Lower Myra Falls is one of the few waterfalls in the Northwest that drops straight into a lake and can easily be reached. This is probably one of the most popular waterfalls in Strathcona Provincial Park. The formation of Lower Myra Falls, also known just as Myra Falls, is interesting as well. All along the west side of Buttle Lake is a fault, which has repeatedly dropped during several earthquakes of the past, causing a sudden change in the elevation of the bedrock. So, with a series of 6-8 drops, Myra Creek plunges down the resulting wall, straight into aqua-blue Buttle Lake. The trail to the falls leads to the large pool in between the two major parts of the falls. Above the pool, you'll have the view pictured here, but to see the remaining 100 feet of the falls, you'll have to scramble down narrow paths to the lakeshore, then, if the water level isn't too high, walk around to a gravel bar jutting out in front of the falls, allowing a look back up the small gorge. Don't forget to bring your bathing suit, the pool at the trail's end is a great dipping hole (just stay well out of the main current).

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On Vancouver Island, follow Highway 28 for about 35 km west of Campbell River to the signed Buttle Lake / Westmin Road turnoff, just prior to crossing Buttle Lake. Continue down the Westmin Road for about 30 km, to the signed turn for the Myra Falls trailhead. From the parking lot, just a short distance off the main road, follow the wide trail downhill to the base of the falls in about 400m. There is an upper viewpoint as well, but it only affords views of the very top tier of the falls. To see the bottom of the falls, find any of several narrow paths that lead downstream from near the bottom of the trail. Use caution when climbing down next to the turbulent creek.

As you can see from my pictures, there are serious light issues here. The falls face east, so light is terribly in the afternoon. If you can't make it on an overcast day, come before noon for best light. Definitely bring a polarizer to this one.

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