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Elk Falls Suspension Bridge: Where Beauty and Adventure Meet
Fellow adventurers and photographers! If you’re seeking breathtaking views and photos, then Elk Falls Suspension Bridge is the place. Nestled in Elk Falls Provincial Park, this bridge offers a truly unique experience. Imagine standing high above the rushing waterfall, the wind in your hair and the spray on your face. This is an adventure you won’t want to miss. So grab your hiking boots and camera!
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Where is the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge?
The Elk Falls Suspension Bridge is just outside of Campbell River, British Columbia. It spans 60 meters across the Campbell River and offers spectacular views of the deep rock canyons and majestic waterfall. The trail leading up to the bridge begins at a parking lot just 1 km from the entrance of the park, which is accessible by wheelchair-friendly gravel trails.
Why visit the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge?
Elk Falls Suspension Bridge is worth visiting. It has spectacular views of the deep rock canyons and a majestic waterfall below. One of Canada’s tallest pedestrian suspension bridges crossing a 60-meter canyon. It’s wheelchair accessible to the top of the stairs and features an observation platforms on both ends.
The trail is easy to find in the parking lot, which is approximately 1 km away from the falls. It is a fairly easy 1km hike along a gravel trail that passes an opening where you can peek through the trees at Elk Falls. The stairs further along will take you to a viewing platform with access to the suspension bridge high over the Campbell River and Falls.
Elk Falls Suspension Bridge: Hike & Explore
“Discover the beauty of Elk Falls Suspension Bridge in BC, Canada. This 1.5-mile round trip hike takes 1-2 hours and offers breathtaking views of the Elk River Falls. Suitable for all ages and abilities, it’s a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
How to get to the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge?
Step 1: Getting to the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge attractions
- From Campbell River, drive east on Highway 19 for about 7 km and turn right onto Elk Falls Road.
- Continue until you reach the large paved parking area with several stalls suitable for those with mobility issues at the day use area of Elk Falls.
- The first viewpoints along the trail are hard packed, the trail beyond that including the suspension bridge is not wheelchair accessible due to its stairs and lack of safety fencing in place.
- To get to the next several viewing platform and suspension bridge you must take the stairs.
Step 2: Follow the trail to the suspension bridge
- From the parking lot, follow the wheelchair-accessible gravel trail for about 1km.
- Pass one opening where you can peek through the trees at the raging Elk Falls.
- Continue on just a little further to reach the stairs that will take you down to a viewing platform and the Elk Falls suspension bridge hanging high over Campbell River and Elk Falls.
- Cross the 64 meter long suspension bridge which spans 60 meters across Campbell River canyon and offers spectacular views of deep rock canyons.
Please keep in mind that the stairs, suspension bridge, and lower viewing areas are not wheelchair accessible.
Step 3: Take your time and enjoy the views
- The bridge spans the width of the Campbell River canyon, offering panoramic views of the surrounding rain-forest.
- From the bridge, you can see the powerful waters of the Campbell River rushing below.
- The canyon walls are lush, with towering trees and ferns covering the slopes.
- If you’re lucky, you might spot some local wildlife, such as eagles or bears, in the surrounding forest.
- The suspension bridge itself adds to the breathtaking views.
- The mist from the falls adds a touch of drama to the scene, making you feel you’re in the wilderness’s heart.
The total distance covered on this hike is roughly 6 Klm (4 m) round trip from parking lot to suspension bridge and back again.
Step 4: Be aware of weather conditions
When visiting the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge, it is important to be aware of the weather. This area experiences warm and dry summers with temperatures reaching up to 25 degrees celsius. Temperatures during the winter can fall as low as -5 degrees.. Visitors should know heavy rain and thunderstorms are common in this area during the spring and summer seasons. With heavy rain, the waterfall can rapidly increase in flow.
Step 5: Wear proper footwear and clothing
To get to the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge, you should wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots, as well as clothing that is weather appropriate and provides adequate protection from insects and wildlife. It is also recommended that you bring along a flashlight or headlamp in case you end up staying later than expected. Additionally, it would be smart to pack some extra food and water in case of an emergency. Finally, you should wear sunscreen and insect repellent to protect yourself from the sun’s rays and bugs respectively.
Step 6: Stay safe while hiking in forest areas
When hiking in forest areas near the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge, safety precautions should include:
- Wearing proper hiking gear, such as sturdy boots, the bridge can be very slippery when wet.
- Following trail etiquette and staying on designated trails.
- Being aware of wildlife and their habitats so as not to disturb them or their ecosystem.
- Keep an eye out for fallen trees, as it takes time to clear the trails after a storm.
Step 7: Don’t forget to share your experience!
- Share your adventure: Sharing your experience on social media allows you to share your adventures with your friends and family, and lets them experience a little of what you saw and felt while you were there.
- Inspire others: Seeing beautiful and exciting places can inspire, and sharing your experience at the Elk Falls suspension bridge can inspire others to get out and explore the world around them.
- Support local tourism: By sharing your experience at the Elk Falls suspension bridge, you can help to promote local tourism and support the local community.
- Create memories: Posting about your experience on social media allows you to create a lasting record of your adventure that you can look back on in the future.
- Connect with others: Sharing your experience on social media allows you to connect with others who have similar interests and may have also visited the Elk Falls suspension bridge or other beautiful places
Elk Falls Suspension bridge history
The Rotary Club of Campbell River designed the bridge, which was built in collaboration with BC Parks and BC Hydro. With financing from the community, government, business, and ICET, it shows the critical role that non-profits can play in gathering support for economic growth. The Bridge opens up new target customers, such as bus tours, mobility-challenged guests, and more daring thrill seekers, as well as new hospitality and commercial options to service and expand these new markets.
Final thoughts about the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge
In conclusion, Elk Falls Suspension Bridge is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The hike to the bridge is easy and offers breathtaking views of the Elk River Falls, making it perfect for people of all ages and abilities. Pack a picnic and head to Elk Falls Suspension Bridge for a day of adventure and discovery. With its stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere, it’s sure to be a memorable experience
Other fantastic locations near Elk Falls
Lupin Falls
Ah, Lupin Falls in Strathcona Park – another gem only 45 minute away from Campbell River. Nestled in the heart of Strathcona Park, Lupin Falls is a sight to behold. The rushing waters of the falls tumble over the rocky cliffs, creating a misty spray that adds to the atmosphere of wildness and adventure. So grab your hiking boots and photography equipment and set out towards Lupin Falls; I can assure you that it will be an experience you won’t soon forget.
Karst Falls
Karst Falls in Strathcona Park – Where the falls plummets over a rocky cliff. The surrounding rainforest is a riot of green, with towering trees flowing beside the flowing creek. It’s no wonder Karst Falls has captured the hearts of so many nature-lovers and photographers. So grab your camera gear and hiking boots and head out to this extraordinary place.
Lower Myra Falls
Lower Myra Falls in Strathcona Park on Vancouver Island is a place of wild beauty and raw power. In a series of shimmering tiers, the water roar down the rocky cliffs. Mist from the falls creates a rainbow of colors. Lower Myra Falls is well worth the extra travel time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When visitors visit the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge, they can expect to see a fairly easy 1km hike from the parking lot along a wide wheelchair-accessible gravel trail. The bridge spans 60 meters across the canon to the second viewing platform, offering spectacular views of the deep rock canyons and majestic waterfall below.
The Elk falls Suspension bridge is 60m across and spans the Campbell River
The Elk Falls day-use area is located within a large paved parking lot, and it is approximately 1km (0.6 miles) from the parking lot to the waterfall and suspension bridge.
No, swimming is not allowed at Elk Falls Suspension Bridge. The area is protected for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the Elk River Falls, but not for swimming or other water activities.
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