Plan Smith River Falls - Fort Halkett Park near the Alaska Highway with a 35 m waterfall, day use, steep trail, fishing, cycling, hunting, and narrow road access.
Smith River Falls - Fort Halkett Park is at the confluence of Smith River and Liard River, near kilometre 820 of the Alaska Highway and 30 kilometres west of Liard River Hot Springs Park. BC Parks says the park contains the 35-metre-high, 10-metre-wide Smith River Falls.
This is a day-use park, and camping is not allowed.
Why Visit Smith River Falls - Fort Halkett Park
The waterfall is the main reason to stop. BC Parks describes Smith River Falls plunging into a deep pool with a thunderous roar, especially in early summer. A short trail leads from the parking lot to the base of the falls, though sections are very steep and can be treacherous.
The park also contains the old Fort Halkett site, a former Hudson’s Bay Company trading post associated with Kaska, Sekani, and Dene-Thah trade history. The park overlaps Kaska Dena traditional territories.
Things To Do
View and photograph the falls, walk the steep trail with caution, fish the Smith River with the proper licence and current regulations, cycle the gravel viewpoint access road while watching for vehicles, and hunt during open seasons where regulations allow.
Planning Notes
The viewpoint road can be reached by vehicle except in winter. BC Parks warns that the road is very narrow and may not suit larger vehicles, with difficult oncoming traffic. Pets must be leashed and kept out of beach areas and buildings. E-bikes are allowed only on roads or motorized-use areas, not trails. Stay back from wet rock, steep banks, and the waterfall pool edge.