Last Updated on July 26, 2023 by Aisha Aslam
If you’re looking for a hidden gem in the wilderness of British Columbia, Widgeon Falls is a must-see destination. On a sunny day, you will be amazed at the clear pristine waters of widgeon creek as you complete the Widgeon Falls paddle. Widgeon Falls is tucked away in a remote area, accessible only by boat and a hiking trail. In this guide, I’ll show you how to get there (the Pitt River way from the Pitt Lake Boat Launch) and what to expect when you arrive.
The Widgeon Falls Paddle
There are a few ways to get to Widgeon Falls, but it does require some hard effort from your end! You can reach the area by boat, paddleboarding, or by hiking. If you choose to go by boat, you can rent a canoe or kayak from Pitt Lake Canoe Adventures or you can bring your own paddleboards like us! From there, it’s about a 45-minute to a 1.5 hours paddle to the trailhead depending on your pace. If you prefer to hike instead and come the other way, the trailhead is located at the end of a gravel road in Pinecone Burke Provincial Park. The hike is about 7.5 km each way and takes about 3-4 hours to complete.
Map of the Widgeon Falls Paddle Area
This map has all the points for your Widgeon Falls paddle adventure. You start at Pitt Lake Boat Launch where you paddle across the lake (be mindful of the boats here) until you get into Widgeon Creek. From here it is a leisurely paddle until you reach the Widgeon Creek Campground. The paddle is approximately 5km each way.
Once you reach the campground you would secure your paddleboards or canoes at the camp and continue hiking to Widgeon Falls. If you are camping and have extra time you can also challenge yourself to make it to Widgeon Lake. Please note that this hike involves more time (5-6 hours round) and is for experienced hikers only. There are bears in this area so stay alert at all times and put your food away in the bear caches. We met a hiker who told us a bear stole his friend’s backpack at Widgeon Lake!
Hiking to Widgeon Falls
If you’re up for a hike when you get to the campground and want to experience the beauty of the wilderness, hiking to Widgeon Falls is the way to go. The trail starts at a logging road and continues through the forest until you turn into the forest and follow the well-marked trail. it’s amazing as you go through a variety of landscapes, including forest scenery, the colors of the river, and rocky terrain.
Along the way, you may encounter wildlife such as deer and bears so be on the lookout. The hike is pretty easy as there is not that much elevation to it, but be sure to wear sturdy shoes due to the rocks and roots and bring plenty of water and snacks. Once you reach the falls, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the cascading water and enjoy the refreshing swimming pools to cool off in as you go further up.
Enjoying the Scenery
The Widgeon Falls paddle has so much to offer, it has a bit of everything starting from the paddle. You are treated to stunning views of the mountains and green water shining in the sun. You can see the Golden Ears Mountains, Robbie Reid, and Pinecone Burke mountains in the distance as you paddle to Widgeon Falls.
As you make your way through the forest, you’ll be surrounded by the mossy trees which totally remind me of the Golden Ears area and the sounds of the birds. Remember to keep an eye out for wildlife, such as deer and bears, we want to make sure we do not get the bears used to humans by practicing LNT principles which you can educate yourself on here.
Once you reach the falls, you’ll be treated to a view of Widgeon Falls and have a chance to explore the river to find some peaceful swimming pools to relax in. Make sure to stay away from the rapids and swim in the calm water sections. It is important not to get too close to the waterfall as it can be dangerous if you fall in. Lastly, don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the beauty of this hidden gem in British Columbia’s wilderness.
Camping at Widgeon Falls
If you’re looking for an adventurous camping experience and have more time to do the Widgeon Falls paddle, then the Widgeon Creek Campground is the perfect place to spend the night. Remember the camping area is also only accessible by paddleboard, canoe, or kayak, so plan accordingly.
There are several places to pitch your tent in the camp area, with a bear cache included on the side. The campsite is on a first come first serve basis with no camping fees, but make sure you arrive early as this area gets super busy during the summertime. There are also washrooms located at the campsite as well with toilet paper. There are some park rangers who occasionally pass by to check on things.
What to Wear for the Widgeon Falls Paddle
✅ UV Protective Clothing (like this long sleeve one!)
Protect your body from the paddling as the sun will be on you on a hot day. It is good to have UV-protective clothing to prevent sunburns.
✅ Sun Hat (like these ones!)
Take a sun hat to protect your face and head from being in the sun all day.
✅ Sunglasses (like these ones!)
You should bring sunglasses with you to protect your eyes during the paddle and hike.
✅ Waterproof Sandals (like these ones!)
Bringing some sandals with you on the paddle and hike will be helpful if it is hot than wearing hiking shoes. Try these ones as they have a good grip and are great for rocky terrain.
What to Pack for the Widgeon Falls Paddle
In addition to bringing enough food, water, and snacks on your adventure, you want to make sure you have the following things as you will need them during your Widgeon Falls Paddle:
✅ Water Bottle (like this one!)
Bring a water bottle with water, and a water filter to filter water if you are camping. I drank a lot of water as it was a hot day so needed extra water to stay hydrated.
✅ Dry Bag (like this one!)
You will need a dry bag to keep your things from getting wet. You can take one or 2 depending on how much gear you want to keep dry during your paddle.
✅ Sunscreen (like this one for face and body!)
It is important to protect your face and body from the sun during your Widgeon Falls paddle. Since the paddle is 5 km long each way and can take up to 1.5 hours to complete to the campground, it is important to lather on the sunscreen and reapply as needed. This ensures you won’t get burned with the UV rays reflecting off the water.
✅ Microfiber Towel (like this duo!)
Take a travel towel with you for when you swim or need to dry off your things. Microfibre towels dry fast and are easy to pack so they don’t take up too much space.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
While Widgeon Falls is a beautiful and peaceful destination, it’s important to take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Be sure to bring appropriate gear, including a life jacket if you plan on paddling, canoeing, or kayaking. It’s also important to be aware of wildlife in the area such as the black bears and to properly store food to avoid attracting animals. Finally, be sure to leave the area as you found it, practicing Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of Widgeon Falls for future visitors.
