As much as we enjoy doing hikes and taking the trails to enjoy nature, we're just as happy with amazing viewpoints or waterfalls that only require a short walk! The Cascade Falls Trail is one of those trails that are easy to do, but the view at the end is spectacular. Because of this, this short trail tends to get pretty busy.

We were excited to do this trail because we've been under restrictions for a few months in British Columbia due to COVID-19. We've recently relaxed some of the restrictions and we're now in the Phase 3 of the restart plan, which allows for non-essential travel within the province. We took the opportunity to do a number of activities and shorter ones like the Cascade Falls Trail allow us to cramp more into our day.

About Cascade Falls

Located in Mission, British Columbia, Cascade Falls is a scenic waterfall that can be viewed from a suspension bridge at the top of the trail. The walk to the platform for the suspension bridge is only a short one and the bridge crosses the river right in front of the waterfall. 

The parking at Cascade Falls is also fairly limited, but you'll be alright if you come early enough. The parking goes all the way down the street so it does get busy, but people end up making their own parking anyways. While we were by the parking lot, we noticed there were people carrying floaties and coolers towards another area of the park, so it appears that there are areas to hang out and spend an afternoon. For the purpose of this trip, we stuck to the Cascade Falls Trail.

Cascade Falls Trail

• Type: Trail

• Length: 0.75 km

• Traffic: Moderate

• Route Type: Out & Back

Once you've found parking, the trailhead is towards the far end of the parking lot. At the beginning of the trail, there are actually two paths that you can take, but both paths take you to the same place to the top of the waterfall and the suspension bridge.

The path on the right side is more of the traditional trail and it is a set of stairs that you can take. This trail can be a little steeper, but it shouldn't be a problem for you and your dog. By climbing these wooden stairs, you'll end up at a man-made structure that's attached to the suspension bridge.

The other way of getting here is to take a path that's on the left side. This is a path that appears to be made for cars, but since it's not being used on a regular basis, it's safe to walk up and down it. Because of COVID-19 practices, it seems that people going down must take that path, but those going up can take either path.

At the very top, there is an observation deck where you'll get the first views of the waterfall from the side. This is also the beginning of the suspension bridge where you can get across for a better view of the waterfall. As you start making your way over the suspension bridge, pay attention to the views from there, but the view at the end is hard to beat.

Do note that the suspension bridge is one of those grated metal bridges with the gaps. For some reason, a lot of dogs don't like to walk on these bridges. Whether it's the fact that the holes are too wide apart for Markus' paw or that he can see through the bridge to the bottom, Markus was not having it and wouldn't step on the bridge. Markus has gone over other suspension bridges before, but those ones have always been wooden ones that you can't see through. Markus was fine with those, so keep that in mind if you're doing this hike with your dog - they might have to stay on the observation deck!

What we liked

• The waterfall and the views at the top of the trail are amazing!

• For as great as the view at the end is, the trail is pretty short and easy to do. That's a win-win situation.

What we didn't like

• The combination of an easy trail and beautiful view makes the trail tend to be pretty busy.

• Parking was a little difficult because of how busy it was.

Our Recommendation for Reactive Dogs

We loved doing the Cascade Falls Trail and we didn't come across another dog in our time here, which wasn't very long. Both the trail and the path are fairly wide so even if there was another dog, it would've been easy enough to keep them apart.

Another thing I will mention is that there can be a lot of people on the trail and especially on the platform at the top. The platform at the top isn't very big and you can fit maybe 10 to 15 people comfortably, so if your dog isn't good with the crowds, I would suggest that they don't spend too much time at the observation deck.

Disclaimer

Markus is a reactive, but not aggressive dog. His instinct is to avoid other dogs and he may growl, bark or lunge if provoked, but will not attack. We normally do not have issues with leashed dogs when both sides are controlled, but we will be on guard when an oncoming dog is not leashed. There are varying levels to a dog’s reactivity and only you can decide if this park, trail or hotel is appropriate for your dog. Our visits generally will not include off-leash areas; most experiences shared on The Markus Project are within leashed or undefined areas.

Please remember that our past experience visiting a park, trail or hotel may not be the same as your experience at the same park, trail or hotel. We have no control of who visits the park and whether they adhere to park rules - like leashing their dogs on leash-required paths - or not. Please use your discretion with the information provided and with your personal knowledge of your dog’s reactivity when visiting these parks, trails or hotels.