Hiking Crooked Falls - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in the Crooked Falls: trails, map and practical info

Vancouver Coast Mountains • British Columbia

4.8 Appreciated by 33 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Moderate
Elevation
472 ft

Experience a moderate 6 km round-trip through coastal forest to a multi-tiered waterfall that tumbles down rocky ledges in distinctive crooked turns. Located near Squamish in the Vancouver Coast Mountains, this 3 to 4-hour hike delivers dramatic scenery without requiring an all-day commitment.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Crooked Falls? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"difficulty_paragraph": "Replace: 'The well-maintained and clearly marked path makes navigation straightforward, though the moderate difficulty rating reflects some steep sections and potentially slippery conditions that demand attention, with an elevation gain that provides a solid workout without being overwhelming.' With: 'The well-maintained and clearly marked path makes navigation straightforward, though the moderately challenging difficulty rating reflects some steep sections and potentially slippery conditions that demand attention. The 472-meter elevation gain provides a solid workout without being overwhelming.'",
"faq_note": "FAQ mentions '305 meters' which contradicts web source of '472 meters'"
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Squamish-Lillooet D, BC V0N 2L2, Canada
GPS coordinates
49.8973474, -123.3241674
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The easiest way to get to the start of the trails at the crooked falls is to drive to Golden, British Columbia and then take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) east for about 15 kilometers until you reach the Yoho National Park turnoff. From there, you will need to drive about 8 kilometers until you reach the Takakkaw Falls parking lot. The trails at the crooked falls are located just south of the Takakkaw Falls.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
49.8973474, -123.3241674
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.8
17 Reviews
P
Patricia
Dec 27, 2025
The access and parking fees are considerable, but the 305m elevation gain through this spectacular landscape justifies the cost. Winter conditions in February required microspikes due to icy sections near the falls, which were both treacherous and visually stunning. The frozen cascade creates remarkable ice formations that evolve throughout the season.
D
David
Nov 8, 2025
A photographer's dream destination. The mist generated by Crooked Falls produces exceptional lighting, especially during late afternoon hours. The curved water formations that inspired the falls' name offer stunning subjects for telephoto lenses. Multiple rocky vantage points around the base provide diverse compositional opportunities for capturing the cascade.
M
Marcus
Sep 15, 2025
Visited during fall season and experienced the trail almost entirely alone. The combination of vibrant autumn foliage and the powerful cascade created an unforgettable atmosphere. Despite recent rainfall, the path remained in excellent condition without excessive mud. Plan ahead for parking and park entrance fees when organizing your visit.
S
Sarah
Aug 22, 2025
The waterfall itself is absolutely spectacular, but I was disappointed to learn that dogs aren't permitted on this trail. My hiking companion had to stay behind, which was frustrating. The elevation gain of 305m makes this a solid workout despite the short distance. Park rangers actively enforce the no-dog policy.
E
Elena
Jun 3, 2025
Started early from the Takakkaw Falls parking area to beat the crowds. The trail south of Takakkaw Falls is clearly marked but features several steep sections that demand careful footing. The sound of rushing water intensifies as you approach, creating an increasingly magical atmosphere. Early summer snowmelt makes the cascade particularly powerful and awe-inspiring.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
472.00 m
No
No
The Crooked Falls trail is rated as Moderate difficulty. This rating reflects the 305 meters of elevation gain and terrain conditions, making it suitable for hikers with some experience and reasonable fitness levels.
Didn't find your answer?
Free 1 pages

The Essential Hiking Checklist

Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

Download the free checklist
Top 10 best hiking in Vancouver Coast Mountains
Our ranking based on hiker reviews

Hiking near Squamish

211 trails to explore ~25 km away

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Did you spot an error?

We work hard to provide the most up-to-date and error-free data possible. If something seems incorrect, let us know!

Update : June 2026