Exstew Falls
Discover Exstew Falls, a stunning natural spectacle with powerful upper cascades and pristine lower falls, accessible via a scenic but rugged forest r...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Roads are drier, fewer crowds.
Exstew Falls
Best Time
Roads are drier, fewer crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Exstew Falls, a stunning natural spectacle with powerful upper cascades and pristine lower falls, accessible via a scenic but rugged forest road.
"Mesmerizing fall with incredibly clean water, but the road requires a high-clearance vehicle."
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
SUV or truck recommended for the bumpy road. Standard cars may need to park and walk. :car:
🗺️ Use GPS for Navigation
Few signs exist. Gaia GPS or trusted directions are key. No cell signal. :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Upper Exstew Falls
Upper trail
Experience the main waterfall's incredible power and breathtaking views from above.
Lower Exstew Falls
Lower trail
Discover the real beauty and pristine, clean water of the lower falls.
Scenic Forest Drive
Enjoy the drive through nature, with potential wildlife sightings like beavers and eagles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Vehicle & Road Conditions
Navigation & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
SUV or truck recommended for the bumpy road. Standard cars may need to park and walk. :car:
🗺️ Use GPS for Navigation
Few signs exist. Gaia GPS or trusted directions are key. No cell signal. :iphone:
🧥 Prepare for Mist
Bring a rain jacket and dry bag for electronics due to intense waterfall spray. :umbrella:
👟 Wear Waterproof Shoes
Trails can be slippery, especially near the falls. Waterproof footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
SUV or truck recommended for the bumpy road. Standard cars may need to park and walk. :car:
🗺️ Use GPS for Navigation
Few signs exist. Gaia GPS or trusted directions are key. No cell signal. :iphone:
🧥 Prepare for Mist
Bring a rain jacket and dry bag for electronics due to intense waterfall spray. :umbrella:
👟 Wear Waterproof Shoes
Trails can be slippery, especially near the falls. Waterproof footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Dip in Clean Water
The water is clean and refreshing, perfect for a dip on a warm day. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Exstew Falls is a mesmerizing natural wonder with powerful upper falls and beautiful, clean lower falls. Visitors praise the serene atmosphere and potential for wildlife sightings. However, the rough road access and lack of cell service require careful preparation, with a high-clearance vehicle strongly recommended.
"Mesmerizing fall. Approx 9 kms off road drive from highway 16.
A very small sign of exstew trail at highway to take turn. Sign is visible only when you are coming from terrace and not from rupert. River also isnt marked as most of the other rivers do have sign on highway. Put up google maps. It gave me correct direction.
You can drive up to the fall. And then just a short trail of 1 minute to lower fall and 3-4 minutes to upper falls. Water wasnt very cold at this time, can take a dip. Upper fall is bit slippery be careful, afterall its natures love ❤️. I did fell. Road isnt bad if not raining. Small cars can make up. But wont suggest small cars on wet days as minute puddles may not be visible."
Sukhvinder Singh
"Nice place to cool down , take a dip and relax.
However the road to get there is in very shape. Even if you have a 4x4, you run the risk of damaging your tires and suspension, and there is no wifi signal. Make sure you have a spare tire and a back up plan."
Moe Kesbeh
"Tips Before You Go
• Vehicle: A high-clearance vehicle like an SUV or truck is highly recommended; otherwise, be prepared for a ~20–30 minute walk from the highway access .
• Navigation: There are few signs—use GPS like Gaia or closely follow trusted directions (look for a memorial as a key waypoint).
• Gear: Rain jacket, waterproof shoes, and a dry bag for cameras/phones are essential given the powerful mist
• Timing: Avoid wet seasons if possible—roads can get soggy, and flooding risk may increase
Location & Access
Exstew Falls is nestled along a rough forest road branching off Highway 16 near Terrace, BC, within the Kitimat–Stikine region   . It’s a bit of a trek—either a bumpy ride in a high-clearance vehicle or a walk if you’re in a standard car  .
Trail & Terrain
The trail itself is short (often under 1 km) and steep but generally rated moderate in difficulty . Many hikers arrive at the parking lot near a memorial and then take separate paths to the upper and lower falls—each offering distinct vantage points .
What Makes It Special
• Scenic trails & tranquil setting: Visitors frequently highlight the serene, uncrowded atmosphere.
• Stunning mist and spray: The waterfall’s mist is intense—be prepared to get soaked within minutes  .
• Wildlife along the way: One visitor spotted beavers, an otter, and even a bald eagle during the drive  .
• Geologic origin: It’s fed by meltwater from Mount Morris, draining via Exstew Creek into the Skeena River.
Enjoy your trip !!"
Sanoop Sanu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take the small, often hard-to-spot Exstew Trail sign off Highway 16. Use GPS like Gaia, as signage is minimal. The road is rough and best suited for high-clearance vehicles.
It's not recommended. The road is rough and can be challenging for standard cars, especially if it's wet. You might need to park and walk the remaining distance.
No, there is no WiFi or cell signal in the area. Make sure you have downloaded maps and have a backup plan for navigation and emergencies.
The drive is approximately 9 km off Highway 16 and is a rough forest road. It can be bumpy and potentially damaging to vehicles with low clearance.
Some travelers mention looking for a memorial as a key waypoint for navigation. It's also helpful to note that the sign is more visible when coming from Terrace.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Exstew Falls is a natural attraction and does not require tickets for entry. Access is free.
As a natural site, Exstew Falls does not have set operating hours. It is accessible during daylight hours, but road conditions may limit access.
There is no mention of parking fees for Exstew Falls. Parking is typically available at the trailhead.
Visiting during weekday mornings, especially in the summer, is generally recommended to avoid crowds.
While technically accessible, visiting in winter is not recommended due to potentially hazardous road conditions and limited daylight.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trails to the upper and lower falls are short, typically under 1 km, and take only a few minutes to walk.
The trail is generally rated as moderate in difficulty. It's short but can be steep in sections.
Wear waterproof shoes as the trails can be slippery. A rain jacket is highly recommended due to the intense mist from the falls.
Yes, the water is clean and refreshing, and many visitors enjoy taking a dip, especially at the lower falls. Be cautious of slippery rocks.
The mist from the falls is very powerful and can soak you within minutes. Be prepared with waterproof gear for yourself and your electronics.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Both the upper and lower falls offer unique photographic opportunities. The upper falls provide a grand view, while the lower falls showcase the pristine water.
Use a dry bag or a waterproof camera cover. Wiping your lens frequently will also be necessary due to the heavy mist.
Morning light can be beautiful, but be aware of the mist. Consider using a polarizing filter to manage reflections and enhance colors.
Many photographers capture the full cascade of the upper falls and the clear, flowing water of the lower falls. Experiment with different perspectives.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls. A sturdy tripod can help with longer exposures in lower light, but be mindful of the mist.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once at the trailhead, the hikes to the upper and lower falls are short, but can be steep and slippery. Supervision is key, especially near the water and on the upper falls trail. The intense mist can be exciting for kids, but ensure they have rain gear. The clean water at the lower falls offers a chance for a supervised dip on a warm day.
🚗 Adventurous Drivers
Remember to check your tires before and after the drive, and ensure you have a spare. The lack of cell service means you're on your own, so a good GPS and a sense of preparedness are essential. The reward is reaching a less-visited, stunning natural gem.
📸 Photographers
Be prepared for the intense mist, which can be both a challenge and an atmospheric element. Bring waterproof gear for your camera and lenses, and consider a polarizing filter to manage reflections and enhance the water's texture. Morning light can be beautiful, but always be mindful of the slippery terrain.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Rough Road to Exstew Falls
For those without a suitable vehicle, be prepared for a significant walk, estimated at 20-30 minutes from where you can safely park. This makes a high-clearance vehicle a crucial factor for accessibility. It's also important to note that there is no cell signal in the area, so downloading offline maps and having a reliable GPS device or app like Gaia is essential for navigation.
Timing your visit to avoid the wet seasons is also a key piece of advice. During and after rain, the roads can become very soggy, increasing the risk of getting stuck or encountering flooded areas. Having a spare tire and a backup plan is always a wise precaution when venturing into remote areas like this.
Experiencing the Dual Beauty of Upper and Lower Falls
In contrast, many visitors find the lower falls to be where the 'real beauty' lies. Here, you can witness some of the cleanest, most pristine water, and the setting is often described as more intimate and tranquil. It's also at the lower falls where visitors are more likely to take a refreshing dip on a warm day, enjoying the cool, clear meltwater.
Accessing both requires a short, though sometimes steep, walk from the parking area near a memorial. The trail to the upper falls is up the hill from the memorial, while the trail to the lower falls is located lower down. Being prepared for slippery conditions and the intense mist is crucial for enjoying both sets of falls safely and comfortably.
Wildlife and Nature Encounters
Beyond wildlife, the area is characterized by its serene and uncrowded atmosphere. This tranquility is a significant draw for visitors seeking a peaceful escape into nature. The powerful mist and spray from the falls create a unique, invigorating environment, making it a truly immersive experience.
The falls are geologically interesting, fed by meltwater from Mount Morris and draining into the Skeena River. This natural setting, combined with the potential for wildlife sightings, makes Exstew Falls a compelling destination for nature lovers and those seeking a less-trafficked natural wonder.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit