April’s Vancouver Hike of the Month: Cascade Falls

The short and easy trail to Cascade Falls in Mission is a great hike for a spring day. The waters of Cascade Creek tumble 30 meters over a sheer cliff face into a turquoise pool. Driven by snowmelt, the falls are a spectacula torrent at this time of year. Walk across the large suspension bridge for close-up views.

Until further notice, in line with the public health order, non-essential travel into, within, and out of BC is not recommended. BC residents, let’s do our part by continuing to stay small and support local with your immediate household, in accordance with the latest guidelines.

Safety First: AdventureSmart recommends bringing a backpack with essential safety and first aid gear on every hike. Check the forecast and pack extra clothing for the weather. Leave a trip plan so someone knows where you are going and when you will be back. Hiking is a little different during the pandemic. Read our tips for getting outdoors during COVID-19.

Trail Stats: Easy, 1 km return, 40 m elevation gain, 30 minutes, dogs allowed on leash

Getting There: Take Highway 1 to Abbotsford, then head north on Highway 11. Cross the bridge over the Fraser River into Mission, then go east on Highway 7. Turn left onto Sylvester Road at the Husky gas station. Follow Sylvester Road for 15 km, then turn right onto Ridgeview Road. Park in the large parking lot at the end of the road about 1 km later.

The Trail: The short trail to Cascade Falls is fairly straightforward and easy to follow. But please stay on the trail and don’t cross any fences. There are slippery cliffs in the area and hikers exploring off-trail have been seriously injured.

Walk to the far end of the parking lot and take the trail heading into the woods. The trail heads up a steep hill with the help of a few sets of stairs and a short bridge. The climb is short but tough, so take your time. Pause to catch your breath and to admire the ferns growing alongside the small stream. Ascend the final staircase and arrive at the base of the suspension bridge.

There is a small viewing platform here with a great view of the 30-metre-tall waterfall. Head out onto the suspension bridge for a head-on view of the falls. There’s another viewing platform on the far side of the falls. Be sure to wear a rain jacket if you walk across the bridge. In the spring the waterfall generates a lot of spray and you’ll get soaked!

When you have finished admiring the falls, retrace your steps back to the parking lot. You can also return by a slightly different route by heading straight from the bridge instead of turning left down the stairs. You’ll end up on a steep gravel road that leads downhill back to the trailhead.

Instead of rushing home, bring a lunch and stay awhile. There is a lovely picnic area on the banks of the creek. Follow the trail on the south side of the parking lot for a few minutes to the water’s edge.