High Falls Creek is one of a few “unplanned” hikes in Canada; this time I’m on way to Whistler for a day’s skiing after a conference. On the way north from Vancouver I’ve got time for a couple of short hikes to stretch the legs: the first one is to High Falls Creek in the Squamish Valley. It starts just after the Cheakamus Generating Station on Squamish River Forest Road. (After this it’s another ascent up to the much more popular and busier Stawamus Chief).
After crossing High Falls Creek, the track ascends through the forest, very steeply at times with fixed chains to assist in climbing one of the moss-covered bluffs.
There is soon a view of the High Falls through the trees, as the creek thunders out of a narrow gorge or canyon.
As the trail climbs, there’s a view over the Squamish River, Squamish Valley and Tantalus mountain range: the Tantalus Range is a subrange of the Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains in southern British Columbia. Its name is derived from Greek mythology.
As the track continues to ascend, there are more glimpses of High Falls Creek and the top of the falls.
There are more views of the Squamish Valley as the track ascends. After about 2km I turn back and return the same way; if you continue along the High Falls Creek Trai you’ll reach a short track that connects to the the Branch 200 Forest Service Road (FSR) after 2.3km. This provides an alternate (but longer) way back to the start point and allow you to form a loop. I went back the same way after the second High Falls viewpoint, making it about a 4km (1.5 hour) walk.
0.0km Car park at Squamish River Forest Road 0.7km First High Falls viewpoint 1.1km Second High Falls viewpoint 2.3km Junction with path connecting to FSR 8.2km Return to Squamish River Forest Road (if doing loop walk)
Accommodation near High Falls Creek
You can easily do this walk from Vancouver (it’s only a one-hour drive). I stayed in Squamish at the Sea to Sky Hotel and Conference Centre, which was one of the cheaper options, as I was hiking to Lake Garibaldi on the next day. There are lots of accommodation options in Squamish – and many hikes you can do in the surrounding area.
Booking.comMore information
- Dawn Hanna, Best Hikes & walks of Southwestern BC (Lone Pine Guide)
- A Walk & A Lark blog – High Falls Creek – Squamish Valley Hike
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