Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Distance: 2.3km (one-way from Substation to Waterfall)
Elevation Gain: 20m
Dog Friendly: Yes
Bike Friendly: No
Facilities: Pit toilet on Skattebo Reach/McPhee Canyon junction
Season: Potentially year-round (be aware of extremely hazardous conditions that may arise in winter due to melt-freeze cycles)

This very short trail leaves Skattebo Reach Trail between the McPhee Canyon and D. Waterline trailheads. It follows the original Doukhobor workers’ trail from Brilliant Dam. The trail drops into the creek bed, which is followed upstream for a short distance. A short extension of the trail ends at the plunge pool of the scenic waterfall. The waterfall is best in spring and early summer when water run-off is high; later in the season the creek flow is significantly reduced.

---

 

Little McPhee Creek Waterfall Access

Access from the Brilliant Substation Parking Lot:

•Leave Castlegar heading towards Nelson on Hwy 3A

•Before the Brilliant bridge, turn right on Ootischenia Road and head up the hill

•Follow signs to the golf course, turn left on Corrigan Road turning into Columbia Road

•Turn left on Aaron Road

•Turn right on gravel road with gate before the golf course (note gate closure times) and follow for 4km, keep left at 2km fork in road

•Turn left into parking lot before the Substation

•Follow Skattebo Reach trail for 2.25km passing the Brilliant Overlook and Doukhobor Waterline trailheads

•Turn right at Little McPhee Creek Waterfall trail junction

Hikers Access from Park and Pool:

•Follow signs for Skattebo Reach Trail from park and pool

•Follow Skattebo Reach for approx. 4.5km passing the Brilliant Substation, and the Brilliant Overlook and D. Waterline Trailheads

•Watch for trailhead on the right