Eau Claire Gorge Falls is located in the Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Area on the Amable du Fond River. The gorge is 60 feet deep with sheer walls. The steepness of the gorge severely limits your viewing options. You do not want to stray too far off the beaten track here, as a slip into the gorge would surely be fatal.

There are several well marked trails along the gorge. The shortest path to the falls is only 200 meters. The main trail does not offer a very good view, but there is an overlook above and in front of the falls that you can easily reach. You may be able to get much better views of the falls from the other side of the river, but crossing the river would be a real challenge. The park signs said their were plans to extend the trails to the other side of the river, but I have no idea when or if that will happen.

The falls is not as steep as it appears. It is actually longer than it is high, but like many such falls, when viewed head on it looks higher and steeper than it is.

The falls is on a canoe route. Above the falls is a long stretch of rapids. Missing the portage would be deadly.

To reach the falls, head east on Highway 17 from North Bay for about 25 km until you reach Highway 630. Head south on 630 for 5 km and take a right on Peddler's Drive. Drive about 500 m to the entrance to the Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Area.

The Eau Claire Gorge Falls is outside the Great Lakes watershed. The Amable du Fond River flows into the Mattawa River, which flows into the Ottawa River. This is the first waterfall I have visited that is directly in the Ottawa River watershed. The Ottawa flows into the Saint Lawrence River, as does Lake Ontario and all the waters of the Great Lakes.

Duchesnay Falls is the closest easily visited waterfall. It lies about about 30km to the west. Paresseux Falls on the Mattawa River is only about 6km away as the crow flies, but it is only reachable by canoe, or an off trail bushwhack.

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	Above the Falls
Above the Falls	Last Chance to Get Off the River

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Last Modified: Thursday, 07-Oct-2010 10:53:33 MDT.