Moresby Waterfall Trail Feature:
Along the highway access
Less than five minutes hike
Gorgeous waterfall
ABOUT
The Moresby Waterfall Trail first came to our attention a couple of years ago. We were given a map of Moresby-area trails and one of them identified a “waterfall” just off the side of the highway between the BC Ferries waiting area and Sandspit. Eager to explore and find this waterfall, we set out in mid-Autumn 2021.
Unfortunately, the coordinates were a little off and we just ended up trudging through the bush before calling it a day and photographing Fall foliage in Sandspit as a consolation prize. Fast-forward to the end of 2023.
LOCATING THE TRAILHEAD
Haida Gwaii had endured a series of winter storms, which took down several trees. As we drove towards Sandspit, we spied a glimpse of the waterfall from the road! Deciding the hike wouldn’t be long (nothing more than a few minutes), we pulled off to the side of the road and hiked the short trail toward what we’ve called the Moresby Waterfall.
There are no notable landmarks to help identify where the trailhead is. If you’re not already looking for it, chances are you’ll drive right on by. Please refer to the GPS coordinates below. Once you park safely off the side of the road, you should spy two alder trees behind a group of feisty ferns. One of the trees features a double white diamond marking with some yellow tape attached to the lower diamond. Welcome to the Moresby Waterfall trailhead!
HIKING THE TRAIL
Surprisingly, the short trail is denoted with white diamond-shaped markers all the way through, which leads us to believe this route was created by local trailblazer Remi. Follow the white markers the length of the trail towards the waterfall. At about the mid-way point, there is an option to cross a small creek and visit the eastern side of the waterfall; however, because we lacked proper footwear (this was an
impromptu stop), we opted to stay on the western side of the creek. After walking a mere five minutes, your efforts are rewarded with a beautiful cascading waterfall – up close and personal. Just be sure to use caution when walking the path near the waterfall as it is quite slippery and muddy.
The trail, while very short, is informal and user-maintained. There is plenty of deadfall to navigate en route to the falls; however, it is nothing major. While here, take a few moments to enjoy the slight rumble of the falls and the comforting silence of the forest that surrounds you. Forest therapy 101!
Note: The waterfall may not be as prominent during extended periods of drought.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
TOTAL DISTANCE: 180 meters (one-way)
TIME: 10 minutes (return)
TYPE: Out-and-Back
ELEVATION GAIN: Minimal