A trip to Wells Gray Park was on the summer schedule.    The first hike for the day started at a parking area on the Wells Gray Corridor Road at a spot by the Clearwater River.    The trail is a loop route, going first to Bailey’s Chute, then on to Marcus and Myanth Falls, and West Lake, looping back through the forest to the start.    The start of the trail winds through cedar – hemlock forest following the river upstream.

Most visitors hike in to Bailey’s Chute, then return to the parking area.    There is a viewing platform right next to a narrow part of the river where the river flows over a steep rocky slide.    The roar can be heard from a distance.

Just past the Chute, the trail splits and hikers can hike the loop route in either direction.

I took the river route, stopping at Marcus Falls, several rapids, and Myanth Falls.    There is a nice beach area next to a back eddy between the two falls.   Some photos are shared here.    Click an image for a lightbox view.

From Myanth Falls, the trail loops back, climbing over a ridge, and coming down to the shores of West Lake.   It is a quiet forested spot nestled between ridges.

The trail continues over two ridges, winding between hemlock and cedar trees.

The trail returns to Bailey’s Chute, then back to the start.     This is an enjoyable hike in any season.    A YouTube video captures some of the power of the river as it flows over falls, rocks, and slides.