Seth A.
Yelp
I stumbled upon Blanket Creek Provincial Park on a whim in search of Sutherland Falls. But, getting a chance to visit another Canadian Provincial Park? Yes, please!!
And so I even became aware about Sutherland Falls through a random advertisement post in the local Tim Horton's located in the town of Revelstoke.
This list of "10 Things To Do In Revelstoke" included Sutherland Falls. It was the #1 suggestion on the sign detailing..."Explore the Waterfall Trifecta - Moses, Begbie and Sutherland Falls can all be easily accessed in one day."
My immediate thoughts were...getting the opportunity to see 3 waterfalls without having to hike and work hard to reach them?? Sign me up! Being a waterfall enthusiast, lol, this was like a dream come true!
After spending 2 days exploring Mount Revelstoke National Park, I was next determined to visit all 3 waterfalls suggested by the advertisement.
Going in order from being situated closest to Revelstoke, Sutherland Falls here at Blanket Creek Provincial Park was the furthest away in distance.
Let me give details about the experience...
- Blanket Creek is 28 kilometers or 17 miles south of Revelstoke, right along BC Highway - 23.
There's a large sign for the park that's on the left hand side of the road. Once you make a turn, the short walking path for Sutherland Falls is visible. Simply park in the lot and the trailhead says..."Sutherland Falls - 5 minutes".
- One thing to keep in mind, there was no cell phone reception so you may want to preset the destination into your GPS ahead of time just in case.
- I arrived 7:30pm over the summertime and there was still enough daylight to enjoy watching Sutherland Falls and still becoming acquainted with the quiet forest setting.
- Speaking of quiet, I was the only visitor here. Upon walking the dirt path to the overlook, you capture decent perspectives of Sutherland falls in the backdrop. The lookout observation point is guarded off by fencing, but I casually walked around it and climbed over a few rock boulders to grab a much closer and undisturbed view of the falls.
- Sutherland Falls is a 60 foot waterfall that empties into the canyon base of Blanket Creek. It isn't statuesque, but still rewarding enough to make the effort to see considering how remote this area of British Columbia is.
- It takes less than 1 hour to grab a few photos.
- Seeing what else was around Blanket Creek Park, I noticed there appeared to be a significant section for camping. Reservations for campsites can be made through the BC Parks Reservations System.
According to bcparks.ca (I believe that's the park's official website), there are 105 campsites on the grounds. Because of significantly cold weather and snow during winters, the park gate is only open from mid May through the end of September.
- It is $28 per night for camping. There's a drinking water well, a playground, both pit and flush toilets, even hot showers for registered guests.
- Extra To-Do's at the park include...hiking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, bicycling and wildlife viewing. Pets must be on a leash. They allow campfires and each campsite has a firepit ring. I think I've mentioned it all? Lol.
But in the end, the star attraction is Sutherland Falls. And although it doesn't take long to see it and grab a few pictures, visiting here is more about getting outside and connecting with nature. For those who appreciate the great outdoors this is what Blanket Creek Provincial Park is all about.
