Scenery
Sights to See
Sulphur Gates
One of the most popular attractions to the Grande Cache area, Sulphur Gates is an impressive cliff edged confluence of two rivers: The Smoky and the Sulphur. Dramatic rock formations adorn this site and define the two rivers in stark contrast.There is a short trail taking one around all the viewpoint platforms along the cliffs. Please stay behind the protective guardrails and wear good footwear, as some areas can get slippery.
To get to Sulphur Gates, head north on highway 40 for approximately 5 km and immediately after the old blue bridge turn right on the well marked gravel road with the sign ‘Sulphur Gates’. From here proceed another 8 km and park at the designated location. Sulphur Gates is also a small campground, picnic and horse staging area.
Eaton Falls
The first step to getting to Eaton falls is to follow the exact same instructions for Sulphur Gates (see above). Once there, proceed to the large trailhead at the far end of the parking area and follow the trail down the hill. You are likely to encounter people on horseback on this trail. The area is also plentiful with wildlife, including bears. The trail extends for about 2 km over hills and gullies. Suddenly, a trail will branch off the main trail to the right and is marked by an old moose antler with the words ‘Eaton Falls’ inscribed on it. This trail marker is very easy to miss and the trail itself is rather narrow. Walk about another 500 or so meters and WHAM! You will see and hear Eaton Falls.
The falls flow over an enormous rock face from jagged cliffs high above the treetops. A refreshing, cool breeze will greet you as you approach the falls. Many large rocks line the final few meters towards the base of the falls making for slippery conditions. Please be careful.
Twin Falls
If you are looking to go for a short little hike to see some scenery and maybe some animals, Twin Falls is a great option. Although not a spectacular waterfall, Twin Falls flows from the upper reaches of Mount Hamell into Hell’s Creek. The rock formations of the falls are quite the sight and easily explain the name.
To access Twin Falls drive north on Highway 40 about 6 km past the old blue bridge. The turn off will be on the left hand side directly across from the Grande Cache Fish, Game and Gun Club. Park the vehicle in a small open area just up the road, which curves and then continues straight. From here, walk up to the road until you enter the trailhead on the right hand side. The trail extends through a patch of forest where animals frequently graze. The trail then forks into two branches-one leading up the northeast ridge of Mount Hamell and the other indistinctly following the creek bed against the base cliffs of Mount Hamell. Most people walk down a shallow section of the creek bank and follow the creek along the cliffs into the falls. Most of the year the creek is relatively small and benign, however, great caution should be exercised in the spring when there is heavy downpour from the falls, swelling the creek substantially.
Muskeg Falls
To find the elusive Muskeg Falls, drive 16 km south on Highway 40 and turn into the first rest stop on the left hand side of the road. A narrow trail opening will take you into the dark, mossy coniferous forest. Soon the trail will eventually fork into two branches. One branch will take you along the top ridge (upper trail to the right) of the riverbank leading you directly above the falls; and the other will take you along the bottom edge (lower trail to the left) of the river. The latter option is rather steep and can be slippery and takes you directly to the river and the bottom of the falls where large cliffs of loose rock hang just out of reach of the shoreline trail. Whichever option you decide, be careful! The lower trail of Muskeg Falls is also a great place to fish.
