
McDonald Falls Davis Lake
Discover the wild beauty of McDonald Falls and the serene tranquility of Davis Lake, offering rugged adventure and peaceful nature escapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

McDonald Falls Davis Lake
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the wild beauty of McDonald Falls and the serene tranquility of Davis Lake, offering rugged adventure and peaceful nature escapes.
"The falls and trail are exceptional; wild and natural. It is worth it to visit for once at least."

🚗 Drive with Caution
The last 3km are very rocky. Go slow and steady, especially if you don't have 4x4.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Trails can be steep and slippery. Wear good hiking shoes for grip.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

McDonald Falls
Trailhead near parking
Experience the wild, natural beauty of these exceptional falls. A truly memorable sight.

Davis Lake
End of the trail from falls
A quiet and peaceful lake, perfect for enjoying nature away from the crowds.

Scenic Trails
Various paths around the area
Explore numerous trails offering hidden lakes and breathtaking lookout points.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Road to Adventure
Trail Smarts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with Caution
The last 3km are very rocky. Go slow and steady, especially if you don't have 4x4.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Trails can be steep and slippery. Wear good hiking shoes for grip.
Recommend me a back country camping site.
Shoreline Camping Stave Lake
🧭 Bring a GPS
Trails can be tricky to follow, especially in certain sections.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Hike
Great for a Sunday hike with the family, but be prepared for the terrain.
Exposed campfire ashes, garbage, human waste & attractants were strewn about everywhere on the Cheshire Cat Trail off Cat Lake (Squamish)
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
The last 3km are very rocky. Go slow and steady, especially if you don't have 4x4.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Trails can be steep and slippery. Wear good hiking shoes for grip.
🧭 Bring a GPS
Trails can be tricky to follow, especially in certain sections.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Hike
Great for a Sunday hike with the family, but be prepared for the terrain.
🔥 BBQ & Fire Friendly
Enjoy BBQs and campfires with beautiful views. Check fire bans first!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the exceptional, wild beauty of McDonald Falls and the peaceful, uncrowded nature of Davis Lake. The area offers numerous trails with hidden views, making it a great spot for BBQs and outdoor enjoyment. However, the rough access road and steep, scrambly trail to the lake are significant challenges for some.
"The lake by itself is not very special except it is very quite and not busy. The falls and trail are exceptional; wild and natural. The last 3 kilometers to the where you may call it parking lot is very rocky, bumpy and uneven. You should drive carefully if you don't drive a 4x4 car or truck. Some trucks or off road cars driving crazily which you must be more cautious as the road is not very wide. Still I believe it is worth it to visit for once at least."
Mehrdad Arastoo
"This is one of our favourite places to head out to on weekends away from the city. It's the closest place to us. You don't have to drive far to get here, so huge bonus. Lots of trails and different lakes to explore. So many beautiful spots. We like to head here and bring the BBQ, do some wheeling and have a fire and enjoy the views. They have done alot of recent logging, which I'm not happy about. Changing the area and the trails. Why can't we leave some places one to enjoy nature."
Chris L
"Beautiful park with so many roads to explore and lookouts to see! Hidden lakes and hidden views"
Sarah Grace
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The access road to the parking area is rough and rocky for the last 3 kilometers. While a 4x4 is not mandatory, driving slowly and carefully is essential. Be mindful of other vehicles on the narrow road.
The final 3km are very rocky and uneven. Cars can make it if driven slowly and cautiously, but SUVs or trucks are more comfortable.
The road is described as very rocky, bumpy, and uneven. Some drivers treat it like an off-road course, so extra caution is advised.
Yes, drive carefully and slowly. Be extra cautious as the road is not very wide and other vehicles might be driving fast.
Yes, you can access it with a regular car if you drive slowly and carefully. However, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for a smoother experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of an entrance fee in the provided information, suggesting it may be a free-access area.
As a natural park area, it's likely accessible during daylight hours. Specific operating hours are not provided, but it's generally open for day use.
No advance booking is typically required for natural park areas like this. It's usually first-come, first-served.
While BBQs and fires are mentioned as enjoyable activities, it's advisable to check local regulations for any required permits or fire ban information.
Yes, there is a designated parking area, though the road leading to it is rough.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The trail is described as very scrambly, steep, and can be slippery. It takes about 10-15 minutes down and 15-20 minutes up.
Yes, the trail is considered difficult due to its steep and scrambly nature. It can be slippery, especially in certain sections.
Trails can be hard to follow, so bringing a GPS device is recommended for navigation.
You can expect exceptional wild and natural views of the falls, a quiet lake, and beautiful lookout points along the various trails.
While families do visit, the steep and scrambly nature of the trail to Davis Lake might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.
📸 📸 Photography
The McDonald Falls themselves offer dramatic photo opportunities. The various trails also provide scenic lookouts and hidden lake views perfect for capturing nature's beauty.
Absolutely! The falls are described as exceptional and wild, providing a stunning subject for photography.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the natural beauty of the falls and lake.
Be cautious on the slippery and steep trails, especially near the falls. Ensure you have stable footing before composing your shots.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the grandeur of the falls and the surrounding landscape. A sturdy tripod will help with low-light conditions or capturing water movement.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Off-Road Enthusiasts & Adventurers
🚶♀️ Hikers Seeking Nature
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Terrain: Road and Trail Conditions
Once you reach the trailhead, the path down to Davis Lake presents its own set of challenges. This trail is described as very scrambly, steep, and potentially slippery, even during the summer months. Some sections require careful navigation. Due to the potentially confusing nature of the trails, it's recommended to bring a GPS device to ensure you stay on the right path.
Trail Difficulty and Safety
The descent to the lake is approximately 10-15 minutes, with the return hike taking slightly longer, around 15-20 minutes. The steepness and scrambly nature mean sturdy hiking footwear with good grip is essential. Falling off the waterfall has been a serious incident for at least one visitor, highlighting the need for respect and caution in these natural environments.
The Natural Beauty: Falls and Lake Experience
Following the trail from the falls leads to Davis Lake, which offers a contrasting but equally appealing experience. The lake is noted for its quietude and lack of crowds, making it an ideal spot for those seeking tranquility and a peaceful escape from urban life. It's a place to relax and soak in the serene surroundings.
Beyond the main attractions, the area boasts numerous roads and trails that invite exploration. Visitors can discover hidden lakes and unexpected lookout points, adding an element of discovery to their visit. This network of paths makes it a great destination for those who enjoy venturing off the beaten path and finding their own secluded spots.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit