I really want to visit this site. It used to be rather remote, but some visitors are now able to drive new forest roads all the way to the falls. The surface route was likely constructed during the preparation of a water level control dam above the falls. The dam works to control levels for the Indian Chute Generating Station, located further downstream on the Montreal River.
The falls occurs where the West Montreal River drains from Mistinikon Lake into Matachewan Lake. The total fall is 16 m here, all of which occurs within about 100 m.
At this point, I have received conflicting reports of whether it's actually possible to visit the site on foot. As is common with hydro-related infrastructure, it's possible that the site has been partially fenced off, thus blocking view of the falls. At the same time, if you have a canoe or kayak, it would be possible to see the falls from the river, just downstream.
When there is a dam near a waterfall, it is important to recognize that the flow over the falls is likely regulated. It may be almost turned off at times, but during high flow periods, excess can still be allowed over the falls.
If you have visited recently and can give me an update on access, I would appreciate it.
Region | Northeast |
---|---|
County | Timiskaming |
Near | |
Watercourse | Matachewan Lake |
Watershed / % Lakes | / |
Ownership | Crown Land |
Landscape | Semi-Wilderness |
Size | Medium |
Type | Cascade |
Modification | Water Level Control Dam |
Access | Moderate |
Top / Bottom | / |
Trail conditions | Unknown, uneven ground, hills |
Hiking Time | |
Coordinates | 48.0405,-80.7045 |
Parking | 48.0405,-80.7045 ![]() |
Site ID | WOO.TIM.015 |
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