Trifter

Keyhole Falls is a beautiful scenic wonder that drops 75 unique feet along the Lillooet River in southern British Columbia through what looks like an old fashioned keyhole manufactured by some great creator.

Image by dbsteers via Flickr

The falls then plunge into a large pool and Keyhole Falls is known as a punchbowl type waterfall. Keyhole Falls is the largest waterfall located along the Lillooet River.

According to the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) Keyhole Falls is at the head of Lillooet Canyon and is part of the Mount Meager Volcanic Complex (pictured below).

Image via Wikipedia

In 411 BC a major volcanic eruption occurred in the area and when the heavy lava flow accumulated rapidly it solidified and formed a dam that held back and pooled the Lillooet River. Parts of the rock dam were not well consolidated and the pooled water broke through. The GSC says that the resulting flood was large enough to carry “small-house-sized blocks” downward along the flood path that carved the Lillooet Canyon. The Lillooet River has since cut the notch through what is left of the rock dam that today forms Keyhole Falls and leaves one marvelling at the fantastic forces of mother nature.

Image via Wikipedia

The area is still volcanically active and hot springs are located in the vicinity. Keyhole Falls is located along the Lillooet River northeast of where the river passes by Mount Meager. To get to the falls from the Sea to the Sky Highway 99 you go to Pemberton. Then take Pemberton Meadows Road north out of Pemberton for roughly 10 miles and turn right onto Lillooet River FSR. Continue for a couple of miles and then turn left onto what I think is Upper Lillooet River FSR which runs parallel to the Lillooet River and Keyhole Falls is along the Lillooet.

More great British Columbia Waterfalls:

Helmcken Falls

Most Beautiful Waterfalls of British Columbia