So many of the hikes in Wells Gray Park are challenging, but there are a few easier trails too.   The South Helmcken trail is a fairly flat, well-marked trail that provides a 8 km return hike with the reward of a a close-up view of Helmcken Falls.   In the Dawson Falls area, watch for a trailhead sign and parking area on the west side of the main road.   Follow the trail along the Murtle River as it crosses the plateau before plunging over the cliffs.

The trail winds among the trees and stays not far from the river until the falls. At the end of the trail,  there are no guard-rails on this side, so it is hard to get a good view of the falls, but it is a much closer view than the north side. In peak run-off, the ground shakes and the mists rise from the falls as it drops 450 feet.   The trail dwindles out after the first few viewpoints and does not get any better so find the best place to get your photo and strart your return hike.   Along the way there are a couple of access points to the river and we saw many varieties of mushrooms and fungi along the way.   Watch for these at the side of the trail as you follow the trail back to your vehicle.   There are many points along the Murtle River that are interesting, but the plunge over the cliffs and down to the Clearwater River is one of the best..