Trail Notice

February 2, 2021

The Crystal Falls trail is closed
The trail crosses private property and tresspassing is illegal.

Located east of Vancouver in Coquitlam, Crystal Falls is a scenic waterfall that drains into the Coquitlam River and is along a short, easy hike trail. The area is also popular with dog walkers and mountain bikers and the route can be very muddy for several months of the year, including small small streams that you have to step through or carefully cross trying not to get your shoes wet.

From the unmarked trailhead on Karley Crescent, walk into the forest, down the short slope, and along the path as it runs parallel to the Upper Coquitlam River. The trail dips down to the edge of the river before climbing back uphill and continue northward to the falls. Continue walking as the route weaves its way along the shore and through the scenic, moss covered forest. After about 40 minutes, there is an old blue pickup truck abandoned on your left. From here, it's about another 15 minutes up the trail, crossing several more small streams, and finally arriving at a larger creek where Crystal Falls sits just a few meters further upstream.

The area can be quite busy during the warmer weather months, so choose a place to sit and enjoy a snack while taking in the sights and sounds of the waterfall. Once you're ready to head back, walk down the trail, crossing the small streams, past the old pickup truck, and eventually out to the neighbourhood where you started your hike.

The hiking trail to Crystal Falls along the Coquitlam River

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The trail to Crystal Falls follows the Coquitlam River

The sun peaks through the trees along the trail to Crystal Falls

The trail to Crystal Falls in Coquitlam can be very muddy after a heavy rainfall

Along the shore of the Coquitlam River on the trail to Crystal Falls

The rushing water of Crystal Falls in Coquitlam, BC

Water flows down Pritchett Creek after going over Crystal Falls in Coquitlam

How to get to Crystal Falls

Estimated Driving Time from Vancouver
45 minutes

The trail to Crystal Falls is located on the Coquitlam River along a residential area on Karley Crescent. To drive to the trail from Vancouver, head east to Highway #1 and get onto the highway eastbound. Turn off the highway at Exit #44 BC-7 / United Boulevard and stay in the left lane as you go over an overpass and onto Lougheed Highway.

Continue driving straight along Lougheed until you reach a major intersection with Coquitlam Centre Shopping Mall on the other side. Go straight through the lights as the road now becomes Pinetree Way. Several blocks later, turn right onto Guildford Way and drive east. Then make a left onto Pipeline Road, driving past several sports fields to a light at David Avenue. Turn right onto David Avenue and less than 1km from here, turn left onto Shaughnessy Street. The trailhead is directly in front of you at the end of Shaughnessy Street, where it meets Karley Crescent.

Note: This is a residential area so please be respectful of those who live nearby when parking in the area, making sure not to block access to their properties.

View a map of Driving directions to Crystal Falls.

Transit Access to Crystal Falls

While it is possible to take transit from Vancouver to the start of the trail to Crystal Falls, it is several buses and a long trip. If you're starting your trip from the Tri-Cities region, it's much easier.

From Downtown Vancouver, make your way to Granville Street and Hastings and take Bus 160 - Poco Stn Via Guildford Way Eastbound. The bus will drive along Hastings, through Burnaby, then the Barnet Highway, Port Moody, and finally, after an hour's ride, into Coquitlam. Exit the bus just past Lougheed and Shaughnessy Street (ask the bus driver if you are unsure). Look for a bus stop across the street and take the C38 - River Springs bus as it drives up Shaughnessy Street. Exit the bus just before David Avenue (again, ask the bus driver if you are unsure). Walk across the intersection at David Avenue and 1 block further, where you reach Karley Crescent, the start of the trail is directly ahead.

Traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish, Kwikwetlem and S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō).

Camping at Crystal Falls

Camping is not permitted at Crystal Falls.

Dogs at Crystal Falls

Please ensure to pickup after your dog and keep your dog under control at all times.

Toilets at Crystal Falls

There are no toilet facilities located on or near the trail to Crystal Falls in Coquitlam.

Dogs, Toilets and Camping

Although we try to keep information as current as possible, www.vancouvertrails.com makes no warranty or representation as to the availability, quality, fitness for purpose, conditions or accuracy of the information provided with respect to this trail or trails. The information provided herein is further subject to our Terms of Use.