Within the Duck Lake trail network of Powell River lies the Blackwater Creek Trail. One of my favourite trails in the network, mainly due to the many waterfalls you pass throughout the rainforest. The hike is great year round, but best during Fall-Spring for waterfall viewing. Here is everything you need to know about the Blackwater and Sweetwater Creek hike.
At a glance:
Length: 4km (Blackwater Loop) or 6 km (Blackwater + Sweetwater Loop)
Time: 2-3 hours
Elevation gain: 174m
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
The hike:
The Blackwater and Sweetwater Creek hike takes you to waterfalls, gorges, and wooden bridges, as it winds through the lush rainforest. The hiking trail doubles as a biking trail, so keep an eye out for other users. For the most part though, we rarely come across other people (the norm for Powell River). The mossy surroundings are mesmerizing and make you feel like you’ve been transported to another world.
Driving from Duck Lake, the trailhead is marked on the left side of the logging road by a yellow concrete block stating Sweetwater/Blackwater Trail. When you reach the Y, take the trail to the right, you will see signs for the Blackwater or Aloha Bike Trail.
From the trailhead, it takes about 25min to reach Kelly Falls. The falls are 20ft high and accessible via a viewing platform. The viewing platform and bridges on this trail are all made by the local volunteer BOMB (Bloody Old Men’s Brigade) Squad. There is also a walk-in campsite and picnic table in the area for a snack break.
Once you cross the bridge at Kelly Falls and head up the crest, turn left. The next waterfall on the trail is David Lam Falls at about 60ft high, one of the highest falls in the region. This waterfall is also accessible via a viewing platform, where you can feel the spray of it up close. There is also a picnic table and toilet at this site.
Continue past the falls until you reach the T intersection. Turn left along Green Road Trail. Green Road is a flat and overgrown logging road. Follow the trail to Washout Creek.
As you continue along the trail, you will reach a fork. From here you have two choices:
1) Turn left and head back along the Blackwater Creek loop to the start, or
2) The option we did, is go straight across Washout Bridge and continue along the Green Road Trail. This way extends your loop, and provides even more waterfall views!
Eventually you will reach a four way intersection. The path to the right is Granite Lake Trail and straight is the Edge’s Way Trail. We took the Sweetwater Trail to the left, which followed along Sweetwater Creek.
The Sweetwater Trail leads you to a lesser known set of falls in the area: Donnelly Falls. As you continue along the trail, you’ll hear the roar of more falls, and if you step off the trail you can easily follow the sound to more nearby.
Eventually you will reach a fork, turn left on Sweetwater (straight will lead you to Alaska Pine Road). This easy trail links back up with the Blackwater Creek Trail, leading you back to your starting point on Burma Road.
How to get there:
As you drive south of Powell River on Highway 101, turn left on Duck Lake Road. When you reach Burma Road Bridge at Duck Lake, turn right onto Burma Road. Once you’ve reach the junction at Alaska Pine Road, park your vehicle. Walk about 100 metres up Burma Road and you’ll find the Blackwater/Sweetwater trailhead on your left.
Looking for another waterfall hike in Powell River? Don’t miss Appleton Canyon along the Sunshine Coast Trail. What’s your favourite waterfall in PR? Leave a comment below!
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