Half Moon Beach, Upper and lower Falls; Golden Ear Park

Half Moon Beach, Upper and lower Falls; Golden Ear Park
Details
About the Hike:
We are combining half-moon beach via E. Canyon Trail with upper and lower upper Gold Creek Falls loop in Golden Ear park.
Explore this 22 to 24 kilometres out-and-back trail near Maple Ridge, British Columbia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, birding, and camping, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. This trail passes a number of features, including Gold Creek Upper and Lower Falls, Viewpoint Beach, and Hikers Beach.
Past the first kilometre of hiking, trails are considered back country and dogs may be off leash if behaved. It’s a long but a relatively flat trail and the ambience is nice and quiet. The trail is well marked, and it goes side by side the river, and pretty easy to follow through.
At halfway back from the half-moon beach, we will turn left to explore Upper Gold Creek fall and then head down toward the lower Gold Creek Fall. Since we are changing direction at the 2/3rd back, to combine the two hikes together instead of going to the map provided for upper Gold Creek Falls loop; the hikers should exercise some patience so the leader can find the best path to combine the two hikes.

With combined two hikes, the distance would be closer to 20-24 km and about 450 m of collective elevation gained.

There is a very narrow pathway between the upper and lower fall, which requires caution and ability to hike at elevations to be negotiated safely. Hiking gloves are always advisable.
*Before pressing attend please be certain you'll attend. In the case of 3 "No-Shows" or 3 "Not Going", attendees may be removed from the group. For the same reason, please exercise common sense and common courtesy when using Event Chat
*Carpool fee is $8 cash per hour x 6 hours of travel: approximate total = $30-40 cash, depending on your location
*End time doesn't include the time to drive back
*This event could take longer, since we are combining two hikes.
Difficulty, Distance, and Elevation:
Difficult, with combined distance of over 22-24 km and combined elevation gain of 450 m.

WE MEET: Gold Creek Parking
https://maps.app.goo.gl/f72yJCpX2CBy2hgR8?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

Recommended Hiking Clothing, Footwear and Gear:

1. Hiking boots or Hiking Shoes are mandatory.
2. Hiking poles
3. Small Day-pack or Hiking backpack + 2 bottles of water + Lunch + Snacks + 2nd Lunch + 2nd Snacks
4. Sweater or a hoodie
5. Hiking gloves
6. Sun and insect protection.
7. We are stepping into the bear country. Although bears tend not to approach large group, carrying bear spray is always advisable.

Transit Access: Attendees must arrange for carpool.

Carpool List:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ctqeptUD5sik_FEIEkDHuaagKCOH5EsV590XGHXOd8M/edit?gid=0#gid=0

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. We will, however, look out for each other. 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; falling trees or brush; falling rocks or landslides; flooding; bridge failure; 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.
By RSVP'ing "Yes", for this event, you acknowledge that you fully understand and accept the 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.
We hike together at a moderate pace, but if you cannot keep pace then you are responsible to safely hike your way back to the starting point.