Do you love jumping off cliffs into turquoise blue waters? Silver Spring Lakes (that’s right, there are three of them!) is the place to be. Located just 30 minutes south of Fernie, the first lake has become known for its iconic cliff jumping. Honestly, it’s one of the best cliff jumping spots I’ve ever experienced. The clear blue water is cool and refreshing, and the surrounding scenery makes the whole experience hard to beat.
Last Updated: January 2026
In July 2021, I had the chance to travel from Calgary to Fernie for a long weekend of camping at Mount Fernie Provincial Park and exploring the area with a group of friends. Fernie is known for spectacular winter activities (like downhill skiing), and there’s just as much to do in the summertime. On this trip, my friend Kevin and I ventured over to Silver Spring Lakes for an evening of swimming and cliff jumping. It was awesome!
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About Silver Spring Lakes (Near Fernie, BC)
If you’re visiting Fernie, you might want to take a drive over to Silver Spring Lakes near Elko. You’ll find three beautiful lakes attracting locals and visitors alike; arguably the best place for an evening dip near Fernie (though floating the Elk River is also a blast). Don’t forget to pack a towel and a water bottle. If you’re not much of a cliff jumper or swimmer, you could bring a kayak or SUP and enjoy a day on the water. But you’ll have to carry your equipment up the hill to reach the lakes. Fishers will be happy to learn that these lakes are stocked with trout.
Fair warning: Silver Spring Lakes can be quite popular during peak season. To escape the crowds, consider hiking the Silver Springs Trail to explore the second or third lakes. At about 4 km round trip, the trail is a short and easy family-friendly day hike (though there’s a bit of incline). Nestled in the hills, all three lakes are spring-fed with clear blue waters. We didn’t have time to explore all of the lakes, but we sure enjoyed cliff jumping at the first one.
Read next: 7 Things To Do in Fernie, BC in Summer
Silver Spring Lakes — The Best Cliff Jumping Near Fernie
Silver Spring Lakes has become synonymous with cliff jumping in British Columbia. That being said, the first lake is most popular due to the smooth bedrock platforms and clear waters. Towering above the lake, these cliffs range from 5 to 60 feet, but the most popular cliff jumping is between 25 to 30 feet high.
It’s very important to avoid horseplay on the cliffs and use caution when climbing back up. Make sure you know where to jump. Visitors have faced serious injuries in the past, and emergency services can take time to reach this location.
Note: I don’t recommend jumping under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, when I visited, one visibly intoxicated visitor was cliff jumping, and thankfully she didn’t injure herself. Excessive drinking and cliff jumping don’t mix.
How To Get To Silver Spring Lakes
I was thrilled to find out that Silver Spring Lakes is very close to the town of Fernie, a less than 30-minute drive (faster than getting across Calgary!). To reach the lakes, head south along Highway 3 (Crowsnest Highway) from Fernie, pass through the Elko Tunnel, and then you’ll soon reach the town of Elko.
To find Silver Spring Lakes Trailhead, turn left off of Highway 3 onto Bates Avenue, turn right onto Main Street, and then take another left onto Alexander Ave. Drive down this road until reaching the River Forest Service Road on your left. Continue on this gravel road for about 3.5 km and then turn right. Keep going until you reach the yellow gate and park your vehicle. Remember, this is an active logging road, so be cautious and yield to oncoming trucks.
Read next: Spineback Trail: Hiking in Fernie, British Columbia
Silver Spring Lake Hike & Trail Overview
The start of the Silver Spring Lakes hike is about 500 metres from the parking area. Make your way past the yellow gate and walk for about 150 metres to the footpath. Cross the power line and hike south up the steep trail for 20 to 30 minutes. Then you’ll reach the northern shore of the first lake. On this stretch, be prepared for an elevation gain of about 100 metres in 500 metres of distance (that’s fairly steep!). Once you have eyes on the first lake, head east (left) up the steep and rocky trail (watch your step…) and then follow the trail south. You’ll soon come out on the bedrock platforms that make Silver Spring Lake the perfect cliff jumping destination.
What to bring? I suggest wearing a pair of hiking shoes as you’ll be walking up rugged trails. Carry a small day pack with sandals, sunscreen, a towel, and a water bottle.
Know Before You Go
Parking: Unofficial parking area at the beginning of the trail.
Toilets: There are no facilities or toilets at Silver Spring Lakes.
Garbage: Pack it in, pack it out. There are no garbage bins here.
Camping: Overnight camping is not permitted.
Family-Friendly: Silver Spring Lakes are family-friendly and for everyone, but you won’t be able to use a stroller here. Children must be supervised near the cliffs.
Respect Others: Enjoy this incredible slice of heaven, but be respectful of the land, other visitors, and the people who call this area home.
Leave No Trace: Practice Leave No Trace principles to keep the area healthy and pristine for years to come. Don’t leave anything behind (including your name on the cliffs).
Note: One Instagram follower commented “shhh!” on my post, which initially surprised me (since Fernie Tourism promotes the area). The comment was from a Fernie local concerned about too many visitors and the impact… and honestly, I get it. Sometimes when local gems become popular, they aren’t always treated with the care that made them special in the first place. Let’s do what we can to take care Silver Spring Lakes.
Have you experienced cliff jumping at Silver Spring Lakes? Where do you like to swim or cliff jump? Let me know in the comments below.
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
Very helpful review. I’m so glad you emphasize the appreciation and respect of the natural environment and other visitors. Certainly one doesn’t come to such places to listen to drunk yahoos and see garbage lying about.
Hi Christoph, I’m glad you found this helpful. Absolutely – I want to help us all enjoy special places like this for a long time to come.
Unfortunately, because of posts like this, the place is now becoming over run and unpleasantly busy. Up until last year we could go an almost be alone there, with mostly local knowing about the place. People in the area are quite upset with people not keeping sacred things sacred. Anyway… it is a beautiful spot.
Hi Jane, thanks for your comment. I know what you mean – there were quite a few people when I visited as well. Hopefully this article helps visitors keep Leave No Trace principles in mind. You’re right, it’s a beautiful spot!