Crystal Falls

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
1.5-2h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
5.6 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
123 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
10.0
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
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Directions to Trailhead
Crystal Falls

Crystal Falls is a gentle hike following the Upper Coquitlam River, which ends at the stunning Crystal Falls waterfall on Pritchett Creek. While this is an all-year trail, summer takes this hike to the next level, with crystal clear canyon pools available for a refreshing dip.

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Route Description for Crystal Falls

Kick off the Crystal Falls Hike on Karley Crescent and find the path leading into the forest, before heading down a steep slope until you reach a signboard. The Coquitlam River should be on your left.

Within a few minutes into the hike, the path will open up and you’ll find yourself next to the waters edge, where you may spot swimmers or sunbathers enjoying a dip on hot days. But, you can also spot spawning fish, crayfish and little minnows here as well.

Continue along the path as it flows up and down, then zig zags left and right. The forest can be dense with towering trees, leaving hikers feeling as if they’ve left the city far behind.

Keep following the trail north, with the Coquitlam River off to your left. At times, you’ll have to jump over or walk through small patches of the stream, which can be slippery and muddy outside the height of summer. Within 1.0 km, you’ll reach a small marsh, home to an abundance of skunk cabbage.

Eventually, you’ll reach an offshoot trail on your left, about 2.0 km into the trail, which will be marked by an orange flag. Pass by a run-down and rusted pickup truck, left behind years ago, though there isn’t much to look at after years of decay.

Hop, skip or jump over a final stream, you’re in the home stretch to the waterfall now.

Follow the trail to the right, as it leads up to Crystal Falls. Climb, carefully, up to the highest point in the trail to get a closer look at the water as it tumbles down into Coquitlam River.

At the top of Crystal Falls, around the corner, you’ll find a small, scenic canyon where Pritchett Creek has carved its way.

After you’ve snapped a few photos and had time to rest, it’s time to refollow the path back towards the car.

Insider Hints for Crystal Falls

  • Bears and cougars have been spotted on the Crystal Falls trail. Keep an eye out for any signs outlining recent sightings.

Getting to the Crystal Falls Trailhead

Coming from either Lougheed Highway or the Barnet Highway, head north on Pinetree Way in Coquitlam. Drive past Douglas College and Town Center Park and turn right onto David Ave. Drive another few minutes and turn left onto Shaughnessy Street. You will come to Karley Crescent, where you can find parking.

Route Information

  • When to do

    Any season

  • Backcountry Campsites

    No

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Crystal Falls Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

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Crystal Falls Reviews

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