Naiad Falls | World Waterfall Database

CATALOGED
This waterfall has been surveyed, mapped and measured in person by the World Waterfall Database.

In almost perfect contrast to nearby Tethys Falls - a powerful, portly waterfall - this cataract stands gracefully watching guard over Icefall Canyon in a more delicate, and substantially taller fashion. Like Tethys, Naiad Falls is a product of Karst topography, that is bedrock conducive to forming tunnels and caves which can be occupied by water. The stream producing the falls spurts directly out of the side of Icefall Canyon and plunges 583 feet in three steps (364, 175 and 44 feet respectively) before the waters of its meager stream mingle with raging Icefall Brook below.

Similar to other waterfalls in the area, the source of Naiad Falls is difficult - if not impossible - to identify due to the fact that the stream emerges directly from the face of a cliff. Chances are the source is part of the East Lyell Icefield, but how quickly the waters melt from the ice and form the underground stream is not known. Because there may be a disconnect in the ratio of melt to discharge due to the plumbing in the mountain, it may be that this waterfall flows inconsistently throughout the year (though when surveyed in August 2010 it was flowing quite well). The falls also most certainly freeze solid during the coldest months of the winter.

HISTORY AND NAMES

Naiad Falls is the Proposed name of this waterfall

Our proposed name for this waterfall comes from the Naiades, mythical Greek nymphs of fresh water which were said to inhabit the streams and lakes of the earth. Naiads were often regarded as the guardians or protectors of springs or wells which fed a village. Given the parallel to the fact that this waterfall springs right out of the cliff, the name struck us as the obvious choice.

Our thoughts

While Naiad Falls is not even remotely the tallest or largest waterfall in the area, it holds a certain charm thanks to its more delicate nature and unique geologic structures that give it an undeniable allure. Were this the only waterfall in the vicinity, it would still be worth seeking out. That it is encountered en route to bigger waterfalls makes it all the better.

Location and directions

Turn off the Trans-Canada Highway on Donald Road (signed for the town of Donald), then after a kilometer, turn left onto the Bush River FSR. Follow the Bush River Road for 63km then turn right onto the Valenciennes River FSR shortly after crossing the Valenciennes River. Follow the Valenciennes Road for 18km then bear left onto the Mons Creek - Icefall FSR and follow it for another 9km to where a small sign can be seen indicating the parking for Icefall Lodge. As of August 2010, Mons Creek had washed out the road 1/2km before the parking. From the parking area, find the trail across the flood plain to Icefall Brook (faint) and locate the log footbridge to cross (do not attempt crossing by fording, the creek is too large and swift). Once across, follow the trail (may be flagged) for about 120m to where the trail bears left on an old roadbed. The Icefall Canyon trail (unmarked) heads right along the same former road at this point. Follow the rough, generally overgrown trail towards Icefall Canyon. The trail peters out after about 1 1/2 to 2km, after which it is necessary to bushwhack through the thick hemlock forest for another kilometer to the base of the falls (parts of the falls will be visible for the last kilometer). The Icefall Canyon trail is a rough, very much work-in-progress trail which may be difficult to follow at times and should not be attempted by those looking for an easy walk. The road to the trailhead is not maintained regularly either, high clearance vehicles are recommended.

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Naiad Falls is shown in the center. The 10 closest waterfalls within a 8km radius are shown as well (if any). Click any icon or see the list below for more information.

Additional Nearby Waterfalls

Name of Waterfall	Distance
Potamoi Falls	0.36 mi / 0.58 km
Cerberus Falls	0.9 mi / 1.44 km
Tethys Falls	1.04 mi / 1.66 km
Southwest Lyell Falls	3.35 mi / 5.36 km
Arras Cascade	3.63 mi / 5.81 km
Mons Glacier Falls	3.95 mi / 6.32 km
Rostrum Falls	4.05 mi / 6.48 km
Bush Mountain Falls	4.73 mi / 7.57 km
East Lyell Glacier Falls	4.84 mi / 7.75 km

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Photography tips

The falls have a easterly facing and will be brightly lit by the morning sun. By mid afternoon the lofty cliffs of the west side of the canyon will shade the falls entirely. Spray can be a problem if traveling close to the falls.

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Naiad Falls British Columbia, Canada