Comments

Hilary from Coquitlam writes:

This is one of the most beautiful short hikes I have ever found. It is transit accessible and dog friendly far enough from Vancouver city centre that it has never been too crowded. Less that two hours round trip, sometimes muddy, but always safe, surrounded by trees along a stream a deep clear pond at the base of a waterfall.

I am so sad that it has been closed due to the private property injunction.
Are there plans for a bipass around the property?

Posted: December 10, 2021 01:33:51 PM PST

Stephanie Morand from Richmond writes:

I started off at the wrong trailhead so I spent 30 min walking around in circles but once I found the right trailhead, it was really nice. It took me 40 min to get tp the falls and did not see the blue abandoned pick-up truck.

Posted: January 17, 2021 04:27:08 PM PST

Sandra Fraser from Coquitlam writes:

I would have liked this trail a lot had my partner and I not had a black bear encounter only 2 km in on the trailhead. The bear was pacing back and forth on the trail and luckily it was far enough ahead of us and we saw it on time to turn around without bothering it. The bear was quite large and we wanted others not to go that way but many continued on to go see the bear. Just be aware this is salmon fishing season for bears that they'll likely be by rivers right now.

Posted: December 14, 2020 11:16:24 PM PST

Remy o from Port Coquitlam writes:

I loved looking up the tall trees along the trail. I find it fascinating . That of course is aside from enjoying the hike, and appreciating the beautiful Crystak Falls, the reward after the hike.

Posted: September 10, 2020 09:18:30 PM PST

Jessica from Vancouver writes:

Nice flat trail, very easy to do. We didn't run into too many people during our hike. I've read about the muddiness prior to doing the trail and can vouch for the muddy and wet grounds. Wear proper shoes. Other than that, it was nice to get out of the city for a couple of hours.

Posted: June 4, 2020 10:22:51 PM PST

LMB from Vancouver writes:

We did this trail starting at dusk and had to put on our headlamps about 20 minutes into the walk. It's a very easy walk and I would suggest if anyone has done it already during the day, to try and do it at night as well. You can see bats hunting, there's a few groups of frogs fully singing (we had to turn our headlamps off so they come out, and we even saw some newts, and a bunch of slugs along the route. It's a great easily identifiable path at night.

Posted: May 18, 2020 08:58:26 PM PST

Hermes from Coquitlam Central writes:

Very easy trail from road to falls, only the last few minutes right at falls have any challenges other than muck. Google Maps as well as a third -party app did not work as soon as I hit the trail. After the falls I continued up a rooty steep incline trail thst became even more steep. I rested at the spot in photo I continued up past what appeared to be a daredevil mountainbike jump. Then further up I looked down and freaked out . Since bears apparently don't like to run up hills I huffed and puffed up (stress?) up until the trail branches left and right. To the left is the round about way to the POCO Hunting and Fishing Club. To the right the trail quickly stops. So, I made a bee-line for the club straight through the woods where there was no trail. Be careful because you will appear at the crest of a firing range. Anyone who finds a packsack with black clothing and a water container - please contact the RCMP. It is mine.

BTW, I don't recommend the trail along the river for COVI-19 physicial distancing. There was a new couple or group every few minutes. And they seemed to not understand what several meters means.

Posted: May 1, 2020 04:29:22 PM PST

DB & RG from Vancouver writes:

Attempted to hike this today. Had to turn back 10 minutes into the trail as other hikers encountered 3 black bears right on the trail. Will return on another day and hopefully actually be able to get to the falls.

Posted: June 24, 2019 12:36:07 AM PST

S from Coquitlam writes:

It is a nice and easy walk. My two and a half year old walked most of the trail. We didn't go all the way to the fall as we spotted three black bears on the way and decided to turn back. We also saw salmon and many different birds.

Posted: October 21, 2018 10:12:18 PM PST

Adam from Port Coquitlam writes:

Just want to say, you can take the Millennium Line to Lafarge Lake-Douglas Station, then take the 188 Port Coquitlam Station. Get off at David Ave at Shaughnessy Street, then walk north about a block or two.

Posted: April 18, 2018 10:55:53 PM PST

Briana C from Coquitlam writes:

Very nice trail but in the snowy seasons, melted snow causes many creeks to form across the trail. So make sure to wear boots.

Posted: December 30, 2017 04:26:53 PM PST

Waspys!! from Coquitlam writes:

Nice hike. I just wanted to confirm the wasps are still there.. to the right of the waterfall up the cliff. It seems like a good place to go, DON'T. My friends both got swarmed by very aggressive wasps right at the top of the cliff.. very easy to fall and hurt yourself trying to run away.

I guess I should have warned them :p

Posted: September 13, 2017 08:40:53 AM PST

Jess from Burnaby writes:

We didn't find the blue truck from the description, BUT, we did find a random larger truck that was abandoned in the middle of nowhere which was pretty creepy as well. Walking back from the waterfall, after 10-15 minutes, the trail divides into 3 different paths. 2 of the lanes merge into the same path, and then there is a smaller one that turns RIGHT in to the forest. The first picture I posted is the point where you must turn right. When you turn right, follow the barely paved trail and you will see something in the distance to your right. There IS a place that you can turn into to walk right up to the truck, like the pictures I posted. It is a cool find, so check it out for sure. I don't know if many people have been there, as it is a little bit out of the way. I hope you can all find it!

Pretty crowded on nice days out as lots of locals come here to walk their dogs. The hike is very easy and most of it is flat terrain. There is a beautiful river that you can see and hear all along the hike, and there is a small swimming hole that you can dip your feet into at the end. If you walk above the waterfall, wade through the water at the very top (follow the stream) and you can relax in a place where no one else would go!

Posted: September 4, 2017 05:18:07 PM PST

Vicky Ma from Burnaby writes:

Saw a small black bear right near the trail head, but it was roaming the side of the river and did not come onto the trail. Nice easy walking trail, but really interesting and changing trees and foliage along the trail for those who are interested in that kind of stuff. People were using the trail to the right of the falls, but no one seemed to have encountered the hornet's nests. A lot less water on the falls right now, so possible to climb up the left side right on the rocks.

Posted: September 4, 2017 02:52:38 PM PST

Guy who got swarmed by wasps from Someplace where there are no wasps writes:

Went for a hike today to the falls with the fam damily. Trail is in great condition. Well used as evidenced by the foot traffic today. There are STILL two hornets nests to the right of the pools on the slope you would climb to access the top of the falls. Be cautious as we were swarmed, between the 4 of us we were stung 11 times. Sketchy spot to get stung as you are climbing the side of the hill. Be mindful. On the plus side my two daughters and I scared any bears within a 10 mile radius. My wife is claiming that she was stoic through the entire ordeal. I cannot recall as the venom is coursing thru my CNS and is impacting my memory recall.... and no there isn't more to this thread so stop clicking on it....

Posted: September 3, 2017 12:19:57 PM PST

Benny Nyström from STOCKHOLM SWEDEN writes:

The where no signs but it sure a fairly easy hike if you got good hiking shoes...i wore a pair of Asics kaylanio 23 running shoes.....dont wear that ...

Posted: August 15, 2017 09:25:40 AM PST

Ashley from New Westminster writes:

Nice easy walk close to the city. Quick in and out in a little over an hour.

**Just a warning that my husband and I saw a black bear on the trail so be aware of that and prepared.

Did this walk on July 30, 2017

Posted: July 31, 2017 12:46:09 PM PST

Austin from Port Moody writes:

Loved the waterfalls at the end of the trail! It's a very nice treat after the long walk, which is quite easy and flat. I like to throw the stones at the creek with my brother. It is a lot of fun. Also, there are many colorful salmon berries along the trial and they are very tasty. Highly recommend you go and check it out.

Posted: July 26, 2017 08:11:39 PM PST

JLS from Vancouver writes:

FYI - July 1st: large black bear wandered across the bridge at the beginning of the walk, about 5 minutes after we had done the same. We were were standing on the hill above the bridge, made noise (doubt it made much of an impact over the sound of the falls). Bear turned right, either heading up into the brush or staying along the water.
Not sure there's anywhere one is not going to see bear these days....

Posted: July 10, 2017 09:12:46 AM PST

Sabrina from Surrey writes:

Great trail, super easy but rewarding. Took us approx. 45 minutes to get to the falls taking our time. There's no elevation gain at all and trail is quite paved and well tread. We arrived around 10:30am and it wasn't too crowded, but we were lucky to find a parking spot. Once we got to the falls we spent some time exploring above the water falls and it was quite fun and beautiful. Great for families. There were lots of places/flat rocks above the waterfalls to sit and eat lunch. You can even swim at the river at the start of the trail or at the pools above the waterfalls, just be careful. Overall, great experience, will definitely be back.

Posted: July 3, 2017 08:43:39 PM PST

Andrew from Vancouver writes:

It is an easy hike, more of a stroll as there isn't much elevation. Did it in about an hour however i was walking at a quicker pace as wanted a somewhat of a workout.

There is an upper part where you climb up. There is a rope to help, and has an okay view.

It is a great trail to bring your dogs and also just sit by the edge of the river. The current is quick so don't recommend going to far out into the water.

Posted: May 28, 2017 11:32:57 PM PST

Ian Thomson from Meaford, Ontario writes:

Great Trail. It was interesting and fun. My friend here met me and welcome me to the trail. This was at the the access trail from Karley Cresent about 4pm 24may17

Posted: May 24, 2017 10:19:55 PM PST

Ali M from Vancouver writes:

Nov 27 2016 around 4:00 pm saw a mama bear and two babies while hiking back from the falls. Smaller than a grizzly but not sure if black or brown bears. We were a group of two + a dog and made it by safely, however were initially quite scared as they were not visible to us until we turned a corner and then bam there they were just a few metres in front of us. Also we thought they would have been hibernating at this time.

Posted: November 27, 2016 08:04:07 PM PST

Richard Donnan from Waldheim writes:

This was great hike. It took just over 1.5 hrs. I hiked it in the pouring rain and got total soaked. It was amazing. Does anyone know how high Crystal Falls is in Coquitlam.

Posted: October 28, 2016 05:11:08 PM PST

Sam from BC writes:

Curious how deep is the hole?

Posted: August 19, 2016 11:52:29 PM PST

Michelle from Langley writes:

Great hike, only took us 45min each way ( about 2h round) Kind of hard to find as there is no sign saying Crystal falls but if you follow the address you will see an opening into the forest and just follow the path. Fairly easy to walk not much up hill, we went a few days after it rained and they're were quite a few mud puddles we had to jump around. The falls was beautiful, there were some spots to sit down and an area where you could put your feet in the water. Easy for kids and great for dogs (on leash)

Posted: August 15, 2016 08:52:08 PM PST

Judith from Port Coquitlam writes:

Easy hike on a beautiful sunny day. No wild life sightings, but not surprising given the number of people around and on the trail.
There are now 2 ground wasp nests to the right of the falls on the trail you would use to climb above the falls. Our dog was stung as was my husband and many others.
Lovely easy hike close to home!

Posted: August 14, 2016 04:07:00 PM PST

Cec L. from Vancouver writes:

Nice trail, definitely watch out for the mud. We saw a large black bear crossing the trail about 10 minutes in from the trail head, so stay aware on this trail.

Posted: July 27, 2016 12:30:06 AM PST

Caladan from Port Moody writes:

Great easy hike with the kids (July 1st). Just a quick note that there is a ground wasp nest in the roots along the trail to the right of the falls. This is the trail you climb/hike up to get above the falls (not before the falls). It is on the right side of the trail but you can get around it to the left. Just something to be aware of as one of the people I was with got stung a few times. I scratched "wasps" on a large rock and left it at the nest and warned anyone I saw on the way out. Great little hike though so don't let this deter you!

Posted: July 2, 2016 01:32:51 AM PST

Peaches152 from Ladner, BC writes:

Did this hike a couple weeks ago on a Saturday morning.

The trail head is well marked. There was a nice lady standing at the entrance when we pulled up, and she motioned that there was no parking left on the little street, and to turn around and go back across the main drag there. So we found a spot under a tree just a couple hundred metres away from the beginning of the hike.

Our hike was less than 6kms round trip, according to my GPS tracker. The terrain is easy. A child (5yrs+) could do it no problem. A mother/ father could do it no problem with a baby bjorn/carrier. It's a bit rooty in places, and it's definitely a woody path, so keep that in mind. There's not much elevation, if any at all. We were in and out within an hour and a half. We started at 10am or so, and were out and gone by 11:30. I'm not the world's most fit, nor am I the least fit. I'd say I move at an average pace.

What a GORGEOUS and strong waterfall! It was a nice day, there hadn't been much rain in the week previous, so there weren't TOO many puddles. There were a few, though. You have to either Jack be nimble, Jack be quick over and around, or if you have the right shoes (which you should have), you can just step through them. There were a couple streams to cross that you had to be smart about as there's no bridge or marked crossing, or you could just stomp through them. They weren't so deep that they'd get your ankles or anything.

My one caveat was the amount of tourists at the waterfall. WOW. Granted, it was a nice Saturday in early June, of COURSE there's going to be many people on this very easy-going trail. But I wasn't prepared for the absolute cacophony of people and out of place sounds that were there once we got to the falls. My hiking partner was quite put off by the tour group that was up there. They were loud, they were shovey, they were like locusts. They just totally took over the entire falls, I'm absolutely surprised I got a photo of the falls without anybody wearing bright blue in the shot as well. They had whistles, and they would call out and whistle to each other the entire time we were there. Although I believe a whistle is absolutely necessary to have while hiking, I do not believe it is necessary to use if not lost or in danger of animal attack. It would have been a much nicer time if there had been less locusts crawling and yelling and whistling all over the falls. So. Maybe if you feel the same way, perhaps a nice weekday jaunt should be in the cards for you.

Also, for those who are new to hiking, or new to any kind of walking in crowds whatsoever, it is customary for you to move over and let people pass if they are walking behind you. There's no need to feel like you must move faster, just pull over and let people who are quicker than you pass. That goes for any sidewalk/ path/ road. If you are walking/riding/driving 2-4 people across the path/road, others can't get around you. Be aware of what's going on, and do the considerate thing, let people pass.

I gave it 4 stars because the falls are absolutely delightful, but the hike wasn't challenging enough, keeping in mind that we drove an hour each way to do it. It did give me an idea as to what level of hike I'd like to do in the future. Less easy hikes, more harder hikes on Saturdays. I figure there will be less tour groups on harder, longer ones on the weekend. I think my logic is sound. ;) lol

Here's a video of the falls and a photo taken along the trail.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGQpUQwuMPw/?taken-by=mybackyard_bc
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGP6LUkOMEL/?taken-by=mybackyard_bc

Posted: June 12, 2016 07:44:00 PM PST

Jen from Vancouver writes:

Visited Aug 5th. No animal sightings. Did not see the pick up truck that was described in the trail description. It was an easy hike, with a few small "creeks" that could be easily crossed, but shoes may get wet. It was shorter and easier than expected.

Posted: September 16, 2015 05:57:55 PM PST

Char from Saskatoon, SK writes:

Did this hike on August long weekend (no animal sightings) and again on a rainy day last year in May. Both times it was very enjoyable. The trail is super easy but it can get busy.

Posted: September 9, 2015 04:54:29 PM PST

Robyn Petrik from Port Coquitlam writes:

We went around 6pm on July 31st, no bears to be seen.

It was our first time on this trail, and my app recorded it as 6km round trip, which walked in an hour and 15 minutes. The falls were really pretty, though probably smaller than usual due to the lack of rain this summer. You can keep heading up the trail beside the falls. It's a tricky climb, but the views tucked around the rocks were definitely worth it.

I don't think I'd ever head too far out of my way to hike this trail, but since we're only 5 minutes away, we'll probably be here on a regular basis.

Posted: August 1, 2015 04:20:26 PM PST

Katie from Vancouver writes:

Mostly writing here to update the bear warning. An adolescent black bear was seen tonight (8pm on July 23rd) on the trail about ten minutes from the road. Easily scared away with our large group and not approaching it.

Other than that, trail was beautiful and well maintained. The falls were very pretty and I will definitely be going back again.

Posted: July 23, 2015 08:20:03 PM PST

Zac from Port Moody writes:

My trail app reported this route at just under 6km return.

The bear and cougar warning signs are still up, but we, nor anyone we talked to, saw these animals around lunch time on July 7. We made it to the falls without problem.

You can't see the truck from the main trail, we explored a few little off-shoots in order to find it.

The south end is popular with people lounging in the river, and there is plenty of litter and dog waste on and around the trail. If I were to do it again, I'd take some gloves and a garbage bag for the way out.

Posted: July 8, 2015 09:28:01 AM PST

Wendy from Surrey writes:

Beautiful trail along the river. Enjoyed the hike with our three dogs until about 40 minutes into it, the big black momma bear and her cub appeared on the trail 30 feet in front of us. She sat down on the trail and didn't move while the cub wandered around. We slowly backed up and headed back to our vehicle. Never got to see the falls.

Posted: July 6, 2015 11:18:48 AM PST

Mark from Richmond writes:

Nice, well-travelled trail. Best in the summer to avoid big mud puddles. Seems shorter than it really is, as you get caught up in the scenery. Lots of wildlife if you look hard enough. Minnows in every pool you pass, and crayfish too. Saw the warning sign about the bears and the cougar but they must have taken the day off.

Posted: June 28, 2015 01:08:00 PM PST

Alec from Coquitlam writes:

Thanks Robyn for the bear updates. Same happened to us two weeks ago for Cougar warning signs.

Is there any local phone or websites for such animal warning before heading to trail?!

Posted: May 25, 2015 04:06:31 PM PST

Robyn from Port Coquitlam writes:

Went to hike Crystal Falls for the first time today, but a sign was posted at the trailhead stating that there was a bear in the Crystal Falls area and it was reported to be 'charging' hikers. Not being very outdoorsy and bear savvy, we decided not to risk it. We'll check it out another day later on in the summer!

Posted: May 23, 2015 08:09:20 PM PST

Emilyy from New Westminster writes:

Nice easy hike with a good waterfall payoff that's easy to access from Poco. It can get very muddy, so good footwear is needed. Scrambling up the top of the falls is fun to check out the forest above. Can often hear sounds of the quarry in the valley below. Find that there are a lot of parties up there, which is fun and all, but people always leave their trash... which really sucks.

Posted: February 21, 2015 01:11:59 PM PST

Clee from Ridge Meadows writes:

Got introduced to this beauty hidden gem this past summer and been going back every since. Nice in all types of weather with a quick refreshing dip in the waterfall at the end. Very muddy in the rainy season!

Posted: February 9, 2015 12:18:47 AM PST

Dianne from Vancouver writes:

I love this walk and have done it many times. It's beautiful in both the sun and rain! If it's raining, or has been in the days before, be prepared to get wet! I often wear my rain boots on this walk. Depending on the rainfall, you might be walking through little streams that can be more than ankle deep. Some you can jump over, some you cannot. I prefer wearing my boots and enjoying all the water! The falls are always gorgeous and a perfect little escape right in the city.

Posted: February 5, 2015 06:43:32 AM PST

Jacqueline from Coquitlam writes:

My kids, ages 13, 10, and 8, and I did this trail a couple of days ago. It was wonderful!! The kids had a great time as did I. It took us two hours from start to finish. It should've only been 1 and a half hours though, we took a wrong turn and started uphill. We turned around and managed to find the main trail back. There are definitely muddy parts and streams to walk or jump across but they all added to the "adventure." Lots of Skunk Cabbage growing in the marsh.

Posted: March 26, 2014 09:33:33 AM PST

Hammer, Bubbles and Shelby from Surrey writes:

its 2013, grew up in coquitlam since age 4, hmmmm that's 49 yrs ago? Ive been to various spots along the river over the many years and always heard of "the falls". I went with Bubbles and shelbydawg in the middle of a month long heatwave. Gorgeous old growth trees, trail was exceptional in the hot season, many stops to swim for shelbydawg. More of a beginners hikeing trail but well used and very pet friendly. We will be back, shelbydawg is already planning next weekend I'm sure. One precaution may be the dogs on slippery rockface once you get to the falls.

Posted: July 28, 2013 05:45:18 PM PST

C Macie from Coquitlam writes:

Beautiful walk along the river. Trail can be muddy with a few stream crossings sans bridge. Walk is just a bit over 3 km ONE WAY and takes about 50 minutes one way.

Posted: November 10, 2012 04:14:05 PM PST

Cosine from VANCOUVER writes:

Hmmm... 3km sees wrong, my pedometer says 6km.. 3 each way?

Posted: October 7, 2012 10:15:39 PM PST

Peach from Vancouver writes:

Went this morning. It rained a little earlier in the week but was dry the last 2 days. There are still large puddles and parts of the trail are muddy. I find it fun trying to make my way across some of the puddles, stepping on rocks or walking on logs, without getting my shoes wet.

Posted: July 28, 2012 04:18:28 PM PST

Dylan from Port Coquitlam writes:

Its a nice trail to go on during the summer, dont go on it if it has rained because there are large puddles

Posted: March 6, 2012 02:30:15 PM PST