Sylvia and Goodwin Falls
Sylvia and Goodwin Falls are located on the Mahood River, 3.5 km up from the confluence of the Mahood and Clearwater Rivers. Access is by the Clearwater River Road. This is a long drive along a winding bumpy road on the west side of the river starting in Clearwater. Some of the road is not in great shape and work is scheduled on the road from September 2019 through spring of 2020. We braved the rough road, trying to avoid many potholes, and eventually parked at the end (there used to be a bridge across the Mahood River, but all that is left are some shoreline abutments), where there is a small informal campsite mostly used by fishermen.
The confluence is a pleasant spot for a riverside break. Many years ago we forded Mahood River and backpacked all the way to Flourmill Volcanoes (23 km each way). On this day, though, we were taking the trail up the Mahood River to the falls and back, a 7 km return (moderate) hike.
The first part of the trail traverses shrubby swamps (on aging boardwalks) and then through the damp cedar-hemlock forest.
Stands of birch, moss-covered logs, lichens and fungi lined the trail as it followed the river upstream.
The trail wound over rocky hills above the river to get past bluffs, then descended back to the riverside winding around large trees. We could hear the falls before we saw them. First glimpses of the two falls were seen through the trees.
There are no signs nor established trails to get to the best view spots, but with some looking around, hikers can take short rough side trails down to the river. Sylvia Falls is a beautiful sight in any month of the year. It is only 20m high, but it spans the whole river, with wafts of mist carried downstream all year long.
With some route-finding through the forest, we scrambled down to a viewpoint below Goodwin Falls with a view that included both falls. Spray mist from the falls soaks this area, making photography difficult.
We have hiked the whole trail from both ends. Mahood Lake is another 1.5 hours upstream on a rougher trail. On a previous adventure, we paddled across Mahood Lake (22 km) and camped at the east end, then hiked down to the falls and back (link). On this day, though, we hiked up to the falls, had lunch, then hiked back. Along the way, we spotted an old camp spot by the river, now being reclaimed by the forest.
The trail is a moderate hike through the forest to a beautiful spot and back. Much of the trail is in good shape. Some of the route through the wet areas is in need of repair (BC Parks says it is planned). This would be a very popular hike if it was more accessible, but on the other hand, the rough and long backroad keeps the area pristine and relatively quiet.
Across the Clearwater River stands the remains of an old fishing cabin, abandoned now for the last 55 years.
From another hiker on this outing:
“When we hiked through the quiet forest, I enjoyed the light shining through the mixed forest. Whenever we go to these falls, I like how we can get down to an open view of both falls in a sunny location, perfect for our lunch. I will be joining the next hike to Sylvia and Goodwin Falls if I can.“