Della Falls Trail

Della Falls Trail is a multi-day, out-and-back hiking route in Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The hike runs to Della Falls, a very tall waterfall that serves as the primary objective.

Total distance is about 14.68 km (map-measured), with commonly planned trips described as roughly 32 km round-trip. Typical backpacking approach is 2–3 days, with one-way hiking times often estimated in the 5–7 hour range.

Access is water-first: the trailhead is at the west end of Great Central Lake, and you reach it by boat (water taxi service or paddling) rather than from a road. From the dock, the route follows an old railway grade up the Drinkwater Valley before it climbs toward the falls.

On the ground, the first stretch is described as rail-grade and mostly gravel, with low-relief hiking for about the early 8 km. After that, the route becomes steeper and rougher, with more rugged ground and wet-weather impacts described as including washouts, flooding, blowdowns, and route-finding challenges.

A major landmark along the way is Drinkwater Creek, which you encounter repeatedly through the valley approach to the base area. BC Parks also maintains crossings on this route, including wooden bridges, metal bridges, and a cable car at the Drinkwater Creek section.

Camping is on designated backcountry sites along the route, including Great Central Lake (near the trailhead dock), Margaret Creek (~7 km from the trailhead), Della Falls Main Camp (about 870 m from the base), and Della Falls Base (a designated site closer to the falls). The designated sites include food cache and latrine at each camp.

Seasonal timing generally targets mid-May through September for snow-free hiking (often snow-free by June). Early summer can be ideal for flow at the falls, but the route stays in a remote, exposed mountain environment where weather can turn quickly.

For trip planning and safety, scout/inspect key “committed” features and check current conditions before you go—especially around creek crossings and the cable car—since the route notes repeated impacts from flooding and blowdowns after wet weather. Cell service in the park is unreliable, so plan on alternate communication (e.g., satellite messenger) if that matters for your group.

More information: Della Falls Trail - Strathcona Provincial Park, Della Falls Trail Hiking Guide (Vancouver Island ..., Hike of the Week: Della Falls Trail