect place to discover with friends, family or visitors.
Located approximately 120km from Grand Forks, 65km from Nelson, 55km from Trail and 25km from Castlegar.