Gold Creek Lower Falls

What visitors say

Gold Creek Lower Falls is one of Golden Ears Provincial Park's best-known walks. The trail runs under old-growth cedars beside clear, green Gold Creek to a waterfall that pours through a rock chute, and reviewers love the cool shade and the mist at the end.

It's about 2.7 km each way on a mostly flat, gravel trail, roughly 35 minutes to an hour each direction. Beginners and families find it easy, with a few roots and rocks near the final viewpoint. Plenty of spots along the way let you get down to the creek, and one family set up for the day near the bridge by the parking lot, where there's a small beach with a gentler current.

The falls themselves are fenced now, and one reviewer found the fence tall enough to block the view. The water there is too powerful for swimming, though some visitors dip their toes or wade in small pools lower down. BC Parks sets swimming areas elsewhere in the park and warns of strong currents near the mouth of Gold Creek.

Crowds are the main drawback. The lot fills early; reviewers suggest arriving before 10 am on weekdays and 8 am on weekends. BC Parks may require a free day-use pass in peak season; one visitor noted it isn't needed later in the afternoon, so check the park page. A recent visitor had a frustrating time on a busy day. Dogs must be leashed near the parkway.

Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 822 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.