BX Creek and Falls rage from April to June as snowmelt runoff water roars downhill from Silver Star Mountain. Then in summer and autumn, the trail becomes a tranquil respite from the valley's heat. In winter, hikers can test their snowshoeing skills.
From the Tillicum Road trailhead take a short hike to the waterfalls or waterfall viewpoint, or head past the viewpoint for a longer creekside hike. The trail splits to descend down to a shallow pool at the foot of BX Falls along a steep descending trail. Linger awhile to reflect on the powerful journey of water as it flows from Silver Star Mountain, then pours over BX Falls, through Vernon and into Swan Lake. Or, carry to the waterfall's viewpoint for a quick peek and photo op.
For a longer hike, from the viewpoint, hikers with sturdy footwear can descend down a steep, winding stairway to follow a delightful undulating creekside trail downhill for a total 3.7 km (2.3 mi) hike. Pause on one of the wood bridges that crisscross the creek. This is not a loop, so plan a shuttle from the lower Star Road entrance or retrace your steps uphill. It takes about 1 - 1.5 hr. one way.
Families, friends and hiking groups enjoy visiting on this trail along with joggers looking for a great cardiovascular workout. Watch your footing and your children when the water is raging in spring. Watch for lush canyon plants like Devil's Club, Wild Ginger, horsetails and ferns thriving in the cool, moist canyon.
En route, the trail reveals evidence of historic logging and agricultural water supply. Stumps remain from the Western Red Cedars which were hand sawn for shakes and poles from the early 1900s. Second growth Douglas-fir, Western Larch and Spruce replaces the chain sawed timber removed for building materials during the 1950s. Watch for the remains of old bridges, a dam, flumes and channels that fed BX Creek water into the Grey Canal irrigation system.
Approaching the end of the trail at Star Road are bits and pieces of the Grey Canal flume that siphoned across BX Creek canyon to the Foothills. The Vernon Irrigation District drew water from BX Creek from 1921 to 1957 through an 86 cm (34 in) wood stave pipeline into the Grey Canal system. Look carefully for remnants of a dam, channels, flumes and retaining ponds.
At the lower entrance, turn right and cross Star Road. A short connector trail leads to the Silver Star Foothills Trail - a section of the Grey Canal. Or, walk through the parking area on Star Road and descend downhill to a bridge that crosses BX Creek for the East Vernon section of the Grey Canal. Dog friendly park.