Silver Falls: the hidden waterfall on the west side of Indian Arm
Silver Falls drops into a steep notch on the west shore of Indian Arm at Elsay Creek. Most boats race past it on the way to Granite Falls. Slow down and look.
Granite Falls gets the attention, but Indian Arm has a second big waterfall. Silver Falls pours down Elsay Creek on the west shore, tucked into a steep recess in the cliff. From the middle of the channel you can miss it. Hug the west shore and it opens up in front of you.
Where it is
Silver Falls sits roughly 12 km north of Deep Cove, on the left as you head up the arm. Allow about 25 to 30 minutes from Cates Park at an easy cruise. Granite Falls lies another few kilometres north on the opposite shore, so you can see both on one trip.
How to see it
Slow to idle as you come up the west side and watch for the gap in the trees. After rain or in late spring, when the snowmelt runs, you’ll hear it first. There’s no dock, so keep the engine ready and take your photos from the boat. Stay off the rocks at the base, where the water churns and the footing is slick.
Two falls, one day
On a full day, run up the west shore to Silver Falls, cross to Granite Falls for lunch on board, and come home down the east shore past the Buntzen powerhouses. You see the whole arm that way and never cover the same water twice.
A note on the place
Silver Falls lies inside Say Nuth Khaw Yum Provincial Park, which the Tsleil-Waututh Nation manages together with BC Parks. Tsleil-Waututh teaching holds that you shouldn’t stare at the falls. Many visitors take a look and move on, which suits a boat trip well.
There’s also a smaller fall, Spray of Pearls, at Wigwam Creek in the far northwest corner of the arm. Look for it on the way to the head of the arm.
Book a full day and see both falls.