Crystal Falls hike

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 0.6mi, you’ll reach a small marsh, home to an abundance of skunk cabbage.

Eventually, you’ll reach an offshoot trail on your left, about 1.2mi 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.