Comments

Jamie from Port Moody writes:

I’ve done this hike a few times over the year and want to think it’s one of the best but the gunshots from the shooting range are annoying and can be heard most of the hike. Still, walking the forest section below Sawblade Falls is beautiful and I love seeing the old big stumps. Those trees must have been enormous. Sawblade Falls is a very pretty waterfall and we had it all to ourselves this morning. Came back via the Coquitlam Lake Viewpoint Trail and a lot has been cleared on that trail which made the return hike much quicker than I remember it from several years ago. I’d give this hike a 5 if it wasn’t for the shooting range.

Posted: April 6, 2024 02:17:44 PM PST

Brenda from Coquitlam writes:

***CAUTION*** Woodland Walk after Woodland Falls has been completely washed out.

I came from the Lookout down to the Falls and that's when I realised I couldn't complete the Loop. Lots of debris on the hikes and markers missing.

Happy Hiking and Stay Safe!

Posted: November 30, 2021 09:24:50 AM PST

Victoria from Vancouver writes:

Definitely worth going to the sawblade fall. I would suggest to go from upper loop to sawblade fall, then come back from woodland fall and lower loop for a more manageable up hill climb. The markings on the trial is blue and some organge
Sharing pictures of key entry points.
1. Entry point before going to the Woodlands trail. It said private property on the gate but the trail is next to the left of the gate. It's a mountain biking trial.
2. Once getting out the mountain biking trial and on the gravel road again, on the right there is a yellow gate for woodland trial. There is a wooden display as well.
3. The entry point of the upper loop trial is on the right of the power lines path after you cross a concrete bridge. Pay attention so that you don't miss it.

Posted: July 1, 2021 05:36:05 PM PST

Westcoastrider from PoMo writes:

Hiked this trail yesterday. The extra effort up to Sawblade Falls is definitely worth it; however follow the recommended route if like us, you find it easier to go up steep terrain than down, as it is a real steep up from Woodland Falls and a more gradual gradient down the upper loop. Trail was well marked but we referred to the directions once or twice. Falls are starting to freeze which made them extra pretty, if the flow isn't springlike. Some ice on the ground and the viewpoint had a couple of cms of snow. No problems though. Enjoyable walk, took the 3hrs with a stop at the falls for pictures.

Posted: December 2, 2019 01:42:51 PM PST

B from Vancouver writes:

Great hike! I went on July 1 and thoroughly enjoyed it. The trail from Harper road up to the Woodlands loop starts off a little steep through the trees and then turns into a gravel road, easy peasy.

Once you reach the begiining of the woodlands walk loop you can take either the upper or lower loop trails. My advice would be to take the lower loop to the falls and the upper loop back. There's a steepish section on the lower loop with large loose rocks, and I find it's easier to go up over that stuff than down. The lower loop is a straight-forward trail and there's really only one way to go. Regardless, it's well marked with signs.

The falls itself is really nice. It's steep to get down to the rocks but a nice place for a picnic is the water isn't flowing too fast.

The upper loop is quite twisty-turny, but every time I was unsure about where to go there were always lots of well-placed trail markers to guide the way. There are also a lot of nice little log-bridges to aid crossing over the wet spots. No big rocks on the upper loop like the lower loop.

Big kudos to whomever made the signs, placed the guide markers, and built and maintained the bridges on the trail. It made navigating the hike really easy and enjoyable. Thank you, thank you, thank you! You're awesome!!

Posted: July 1, 2019 08:39:56 PM PST

asd from asd writes:

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Posted: February 13, 2019 12:02:08 AM PST

Teresa from Vancouver writes:

Nice trail and no people there, When you start the upper trail, is easy to be lost, because you have to follow the signs on the trees. Honestly, when you have to watch your step out...( slippery, wet,rocks, wholes on the groung..), you can be lost. And No people on the trail from upper to the falls-lower trail.
Also, there are basic signs. Nothing about km, etc.
Wear comfortable shoes and waterproof because you have to cross a few streams and the trail is slippery.
3 hours max with no rush.

Posted: December 4, 2018 03:21:14 PM PST

Melissa Boisclair from Mission writes:

Really nice hike but a lot of the trail is super rocky. There is a part of the hike where is it pretty much vertical to the mountain and is difficult to climb. This is not an easy hike as the website says, more intermediate.

Posted: June 6, 2018 09:03:14 AM PST

Marissa B from Port Coquitlam writes:

Hiked today May 10th! The falls are very large, strong, and beautiful right now with all the snow melt coming down. The water spray makes the air icy cold! There is no snow on the trails, with small creeks running through some parts of the path so some mud in small sections. Overall a great little hike!

Posted: May 10, 2018 03:40:20 PM PST

Dannaya from Coquitlam writes:

Very wet, icy, and snowy, because of the time of year (early March). The whole trail was covered in snow, and it got pretty deep when we took the trail up to the viewpoint and Sawblade Falls. So, I would recommend wearing proper waterproof hiking boots. It was really beautiful though. We went on an overcast day, so couldn't see the great views, but I'm sure they would've been spectacular, and it's definitely worth hiking up to Sawblade Falls. If you do hike it this time of year, just be careful close to the falls because there is a lot of icy snow, it's a very steep bank and you can't really tell where the ground ends and the water begins.
The trails are really well marked. We started with the lower loop and then followed signs to the Falls, and bypassed Woodland Falls and went straight up to the viewpoint (this stretch was super steep) and from there to Sawblade. On the way back down we took the upper loop trail, which was a nice gradual downhill.
In regards to the gun range, you can definitely hear it during the beginning of the hike, and it can be pretty loud. Once you get onto the Lower loop trail and into the trees though, it's nice and quiet.

Posted: March 6, 2018 01:20:22 PM PST

Kealy from Vancouver writes:

Very, very wet when we went. It had been raining for a few days and began to rain halfway through the hike. Water was just everywhere on the trail, puddles, pools, streams. We slipped and sloshed. Watch out for wet roots in particular - I slipped and began to fall down a hill but thankfully managed to grab on to a sturdy branch. It was a close call.

A couple of the creek/stream crossings had washed out, forcing us to bushwack up and down to find a place to cross. The worst was on the upper loop at 49.33667, -122.75021 - pic is attached below this comment. We managed to get across on the debris with some acrobatics but if you have poor balance and/or cannot jump you would need to find another point to cross.

With all the rain, the waterfalls were in full flow and quite impressive. Unfortunately sitting and having lunch by Sawblade as we have done in previous months was out of the question - just too much cold spray.

With all the water and rain, those of us without quality waterproof gear eventually got soaked. Aside from the general misery of wet clothing, in single-digit temperatures this became a real concern as some of us began to get cold. It took us 4 hours out and back. Had it taken any longer, I think we would have had to break into our emergency supplies and start using mylar blankets, even make a fire.

If you do this hike and rain is a possibility, be sure your waterproof gear is waterproof. It might not be the backcountry but being cold and wet and up a mountain is no joke. I wouldn't contemplate doing this again without gear I could rely on 100%.

Despite our misadventures, this is a great forest hike, a good workout, and the waterfalls are great. The view from the powerline clearing on a clear day is is awesome.

Posted: November 28, 2017 02:23:36 PM PST

Monica N from Coquitlam writes:

As my kids and I made our way past the bridge over Prichard creek, we were just fine finding the following markers on the right hand side towards the upper loop, once there, about 100mts in the forest, my daughter stepped on a wasp ground nest!, my kids (8 and 10) got stung badly , it took many stings and tears until I was able to get them out ... I realized there were a few of these nests as we ran for what it felt , our lives!, very scary experience, we're still recovering and now it's going to take some time for them to forget and unfortunately there was absolutely no one around which made it even more scary . If you go, be careful where you step!

Posted: August 15, 2017 08:58:52 PM PST

Conor from Los Angeles writes:

A very beautiful hike and the falls were a great lunch spot for us.

Things to keep in mind:
1) The shooting range was definitely part of the experience on our first half, but it closed around 4pm so if you want to avoid it just start around or a little before then (when daylight savings allows).
2) The hike up to the falls was pretty steep for the rating indicated here, but distance wise wasn't too long. If you have small children, you may want to pick them up for this part or take the upper trail both ways.
3) Like others warned, we did get confused by the lack of signage at a couple points, so our tip would be to copy the trail guide onto a text file on your phone or print it out so you don't rely on cell service when you can't find a marking or need to know which fork to take.

If you keep those in mind it's a good length hike with a really nice forest and a good mix of gravel/roots/rocks for the trail surface. We would definitely recommend it.

Posted: August 13, 2017 12:05:22 AM PST

Eric from Richmond writes:

This is a beautiful trail. If you have sore joints, it would be perfect as the trail has a sponginess to it without being muddy. For the negatives noted: The gun shots are quite muted and certainly not nearly as noisy as cars driving by you on a sidewalk. And the signage is actually excellent. There is a blue ribbon on a tree shortly ahead all the way up and down and then written signs at junctions. The trail does become a bit more difficult on the final stretch up to Sawblade Falls but this just makes it more of a complete hike. Then finally, the actual Sawblade waterfall is amazing. If you are careful, you can hike right out to the rocks right in front of the waterfall and sit down for a break. If it is a hot day, this will definitely cool you off without getting wet. Highly recommend. Also, be sure to check out Woodland Falls on the loop back. Not as impressive but gives you the full tour.

Posted: July 21, 2017 04:55:19 PM PST

Anita from Vancouver writes:

Fun hike! Was nice since we were in the shade so we were cool the whole way there. Got to the parking area at around 9:30am and it was really quiet, only saw one other pair of hikers on our way up. The trails are very well marked after you get past the BC hydro area. Just follow the route as the website says and you won't get lost. I'd suggest wearing shoes with good grip on them as there were lots of loose rock and twigs you can slip on. On our way back down we saw lots of people heading to the falls so if you prefer a quieter and more private view of the falls go a little earlier!

Posted: July 2, 2017 09:11:54 PM PST

Lindsay from Langley writes:

After a failed attempt at reaching the falls a couple weeks ago, we returned today, determined to find them. We found it very confusing to find the start of the trail. There are 3 main metal gates before reaching the Hunting & Fishing Club. It is the last most western gate, where the entrance on the "Garbage" trail begins and ends. Don't make our mistake and take the trails at the other gates....
Once we were walking on the actual path, the hike was fairly easy. However, the last ascend on the west side of the upper loop (from Woodland falls to the Sawbalde falls) is very steep; we climbed up this side and descended on the east side of the loop. Definitely worth continuing to the Sawblade falls, we went right down to the water.
We saw a sow and 2 cubs today at the end of the gravel path near the construction trailers. Momma bear sent the cubs up the tree when she heard us. We took another path to give them their space.

All in all, definitely worth the trek. Peaceful trail with wildlife and serene views, just keep track of where you are, and follow the blue tags and orange tape.

Posted: June 4, 2017 07:45:26 PM PST

Courtney from Surrey writes:

Beautiful hike to say the least! Lot's of views, and we hit the lower falls, then the bigger one at the end of the trail. Although I am not sure why everyone is saying this is an easy hike which is why it is getting 4 stars. We decided to take a right turn at the yellow gate instead of left. Going up hill this way is very steep. And some of the markers are falling off. Also, expect to see wildlife. Lot's of bear feces on the ground, so better to travel in groups. Definetly worth the hike though!

Posted: May 22, 2017 09:47:27 PM PST

Harrison from Vancouver writes:

Essentials: bullet proof vest, compass, life jacket, and pepto bismol.

I don't know if this was a hike, swim, or world war reenactment, regardless, navigating through the lush forest made for an enjoyable Sunday afternoon through Pinecone Burke Provincial Park. The directions are extremely clear for about 0.025% percent of the trip; after that...good luck. For the first few kilometres, you will be dodging 45 caliber bullets and avoiding downhill bikers. As it is spring, many of the trails are converted into free-flowing rivers. Make sure you can swim. There are also fallen branches with adorable yellow candies growing off them, eat them. After your stomach is full and as you near the 47th junction, stay on the upper loop and head straight for Sawblade Falls. Return the exact same way you came aka swim back down river. This trip will take you approximately 3 hours round trip assuming you stop to take as many Instagram photos as I did.

Posted: May 3, 2017 02:21:16 PM PST

Leah from Coquitlam writes:

Very much enjoyed this hike on Sunday to Sawblade Falls. The rain stayed away until our last 30mins or so. Because there's been so much rain lately all the streams/creeks were very swollen and at two different parts of our hike we got soaked feet as they were impossible to pass without putting your foot directly in water, lol. We did the Upper loop and most of it was very well marked. On the way back we took more of an old road or creek bed? and ended up coming out in a different spot than we went in. Loved the scenery, very peaceful and will definitely be back! 3 hrs total for us and I stopped to take a lot of pics.

Posted: April 25, 2017 11:30:51 AM PST

Greg from Vancouver writes:

Hiked the Woodland trail today on what turned out to be the first truly beautiful day of this spring.
I found the trail to be very well marked and a pleasure to hike, my wife and I are in our mid 50s and fit but no longer athletes, but we found the level of difficulty very manageable.I don't know that I would agree with the rating of easy, but still comfortable. The forest is stunning in its beauty and I love that it remains natural and not gravel pathways. I would highly recommend a visit to both falls and we will definitely return to experience them again. Many thanks to those that created and maintain the trails and to those that use them that have kept them clean.

Posted: April 2, 2017 07:53:27 PM PST

Eric Sveinson from Surrey writes:

Had a great time on the hike today! It's true what they say about the gun range diminishing the experience as it is quite loud. However by the time I got closer to the Woodland Waterfall, it wasn't audible anymore. It is very beautiful and well worth the time spent. Word of advice. Leave in the afternoon and you may largely avoid the gun range distraction. I headed back from the Waterfall at 4:30PM and didn't notice any more shot sounds. I think this means the range closes at a certain time. This made the way home so much more relaxing and enjoyable! Also, watch out for bears! I had to scare one off the trail!

Posted: September 18, 2016 10:12:12 PM PST

Jennifer from New Westminster writes:

*take the longer route and be safe* Before deciding to take the immediate left after the metal gate to cut through the forest, consider that this is an active mountain biking trail. It has wicked jumps, narrow, steeply sided bike runs and very limited visibility around sharp corners. Combine this with the loud gun shot noises making it nearly impossible to hear other trail users and you may decide this short cut isn't worth it. We found the gravel road to be much easier to follow and of course safe all the way until you begin Woodland Falls trail. P.s. spotted baby black bear cub today!

Posted: August 7, 2016 06:40:27 PM PST

KB from Coquitlam writes:

Mostly bike trails, rocky paths and empty stream beds cutting across the trail. Intersects with many other trails so it can be confusing.

Posted: July 10, 2016 09:17:47 PM PST

Gary from Port Moody writes:

Great little hike! Like many here, I would definitely say it is not an 'easy' rating. Not that it is especially technical, dangerous, or gruelling, but it is fairly strenuous in spots, there are a lot of footing hazards like roots, and care and attention is needed on some of the steeper places like the descent at the falls. Did this today, 30 degrees out so definitely worked up a sweat, and enjoyed a few handfuls of ripe salmonberries along the trail (sorry Mr & Mrs Bear...). I was surprised that I was the only person on the trail- I didi not see another person for hours. I started around 3:00 though, so likely it was busy earlier in the day.

I took the Upper Loop on the way up, and the Lower on the way down. I have to say that I think the Upper Loop would be an easier, safer climb for most people. I didn't find Upper to be especially steep or difficult at all- just a good moderate workout. Coming back down Lower I felt that if I had climbed that way, it would have seemed a bit harder.

Saw a mother bear with two cubs near the parking area; but besides birds, no other wildlife except for a tiny, super cute green toad on the exposed lookout coming down on Lower.

All in all, a very enjoyable couple of hours and a definite return hike at some point- maybe later in the summer when the water is warmer; that pool looked pretty inviting!

Posted: June 6, 2016 12:34:48 AM PST

Greta from Vancouver writes:

Beautiful hike to the falls - though agree with some of the other commenters that 'Easy' might be misleading to some. (It has plenty of roots, is sometimes narrow and has a few steep spots. It's still a hike, not a walk!)
BUT...my main reason to comment is to let everyone know to watch where you park! Our party of three cars was impounded today for parking along the side of the road leading up to the shooting range, and it cost $200 a piece to get us out. The signage was *not clear* and we were *not* blocking any entrances. Some people we were talking to said that people park there all the time and that the signs looked new, but still. *Be Careful!*

Posted: May 23, 2016 10:48:16 PM PST

Chris from Port Coquitlam writes:

Took my dog up here this long weekend as we were looking for a new spot. Loved the environment and I agree with some commentors that this is not an easy hike. More of a lighter intermediate hike, we did the route in 2hrs (we pushed it). Instructions are spot on for the way up to the falls (both of them) but the instructions for the way back are terrible. I recommend you backtrack your route and watch the markers on the trail (they are super visible) and read the signs to get back (and through the lower loop).

Posted: May 22, 2016 09:31:19 PM PST

JohnSoanes from Langley writes:

When using the described starting point we could not find the trail "immediately on the left" from the gravel road. There is a trail across the road take you away from where you want to be; if there is another trail it is unmarked and/or completely overgrown. The easiest way is to go up the gravel road for about 1 KM where there is a sign for Woodland Walk on the left.

The trail from the Upper Loop sign is well marked. There is also way-finding for Sawblade Falls, the lower Falls and trails to Coquitlam Lake, the Lower Loop and Harper Road.

My GPS had my distance at over 13 KM.

I did this after a rain and found some parts to be a little slick, and steep. I suggest proper footwear is required.

Posted: September 17, 2015 09:52:20 PM PST

Alex Campbell from Port Moody writes:

Just did the hike on July 23rd. Beautiful hike, not very difficult except for the switchbacks up to Sawblade Falls. It's marked pretty well for about 3/4 of the hike, but we got turned around a few times. Great description, but the "rock clearing" on the way up to Sawblade Falls is more of a little lookout towards Coquitlam Lake. We were expecting more of a rocky river bank. Apart from that, awesome day in Pinecone-Burke! Will definitely come back and do the full loop to the Lakeview Lookout.

Posted: July 23, 2015 05:31:32 PM PST

Lorne from Vancouver writes:

05 April 2015: Please note that construction is disrupting the Woodland trail. While on the walk/light hike, a couple passed us heading back and mentioned that they were turned back due to blasting being done in the area.
These conditions are likely variable but thought to give other folks a heads-up before they head out there.

Posted: April 6, 2015 09:10:11 PM PST

Dianne from Vancouver writes:

This hike is absolutely beautiful. The instructions are pretty good - we didn't get lost on the way to Sawblade Falls, however, the instructions coming back down the mountain were a bit too confusing to follow. We ended up accidentally following a different trail back, but we stayed with the blue markers so we knew we were at least going the right way. Although it doesn't really look like it, the trail is right at the yellow gate on the left hand side. It's also a mountain bike trail so you'll see jumps and whatnot. Follow the orange markers until you hit the gravel road. There are signs here and there which is definitely easier to follow. The trail after the power lines is harder to find, but again there is a sign and this time, there are blue markers. We went up this trail and ended up coming out on a trail at the far end of the construction on the way down. I would classify this hike as intermediate. I've done quite a few trails on this website and "easy" seems to be too broad a spectrum. Rice Lake, which is classified as easy and truly is - it's a stroll around a lake -definitely shouldn't be in the same category as this hike. The majority of the hike is straight up a mountain. Sawblade falls is truly amazing and definitely worth the trek. We only saw 3 people on this hike so it's extremely peaceful.

Posted: February 5, 2015 06:34:14 AM PST

Alex from Vancouver writes:

Hiked this trail today. There is no snow and, if you follow the instructions on the site, you'll make it there perfectly.

Also, the trail is very well marked, very well maintained.

Great easy hike, the trees and the forest are magical, the falls are very beautiful.

Posted: January 21, 2015 06:04:14 PM PST

Sherron Mjanes from Coquitlam writes:

Great views of Sawmill Falls at the top. The trail is a bit hard to find at times, mainly because of the construction. The last part of the hike is very steep.
Lovely forests and streams A beautiful walk.

Posted: January 16, 2015 11:37:57 PM PST

AJC from VANCOUVER writes:

My daughter and I sought to hike up to the falls on Dec.31st. After an hour of hiking we didn't reach the powerlines (that was suppose to take 20 minutes) so we turned around. On our way down we talked to a mountain biker, we met on the gravel road, who had been to the falls. He suggested the best way to the falls was via the gravel road and then on the spur at the end. He made it in an hour and fifteen minutes on his bike. He started at the metal gate. I don't like walking on gravel roads so I won't be going back. All the best to anyone who tries.

Posted: December 31, 2014 05:21:54 PM PST

Deb from COQUITLAM writes:

This is a great beginner hike. You can get away with just wearing good trail runners.

Besides the distant sounds coming from the gun range, this trail is pretty quiet. Be aware that the first portion of the route just before the first gravel road is on a shared trail. Watch and listen for mountain bikers in front and behind you. You'll also see some bike obstacles as well. Please also carry a copy of these instructions with you. The route is marked, but sometimes the markers and signage aren't always easy to spot, and are not always obvious.

The route up to Sawmill Falls - which are gorgeous - is quite steep, so please take care.

Posted: September 12, 2014 10:43:43 AM PST