Golden Ears Provincial Park Upper Gold Creek Falls Loop: Easy

About the hike:

This route is generally rated as moderately difficult and typically takes around 3 hours and 10 minutes to complete. It’s a popular destination for hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking, so expect to see others along the way. The trail is best enjoyed between March and October. Dogs are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash.

The loop combines the East and West Canyon trails, leading hikers past Upper Gold Creek Falls and through a beautiful canyon. During summer or later in the day, access to Golden Ears Park can become congested, with long lines and park staff limiting the number of visitors. Arriving early is highly recommended to avoid delays.

The trail surface is rugged, with plenty of rocks and roots, making it unsuitable for regular strollers or standard wheelchairs—specialized equipment or assistance may be necessary.

This route follows an east-to-west direction, beginning on the East Canyon Trail, which starts off as a wide former service road. Though the path gets rockier and gains some elevation, it remains manageable for most hikers. Along the way, you’ll cross a few streams and enjoy scenic viewpoints of the Upper and Lower Falls. The Upper Falls, surrounded by lush, moss-covered rocks, are especially impressive—offering cool mist in the summer and even better views during the wetter winter months.

After reaching the bridge that spans the river, the loop continues along the West Canyon Trail. This section includes a bit more elevation and technical terrain but is still one of the easier routes through the area. The trail here becomes rockier, muddier, and root-filled, so sturdy hiking boots are recommended. Eventually, the path levels out and heads downhill.

Dogs will enjoy the trail thanks to multiple spots with easy access to the water, but keep an eye out for steep drop-offs. Overall, the hike is rewarding with fantastic river views from the West Canyon section. Those with extra time may want to explore the side trails, which come highly recommended. Don’t forget hiking boots, insect repellent, and plenty of water.

For those seeking a tougher adventure, consider starting from the West Canyon Trail and hiking in reverse. This direction includes some steep climbs and narrow sections, offering a more intense workout early on. An early start is ideal—heading west to east allows hikers to visit Viewpoint Beach via the connector bridge, a perfect spot for a summer lunch and swim.

Difficulty, Distance, and Elevation:
Easy, 10.3 km trail (loop), 390 meters of elevation gain

Meeting Point At

Parking: Yes
Transit Access: No

Recommended Gear:

1. Hiking Boots or Hiking Shoes
2. Small Daypack or Hiking Pack + bottles of water (1-2 liters) + Snacks+ lunch
3. Sweater or Jacket
4. (If raining) Rain Jacket
5. (Optional: if sunny) Sun Glasses, Sun Screen, and Hat

LEGAL INFORMATION, LIABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
We are a group of volunteers. We are NOT a professional organization or pro trail guides and/or
pro event organizers. The organizer and any/all assistant organizers and other attendees are in
no way responsible and liable for your personal safety and health state, before, during and at
anytime after this event. Risks of attending hiking events include, but are not limited to: getting
lost; slipping and falling; snow and ice; extreme cold; extreme heat; dangerous animals; insects;
falling trees or brush; falling rocks or landslides; fire; flooding; bridge failure; unstable ground;
and falling in fast moving water.
As a condition of your participation in the event, you assume all risk of personal injury, death or
property loss resulting from any cause whatsoever including NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF
CONTRACT OR BREACH OF ANY DUTY OF CARE ON THE PART OF THE HOST. You agree
that the host shall not be liable for any personal injury, death or property loss and release the
host from all liability and waive all claims with respect thereto.
Negligence includes failure on the part of the host to take reasonable steps to safeguard or
protect you from or warn you of the risks, dangers and hazards referred to above. You assume
all cost of your own rescue or evacuation.
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aforementioned conditions and following event attendance conditions and, you are solely
responsible for your own health, safety and well-being before, during and at anytime after the
event as stated previously.
All attendees shall forever hold harmless the organizers and other attendees and
unconditionally waive any liabilities resulting from attending and/or participating in this event.