Photographing Lower Myra Falls in Strathcona Park

Lower Myra Falls’ Ideal Lighting and Colour

Sticking to the norms for photography, early morning or late afternoon is the perfect time. Lower Myra falls is an opening in the woods. Trees surrounding the area will cast long hard shadows after 10 in the morning. For perfect sunlight from behind. I would suggest getting there at 7. If it’s an over cast day you just may catch the fog rolling in over the fall.

Seeking the Best Light and Colour at Myra Falls

If your wanting to photography vibrant colours I have 2 suggestions.

Plan on visiting the falls just after or when it’s raining. The rocks become wet and the orange-red hue of the rocks pop against the turquoise water. Remember to use a polarizer to cut down on reflection.

Most of Vancouver Island is a rain-forest. Lower Myra falls is surrounded by Douglas Fur, which don’t change in the fall. But some bushes in the area turn a yellowish-orange. With luck, you might capture these bushes when they still have leave.

Camera Gear for Photographing Waterfalls

You will need a DSLR or mirrorless camera that can shoot in manual mode, a tripod, and a cable release or remote shutter. It is also helpful to have a polarizing filter and neutral density filters.

You want to make sure that the shutter speed is slow enough to capture the motion of the water without causing any blur. The aperture should be set as wide open as possible to allow in more light, and the ISO should be kept low to avoid noise in your photos.

You will want to use a cable release or remote shutter to avoid shaking the camera when you press the shutter button. This will help ensure that you get sharp photos every time.

The polarizing filter will reduce glare on the water and help bring out its colors, while the ND filter will help reduce exposure time and prevent overexposure

Be sure to check out our full post on how to photograph waterfalls

Composition and Angles

You want to make sure that your photograph showcases the waterfall in the best way possible. One of the most important things to consider is the foreground and background of your shot. The foreground should be interesting and provide a good contrast against the waterfall, while the background should be either a beautiful landscape or featureless sky. It’s also important to find an angle that showcases the power and majesty of the waterfall. Shooting from below can give a sense of scale, while shooting from above can emphasize the height of the falls.

History of Lower Myra Falls on Vancouver Island

Myra Ellison, daughter of Price Ellison, who participated in the exploratory survey in 1910 that led to the formation of Strathcona Provincial Park, was honoured by having the falls named in her.

Lower Myra Falls Hike

This 1.6 kilometre loop takes 30 minutes on average to hike. It is listed as a simple trip. Although it is quite a steep hill with an elevation gain of 85 m. It will be difficult for some.

Trail to Lower Myra Falls Strathcona Park

The Lower Myra Falls hike is a short hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall. The Upper and Lower viewing areas are both worth the visit.

This hike starts at the southern tip of Buttle Lake, and it takes hikers to two different falls which are distinct from each other- not different parts of the same waterfall.

The Lower Myra Falls hike is rated as easy, it’s definitely worth the trek for all hikers out there who are looking for an amazing waterfall view!

Getting to the Lower Bowls

Bushwhacking comes to mind when trying to get to the lower bowl at Lower Myra falls in Strathcona Park. There is a path that will lead you into the underbrush. The trail starts out, leading you down the hill. However, as you trek further and further into the obis, the trail disappears. My only suggestion is to listen for the falls. They can be heard for miles. The same path will lead you down to Buttle Lake.

Campbell River to Buttle Lake to Myra Falls Location

1. From Campbell River, take the Gold River Highway North towards Gold River.
2. Continue onto Westmin RD at the bridge. (head straight)
3. Follow Westmin Road until it curves around the southern tip of Buttle Lake
4. Cross the bridge at the southern tip of Buttle Lake head up the hill and look for a sign on your right for Lower Myra Falls.
5. The parking lot is on a dirt road by a tower.
6. Google or Android Auto can lead you there as well.

Parking at Lower Myra Falls

There are a few things you should know about parking. First of all, there is parking available for visitors at the Lower Myra Falls trail head. However, it can be quite busy on weekends, so be prepared to walk a bit further. Alternatively, if you visit during the weekdays you’ll have no problem finding a space.

Another thing to keep in mind is bathrooms There is facilities at the parking lot.

Swimming at Myra Falls

If you’re looking for a refreshing swim on a hot day, Lower Myra Falls is the perfect spot.

The water has a gorgeous turquoise hue, but be warned it is chilly! .The current can be strong, so it’s best to stay close to the main pool. Lower Myra Falls is popular with locals and tourists alike, so be prepared to share the water with others.

There are also some great places to relax at the bottom of the falls. So if you’re looking to take a break from swimming, there’s no shortage of options at Myra Falls!

Other Photo locations in the area

Upper Myra Falls is not Lower Myra Falls

Upper Myra falls is not the same as lower Myra Falls. To gain access to Upper Myra falls, you pass through the Westwood mine. Lower Myra falls has several falls in the area. All these drops are still considered lower Myra Falls.

You can find more on Upper Myra fall (coming soon)

Lupin Falls Trail 

Lupin Falls trail is a 0.8-kilometre circular route in Strathcona Park alongside of Buttle lake. Easy hiked in 20 minutes. While the trail is well-used for a quick look-see for hiker, photographers can spend hours at the falls. Along the route, there are some amazing fairytale-like locations.

While the trek to the falls is brief. Head to the beach. It’s a nice place to unwind and eat lunch or a snack.

Karst Creek Trail

Karst Creek trail is a 1.3-km loop route that is close to Lupin and Lower Myra falls at Buttle Lake. Taking about 40 minutes to finish and is an easy hike.

Bridge is missing from the left side route, and lots of large trees are hindering movement on the path to the right. Probably won’t be getting a new bridge soon.