When hiking during the wetter seasons (winter and spring), this beautiful area of the Cowichan Valley boasts several waterfalls. If you are a waterfall seeker like me, the trek to Christie Falls in Ladysmith is most definitely worth it!
Quick Facts
- Trail Features: Waterfalls; Forested section; Hatchery
- Length: Approximately 6.3 – 7.0 km in total, depending on the path taken
- Elevation Gain: 176 meters
- Hazards: Slippery log bridge
- Difficulty: Easy start for the first 3 km, then a short single track uphill, which would be considered moderate
- Suitability: The full loop trail is suitable for children and dogs; the first section along the Trans Canada Trail is stroller/wheelchair friendly
- Bike Trails: Yes
The Trail to Christie Falls
Christie Falls has several access points, but this is the one I use because it seems the most straightforward. Please note that the trail has little to no markings, so your best bet is to use a GPS or an app like AllTrails to guide you.
You start by walking along the Cowichan Valley Trail/Trans Canada Trail (although you don't know this until you reach the fish hatchery). This approximately 3 km portion of the trail is a relatively flat, easy walk. The trail at this end is actually just a decommissioned logging road and, unfortunately, isn't very scenic. But trust me, things get much better.
First, you'll come to the Bush Creek Hatchery, which is quite nice, considering it seems to be in the middle of nowhere. Here, you'll see the sign for the Cowichan Valley Trail/Trans Canada Trail. This is also where the first set of falls is located (Bush Creek Falls).
To continue to Christie Falls, follow the single-track trail uphill (look for signs to guide you). If you continue following the Cowichan Valley Trail/Trans Canada Trail, it will eventually connect with the Haslam Creek Suspension Bridge trail.
The single-track trail up to Christie Falls is quite steep but easily doable. The approximate elevation gain is 176 meters. For this last short section, you'll be hiking through a beautiful forested area following the creek on your right-hand side.
The Waterfalls
At the top of the trail, you'll come to the second beautiful waterfall. This waterfall is available year-round, but as mentioned at the beginning of this post, it's at its fullest and simply amazing during the wetter seasons. You need to cross the creek to find the two other larger waterfalls, arguably the most spectacular. Thankfully, some lovely soul(s) made a bridge out of a fallen log, equipped with a rope for guidance. This log bridge can be very slippery when wet! So please use caution when crossing.
After visiting Christie Falls (photo above), I was made aware of yet another waterfall just beyond that one. According to a note on the AllTrails app…
“When you reach the log bridge make sure you cross it and go up the hill on the other side to reach the biggest waterfall! On that same hill is a path with a rope which just takes you higher up the falls”
~ Alina
So, now I have an excuse to go back!
The Loop
You can go back the exact same way you came up, but why would you when there is also an available loop!? Head back across the log bridge to the second waterfall and then take the trail to your right. This trail will lead you to the wooden cabin shown in the above image.
I can't find any information about this cabin. It seems to be rentable, or at least usable, since after peeking inside, it was definitely in use (or had just been used). I'm not sure I could sleep in it; however, it's a pretty neat find. The cabin is also noted on the sign near the fish hatchery.
Continue following the trail downhill to connect to the Trans Canada Trail/Cowichan Valley Trail you started on. You will end up much further along this trail than you think, as when you reach the flat trail, the fish hatchery is quite a way behind you.
The loop trail is approximately 7.0 km, while the straight-and-back trail (according to the AllTrails app) is 6.3 km. The loop, in my opinion, is worth the extra km's. Especially to see the cabin!
Getting To Christie Falls
As mentioned above, there are a few access points to Christie Falls, but this one is the most straightforward.
- From the Trans Canada Highway just north of Ladysmith, turn onto Grouhel Road.
- Continue onto Christie Road
- Left onto Arroyo Road
- Park near the houses just before the first gate (please respect driveways)
- Walk to the *red gate and down the hill for approximately 3 km.
- Continue walking to the Bush Creek Hatchery.
- Take the single-track trail uphill just before the bridge (there should be signs)
- Follow this until you reach the waterfalls
*A note about the red gate. Once in a while, this red gate is open. Although very tempting, do NOT drive down this road. This is the road to the hatchery, and their extremely sporadic hours of operation make it difficult to know when that gate will be closed. They WILL lock your vehicle in.
Other Areas of Interest
While you are in the area, make sure to check out these other great places.
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