Mill Creek Regional Park: A Waterfall Hike Just Minutes from Kelowna
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Mill Creek is one of those trails that locals love and visitors often miss—which is kind of a shame, but also means more peace and quiet for us. It’s tucked into the trees just past the Kelowna airport and leads to three different waterfalls. You read that right, three!
If you’re looking for an easy waterfall hike in Kelowna, this one ticks all the boxes. The trail is shady, mostly flat, and totally doable for families. Dogs are welcome (on leash), there’s tons of room to explore, and the sound of the creek follows you the whole way.
The first waterfall is a breeze to get to and makes a great picnic spot. The second takes a bit more finesse—it’s a little washed out in places—but the forest is stunning and it’s usually less busy. And the third? Let’s just say you’ve gotta earn it… but it’s worth every step!
Mill Creek Trail Stats
Before we dive into the waterfalls, here’s a quick look at what you can expect on the Mill Creek trail. Whether you’re planning a full waterfall mission or just popping in for a short stroll, these stats will help you prep:
- Distance: 2.8 km round trip (more to the final waterfall)
- Time: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Trail type: Out and back
- Elevation gain: Minimal, with a few steeper spots
- Dog-friendly? Yep! Dogs must be on leash
- Kid-friendly? For sure
- Open: Year-round (though gates might close in winter)
- Best time to go: Spring through fall
- Highlights: Forest trail, waterfalls, shade, peaceful vibes
PS: If you want to chase more waterfalls, use this guide to find local Kelowna waterfalls!
Getting to Mill Creek Regional Park
Mill Creek Regional Park is in the Ellison area, just northeast of Kelowna and only a few minutes from the YLW airport. It’s super easy to find and makes a perfect quick escape into nature—whether you’ve got a free afternoon or just need a reset in the woods.
To get there from Kelowna:
- Head north on Highway 97
- After you pass the airport, turn right onto Old Vernon Road
- Continue straight as it turns into Spencer Road
- Look for the park entrance on the right-hand side
There’s a small parking lot near the trailhead. It’s usually open in spring, summer, and fall. In the winter, the gates might be closed, but you can still walk in from the road.
Waterfall #1 – The Easiest One to Reach
The first waterfall at Mill Creek Regional Park is the most popular—and for good reason! It’s only about 1 km from the parking lot and super easy to get to. The trail is mostly flat, wide, and manageable for kids, leashed pups, and even sturdy strollers if you don’t mind a few roots here and there.
Right near the start of the trail, you’ll hit a fork. Don’t worry—which ever path you take, you’ll end up at the same place. The left route is a bit more scenic with a wooden bridge, some short stairs, and a curved boardwalk section that makes the whole walk feel a little more magical.
Once you reach the waterfall, you’ll find a shady spot that’s perfect for a snack break, a barefoot creek dip, or just chilling out while the water rushes past. It’s especially nice on a hot summer day when the Okanagan heat is doing its thing.
This first waterfall is also a great turnaround point if you’re short on time or just out for a quick nature fix. But if you’re feeling adventurous, the second waterfall is waiting just a little farther up the trail.
Waterfall #2 – A Hidden Gem at Mill Creek
The second waterfall at Mill Creek Regional Park is a little more rugged—but if you’re up for a bit of a challenge, it’s definitely it!
Once you pass the first waterfall, the Mill Creek trail continues upstream through a beautiful stretch of forest. The path gets narrower and a little rougher here, with some washed-out spots and tree roots to step over. It’s no longer stroller-friendly, but it’s still manageable if you take your time and wear decent shoes.
This waterfall is at its absolute best in the spring when snowmelt feeds the creek and the cascades are rushing with fresh mountain water. The second waterfall is actually a cluster of small falls tumbling over mossy rocks—and you’ll probably hear it before you see it. The trail hugs the creek, and depending on the season, you might need to detour around muddy patches or hop across a few rocks.
This is where waterproof shoes make a huge difference. I wore my Vessis and they were perfect for this part of the trail. Lightweight, grippy, and water-resistant—10/10 would recommend for creekside adventure!
The vibe here is super peaceful, especially if you visit on a weekday. It’s one of the quieter spots in the park and feels like a secret little oasis. There’s even a small cave beside the falls, but depending on the season, it might not be safe (or dry) to explore.
Waterfall #3 – The Wildest Waterfall at Mill Creek
If you’ve made it this far, get ready—the third waterfall is the biggest, boldest, and most dramatic of the bunch. It’s also the trickiest to reach, but if you’re up for a bit of scrambling, this Kelowna waterfall hike ends on a high note.
The trail gets narrower and rougher after the second waterfall. Eventually, you’ll reach a barbed wire fence with two trail options—take the upper path. It climbs above the creek and leads you along a clear ridge with some great views. After a short trek, you’ll come to a steep drop with a rope to help you down. It’s a little intense, but totally doable.
At the bottom, you’ll find a gorgeous two-tiered waterfall spilling over smooth rock like a natural waterslide. Depending on the season, you can even walk right up to the base—it’s not as slippery as it looks!
This part of the trail feels wild and remote, and if you’re lucky, you might have it all to yourself. The trail continues to a small dam and reservoir, but most people turn back here.
Bonus adventure: There are even more waterfalls hidden farther up Mill Creek—but they’re only accessible on a canyoning tour. It’s the only way to reach the upper falls and includes climbing and rappelling. Not for the faint of heart, but sooo much fun if you’re into that kind of thing!
Tips for Visiting Mill Creek Regional Park
Before you hit the trail, here are a few handy tips to help you make the most of your visit to Mill Creek Regional Park. It’s an easy hike, but there are still a few things you’ll want to know before you go—especially if it’s your first time checking out this hidden gem!
- Bring bug spray – This trail stays nice and cool thanks to the big shady trees… which also means mosquitoes. Lots of them. Especially in late spring and summer. Trust me, you’ll want to come prepared.
- Wear proper footwear – Even though most of the trail is fairly easy, it can get muddy, rocky, or slippery—especially past the first waterfall. Waterproof shoes (like Vessis!) or trail runners are perfect.
- Keep dogs leashed – Mill Creek is dog-friendly, but pups need to stay on leash at all times. There’s wildlife in the area and the trail can be narrow in spots.
- Bring water and snacks – There are no amenities in the park, so pack what you need and be sure to leave no trace.
- Be bear aware – Bears and other wildlife do roam this area, especially in spring and fall. Carry bear spray, hike in groups when possible, and make noise as you go.
Best Time to Visit
Spring is hands-down the best time to hike Mill Creek. The waterfalls are rushing, wildflowers are blooming, and the trail is still quiet.
Summer is lovely too—especially if you want to cool off in the creek—but bring bug spray! Fall is crisp and colourful. Winter is peaceful, but icy spots and closed gates can make access trickier.
FAQs About Mill Creek Regional Park
Yes, the trail is open year-round, but the parking lot gates close in the winter. You can still access the trail on foot as long as conditions are safe.
The main trail is about 2.8 km round trip, but you can explore farther if you’re up for an adventure—especially if you’re heading to the third waterfall or beyond.
Yes! You can wade or take a quick dip near the first or third waterfall in the summer, but the water is chilly and the creek is shallow. It’s more of a refreshing splash than a full swim.
Nope, it’s not dirty! The tea colour comes from tannins—natural compounds released by decaying leaves, bark, and other organic matter in the forest. It’s totally safe and super common in forest creeks across BC.
Yes. Bears and other wildlife do pass through the area, especially in spring and fall. Always carry bear spray, stay alert, and follow basic bear safety rules.
Looking for More Okanagan Adventures?
Mill Creek is just one of many awesome waterfall hikes in the Kelowna area! If you loved this trail, you might also like:
- Best Kelowna Waterfalls – A guide to all the local falls worth chasing
- Best Hikes in Kelowna – Trails for every skill level, from easy strolls to full-on summit days
- Easy Hikes in Kelowna – Family-friendly trails with beautiful views
- Adventurous Things to Do in Kelowna – Make the most of your sunny days
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, there’s always more to explore!