Upper Gold Creek Falls via East Canyon Trail and West Canyon Trail Loop

Upper Gold Creek Falls via East Canyon Trail and West Canyon Trail Loop is one of the classic hikes in Golden Ears Provincial Park near Maple Ridge, and it earns its “moderate” label in a very real way. At 10.3 km with about 389 m of gain, it’s doable in around three hours, but the character of the loop changes a lot between the mellow East Canyon side and the rougher, more technical West Canyon side.

Most people start on East Canyon Trail, which feels like a wide forest road with gentle grades, creek views, and easy walking. The payoff comes at the Upper Gold Creek Falls viewpoints and the side trip down to Viewpoint Beach, where you get close to the river and canyon. Crossing over to West Canyon, the trail tightens up and turns into classic Golden Ears terrain: roots, rocks, short steep sections, and a more rugged feel that keeps things interesting.

Current conditions on the West Canyon side are rough in spots, with at least one washed-out bridge and a creek crossing that can be sketchy, especially when water is high after rain. The loop is sometimes technically “closed” on the west side, and a few hikers have had to turn back or wade, so check recent reports and be ready to backtrack if the river looks unsafe. Strong hiking footwear is a must, poles help a lot, and downloading the map is smart because the spur to the upper falls and some junctions are poorly marked. Expect a quieter experience if you start early, remember you need a BC Parks day-use pass in summer, and plan on getting your feet wet if you commit to the full loop.