A scenic waterfall destination located near Ladysmith on Vancouver Island. It features multi-tiered cascades and a "lollipop" loop trail that takes hikers through lush temperate rainforest.
Distance: Approximately 6.5 km to 8 km for the full loop.
Difficulty: Generally rated as moderate. The first 2–3 km follow a relatively flat gravel logging road, while the final 750 metres to the falls are steeper and rockier with uneven surfaces.
Elevation Gain: Around 137 metres.
Estimated Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on pace and exploration.
Multi-Tiered Falls: The trail leads to multiple sets of falls. A log bridge with rope railings allows access to the larger main falls.
Hidden Cabin: Hikers often encounter a well-built, "cool" log cabin tucked in the woods along a side loop.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer are ideal for powerful water flow. By mid-summer, the falls may dwindle to a small stream.
Directions from Ladysmith:
Take Highway 1 to Grouhel Road
Turn right onto Christie Road, then turn left onto Arroyo Road
Park outside the first orange Timber West gate where the pavement ends. Do not block the road or drive past open gates, as they may be locked later, trapping your vehicle.
As of early 2026, visitors report the trail is open, though some sections may be muddy. Always check for local forestry work advisories (e.g., Mosaic Forest Management) as the area is occasionally restricted to Sundays during active operations.
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are recommended for the steep and potentially slippery sections near the falls.
Parts of the trail are poorly marked; using a GPS or offline map app is advised.
Use extreme caution on the log bridge crossing and steep rope-aided sections.