Christie Falls Trail

Route Description for Christie Falls Trail

The hike to Christie Falls is fairly straightforward; however, the route is poorly marked in some areas and might require a GPS or trail map for navigation, especially in the area around the falls themselves. Additionally, the route is well-maintained throughout the duration of the hike, but the upper portion to gain access to the falls is a bit steep and narrow in places. This might slow travel for some hikers, so make sure to come prepared with proper hiking footwear and poles if you think you might need them.

Although the majority of the hike will be through the dense cover of the temperate rainforest, this is an amazingly scenic hike that will truly make you feel as though you are on a proper adventure. As you work towards the falls, you will pass by giant trees and countless ferns scattered across the forest floor before crossing over some log bridges to arrive at the huge rock wall of Christie Falls with its torrent of rushing water. This is a great half-day hike that you’d be hard-pressed not to enjoy.

Setting out from the trailhead off Arroyo Road, make your way south along the road and follow the trail as it begins to veer toward the west. Here, the trail will enter into the thick cover of the forest and provide a nice amount of shade to hike under as you make your way toward the falls. You will gain a small amount of elevation as you hike along the route, and after 2.1km, you will come to a junction in the trail.

Head right and continue on for about 680 m to pass by the Bush Creek Fish Hatchery on your right and visit a beautiful wooden bridge that spans the rushing water of the creek. Don’t cross over the creek. Instead, turn back and retrace your steps for 100 m to a junction on your right. Follow this trail on a path that runs parallel to the creek and will take you to the falls.

Keep steady along the trail for 450 m as it heads to the southwest and eventually arrives at the flowing water of the Christie Falls. This is not the end of your journey, however, so follow the trail closer to the edge of the creek and you will find a dark brown log bridge that will take you over the water and up toward the larger waterfall that is the main attraction of the hike.

After making your way up this slightly steeper portion of the trail, you will be greeted by some amazing views of the cascading water of the falls that trickles down the face of the rock and crashes into the pool below, giving the appearance of a bridal veil. After taking in the views, head back down the trail and cross back over Bush Creek.

About 70 m from the bridge, you will come to a junction in the trail that offers an alternate loop back to the trailhead. Take this path to the right and follow it for about 700 m through the dense canopy of the temperate rainforest to arrive back at the main trail. Take the main trail to the right to head back to the parking area where you began your hike.