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Falls Lake Hike at Coquihalla Summit

EasyHope · Fraser ValleyUpdated
Falls lake 5
Soaking it all in

Falls Lake Hike Stats

Rating

Difficult hikes offer big climbs with lots of elevation gain and technical terrain, some requiring a full day’s effort. Generally, difficult hikes should not be undertaken by children or novice hikers. These are rated as ‘hikes’ and not ‘walks’ so even something rated as easy may have a few sections of challenging terrain.

More on how we measure trails
Easy
Distance

For the out-and-back hikes, the distances offered for each hike are measured from the trailhead, to the summit, and then back to the trailhead. Distances, even when provided to a fraction of a kilometer, are only rough estimates.

More on how we measure trails
2 km
Net Elevation Change

The listed elevation gain is the simple math of the difference in the starting elevation and the summit, in meters. It is not a cumulative calculation of the total elevation gained during the hike. This means, in most cases, you will actually climb more than the listed net elevation gain.

More on how we measure trails
52 m
Highest Point
1,295 m
Time Needed

The completion times of the hikes are estimates and will, naturally, vary per individual, ability, and weather conditions. The times offered, however, are meant to be generous.

More on how we measure trails
1 Hour
Type
Out-and-back
Season

Each hike has a corresponding season when the trail is most likely to be in good condition. However, as the snowmelt can vary each year, these too, are estimates. It is best to confirm the current trail conditions before heading out.

More on how we measure trails
March – October
Dogs Allowed

If hiking with dogs is allowed, it does not necessarily mean that the trail is ‘dog-friendly’. Even though dogs might be allowed, it may be a bad idea to bring them on certain Vancouver hikes (due to ladders, difficult sections, boulder fields, etc).

More on how we measure trails
Yes, on leash
Est. Driving Time from Vancouver
3 Hours
Trailhead Coordinates
49.612702, -121.065052

*For a better understanding of the stats and difficulty rating, check out the Hiking Guides page for details. Always carry The Essentials and fill out a trip plan.

Usually in season as shown; check current conditions before you go.

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Falls Lake Hike Intro

Falls Lake is a beautiful subalpine lake in the Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area. It is a short and easy hike from a pullout off the Coquihalla Highway, east of Hope and west of Merrit. A hike to Falls Lake is a great way to stretch your legs during a long drive along the Coquihalla Highway.

It takes about 30 minutes to reach the lake from the parking area, with minimal elevation gain.

There are a few first-come, first-served tent pads along the lake for those wanting to camp.

During the hot summer months, Falls Lake is the perfect spot for a cold swim. It is also a kid-friendly hike.

It is worth being extra-cautious with wildlife (bears and cougars ) on this hike. There have also been vehicle break-ins in the parking area – so don’t leave anything valuable in your car.

Falls Lake Video

Falls Lake video

Falls Lake Hike Map and Elevation

Map and elevation profile

The listed elevation gain is the simple math of the difference in the starting elevation and the summit, in meters. It is not a cumulative calculation of the total elevation gained during the hike. This means, in most cases, you will actually climb more than the listed net elevation gain.

More on how we measure trails

Map loads as it approaches the screen.

Download GPXTrailhead in Google Maps

Falls Lake Hiking Route

Walking out from the gravel parking lot area (directions), you will go right, onto the wide path. The path takes you over a small creek where you will see a B.C. Parks sign. There is a junction here which is marked with trail directions. To the right takes you to Zoa Peak. To the left is marked for Falls Lake, at 900 m. Go left.

There are a few stairs, and the trail starts climbing uphill gently. It is a wide trail that is well-maintained and clear of debris.

After a few minutes, the trail has more exposed tree roots which will slow you down, but it remains easy to follow. There are orange markers in the trees to guide you along the trail. After 250 m, you will cross a wooden footbridge over a (potentially dry) creek.

Falls lake 8

The sky through the subalpine trees

falls lake trail

The Falls Lake Trail

alpine trail

Approaching the lake

The forest is scenic and the trail is enjoyable. It’s only a matter of following the trail on the short hike until you reach the lake. After some zig-zagging and crossing over boardwalks, you will see the lake emerge ahead of you through the trees.

The lake is gorgeous, surrounded by peaks on all sides. Thar Peak can be seen on your left, and Zoa Peak on your right.

You can go for a swim here, eat lunch, and enjoy the scenery. You can also follow the trail around the right-hand side of the lake if you wish to walk further, finding a somewhat sandy area to enter the lake.

Cool fact: “There is fishing at Falls Lake for rainbow trout. Falls Lake has a surface area of 25.6 ha and an average depth of 10 metres. “ [Source]

After you’ve enjoyed the scenery, retrace your steps back to the parking area.

Falls lake 6

Looking towards Zoa Peak ridge

falls lake green water

The green water of Falls Lake

falls lake

Falls Lake

Camping at Falls Lake

There are two tent pads near the edge of the lake where the trail first reaches the shore. They are first-come-first-serve sites, and everything in the park is self-service (ie, Leave No Trace camping).

There are no facilities provided, and fires are not permitted.

Directions and Parking

Get directions to the trailhead

From Vancouver head east on Trans Canada Highway/BC-1. From Hope, take the Coquihalla Highway (BC-5 N) to the Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area.

Take Exit #221 which will be marked for Falls Lake. The road will take you under the highway, and then you will actually head back west a short ways. On your right, there is a road leading up into the forest. Turn right, and follow the road up to a large, gravel parking area.

Google Map directions are here.

Download the PDF version of this guide for offline use

Comments (2)

  1. Pam —

    Thank you for your trip report. Kindly advise if as of June 2024 the access to the area was not complicated by construction and if hike required the cross of creek at the beginning.

  2. SNACK DOWNLOADER —

    Great post! I loved the detailed trail descriptions and the stunning photos of Falls Lake. Can’t wait to hit the trails this weekend!

Comments are closed. These are archived from the original guide.