Cascade Falls Regional Park

Site Description:

The park spreads over twenty-two hectares, located in the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) and northeast of Mission. Cascade Creek runs through the park and eventually empties into Stave Lake. There are several large pools in the boulder-strewn creek, and a series of smaller falls within a deeply incised gorge. The largest waterfall drops thirty meters into a large pool and is the main attraction at the park.

Site History:

The park is a lovely cool spot on a hot summer day and has been a popular recreational and picnic site since people first moved into the area. The park has been called one of Mission’s best natural treasures.

In 1984, the possibility of the site becoming a regional park was indicated by the Dewdney-Alouette Regional District (DARD) and negotiations continued with the province. At this time the site was located within the Douglas Provincial Forest. Also during this time, there was a dyking project (or flood protection works) underway below the falls.

The official opening of Cascade Falls Regional Park occurred on June 7, 1986. Following the ceremony, refreshments were served at the McConnell Creek Farmers’ Institute Hall.

In the fall of 1999, “the Fraser Valley Regional District commissioned a geotechnical study which found some of the edges of the ravine lining the creek could collapse. The experts recommended the public be kept at least five meters away from the edge of the canyon.”¹ Safety measures to assure the public stayed the proper distance away included a chain-link fence, a new platform, and deactivating old trails and building new trails.

In 2000, the park was being redeveloped to make it more attractive to visitors, particularly families. This first phase of redevelopment would cost $25,000. It provided easier access to those with mobility problems and safer recreation opportunities for young families. The lower parking lot was expanded. Picnic tables and benches installed and a new outhouse toilet replaced the old vandalized toilet.

In 2015, a new suspension bridge, thirty-five meters long and hanging twenty meters above the creek was unveiled.

Landscape:

The twenty-two-hectare park is located in a rural area, just off a paved road.

The major attraction is the waterfalls and pools. The trail system varies in difficulty from easy to moderate and continues to upper pools above the waterfall. Steep trails lead through the forest of large fir, hemlock and cedar trees, to viewing platforms. Along the trail large ferns, salal, huckleberry bushes and similar undergrowth are abundant. There is also a gravel access road to higher levels; it is closed to vehicle traffic, but is easier, if somewhat steep, walk to the top. Above the falls, there are several more large pools and the creek which feeds into the falls. Three picnic tables are located next to the lower pools.

Additional Information:

Trails are easy to moderate with some stairs. Allow 15 minutes to reach the viewing platform from the parking lot. The Upper Pools Trail is another 20 minutes beyond the viewing platform. For your safety, remain on the trail at all times.

Dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times. Please clean up after your dog.

Three picnic tables are located next to Cascade Creek at the lower pools.

Black Bears and cougars are sometimes encountered in the park and need to be respected at all times.

Warning: Playing near the falls can be dangerous, particularly during wet weather and flooding. A number of people have lost their lives or been severely injured playing near the falls, or jumping into the pools below. Swim at your own risk. There are no lifeguards on duty. Diving or jumping into the water can cause serious injury or death. See newspaper articles below.

Where to get further information:

The Mission Community Archives

File 700.3 Mission City Record. August 17, 2000. “Shoring up the Falls.”
Fraser Valley Record. August 6, 1983. “Camping ban at Cascade Creek.”
FVR. August 8, 1984. “New Regional Park at Cascade Falls?”
FVR. July 10, 1985. “Cascade waiting.”
FVR. May 28, 1986. “Cascade Falls Regional Park Official Opening.”

FVR. August 19, 1999. “Rafter Drowns at Cascade Falls.”

Fraser Valley Regional District, Geotechnical Study, Fall 1999.

¹ Mission City Record, “Shoring up the Falls”