The Crowsnest Pass hike to Star Creek Falls is one best done on a hot summer day when looking for an escape from the blazing hot sun. Why? Well if you do this hike there’s a pretty good chance of getting wet. Starting off as a short walk alongside a creek, the difficulty level gets turned up as it goes with not one but four back-and-forth-creek crossings on untrustworthy log bridges and a short scramble alongside the falls including a chained section. All of this is to say that if your feet end up accidentally splashing into the water don’t be too surprised! The view of Star Creek Falls from within the canyon is one that is well-earned, and probably not for the feint of heart. If you’re looking for a slightly easier way to view Star Creek Falls, there is also an upper loop trail that goes up and around the rim of the canyon and simply views the falls from above, or you could turn around at Lower Star Creek Falls, skipping the scrambling section.
When visiting the Crowsnest Pass, the journey to Star Creek Falls is often one of the most recommended things to do. With the choice of the easier or harder trail available, there‘s an option for all kinds of hikers. I decided to complete this hike in spring while water levels are at their highest. While this meant that the amount of water gushing over the falls was at its maximum, it also meant that each crossing was more difficult than it would be later in the year. Let’s just say I got my feet wet more than once.
Continue reading this blog post for everything you need to know to experience the Star Creek Falls hike in the Crowsnest Pass for yourself, including distance, elevation gain, how to get there, the best time to visit, and lots of photos of my experience.
When hiking it’s important to avoid harmful practices such as disturbing plants or rock-stacking, or removing any natural object from flowers to rocks, as it’s important to leave the environment as natural as possible for the animals and for fellow hikers to enjoy in perpetuity. As many flowers as there are, there are few enough that if we all took one, then there wouldn’t be any left. Take only photos, leave only footprints.
If you haven’t heard of Leave No Trace principles, they’re also really essential to read up on before heading anywhere into the outdoors in general. Following these important principles basically means doing your best to leave beautiful places like Star Creek Falls as good (if not better) than you found them, both for their preservation and for the enjoyment of other visitors.
Star Creek Falls Round Trip Details
Distance: 1.6 KM / 1 MI
Elevation Gain: 67 M / 219 FT
Hiking Time: 30 Mins
Hiking & Safety Tips
- Prepare for the possibility of wildlife encounters. Bear spray is a must whenever travelling in bear country, as well as learning how to use it. Though your chance of an aggressive bear encounter is low, it is always better to be prepared with bear spray. Bear bells are proven to be an ineffective bear deterrent, and are actively discouraged by Parks Canada. The best way to let bears know you’re around is simply to use your voice. Make sure to keep a respectful distance from wildlife and never feed the animals. It may seem kind but it doesn’t just kill wildlife and put people in danger, it’s also in many cases illegal.
- Research current trail conditions and make sure you are well-informed about the route before you leave, and assess if it is within your capability. Be aware of what time it gets dark and check the weather forecast. Make sure to tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. Every year as more and more people try hiking for the first time, the number of rescues goes up. Being prepared is the best defense.
- Pack everything you need for a successful hike, including enough water and energy-rich snacks. Remember to pack out everything you pack in though – don’t expect to find a convenient garbage can halfway up the trail. Bring appropriate layers (remember you’ll warm up once you start hiking) and sun protection. Hiking poles may be helpful but are not required. In addition to not leaving any garbage on the trail yourself, I highly recommend bringing a garbage bag and collecting any trash that you do see on the trail. You’re guaranteed to make the hike to Star Creek Falls a more enjoyable experience for the next person.
When to Visit Star Creek Falls
Like many waterfalls in the Rockies, the flow is at its maximum in Spring. Melting snow and recent rainfall mean that the water level is at its highest, and the waterfalls at their most dramatic. However, due to the challenging sections associated with reaching the waterfalls, I suggest summer or autumn as the best time of year for most people. Star Creek Falls never really dries up, so the waterfalls are really quite impressive year round.
How to Get to Star Creek Falls Trailhead
Star Creek Falls is located just on the edge of Coleman in the Crowsnest Pass, and just south of Rainbow Falls. After turning south off of the highway into the town of Coleman just south of Flumerfelt Park, drive West down 17 Ave as far as you can, even when it turns into 18 and 16 Ave. Eventually the gravel road leading to the trail can be found next to 5302 16 Ave. From here there is a large hill that those with 4WD and clearance might choose to drive over to reach a small parking area on the other side, however most choose to park on the side of the road at the base of the hill and begin walking up from here.
Click here to open the exact trailhead location in Google Maps.
Hiking to Star Creek Falls
Parked at the base of the hill. From here I walked up the hill and followed the trail left down to the creek.
Heading towards the creek.
The trail continues past a wooden bridge towards the base of the falls. Alternatively, one can cross the bridge to access the upper loop trail to view the falls from above.
The trail follows closely alongside the creek.
The first creek crossing. Strategically placed logs make it easy to cross here. After this point Lower Star Creek Falls is just around the corner.
Lower Star Creek Falls. From here the trail gets trickier so some people choose this as their turn-back point.
After another couple log crossings, scrambling my way up alongside the waterfall. The rocks can be slippery, especially when water levels are highest earlier in the year. In late summer it’s much easier.
A chain helps up this section, but is even more useful on the way back down.
Around the corner at the top of Star Creek Falls, and the canyon opens up beautifully.
From here the rough part is over. It’s easy up and through the canyon to Star Creek Falls.
There are another couple creek crossings though of course.
Edging up alongside the creek to Star Creek Falls.
Recommended Hiking Gear
Water is a must whenever I’m hiking, especially if the sun is going to be out. My favourite water filter I’ve used is the Katadyn BeFree 0.6L, which unlike other water filters I’ve used packs up really small and lightweight. For hikes where I know there won’t be any readily available water sources along the way, I make sure to bring my own. The Hydrapak Stow 1L bottle is my go-to, for the same reason that it’s made of a soft plastic that folds up and doesn’t take up any more extra space than necessary in my pack. Finally, Aquatabs are another great option for purifying water, with one tablet being suitable for one litre of water. I previously used the Grayl water filter while travelling internationally, and though I found its hard body more convenient for day to day use and easier to drink from, it has a little too much bulk for my fast-and-light style of hiking.
The secret to all my photos of gorgeous sunset and sunrise mountaintop views? A lot of hiking in the dark. And let me speak from personal experience when I say that the last thing that you want to happen when hiking is to be caught in the dark without a headlamp. I used the Black Diamond Spot 400 for years and it worked great – until I lost it on top of a mountain somewhere. The only downside to it was having to worry about the batteries dying, though there’s also a slightly more expensive version that has a rechargeable battery. Nowadays I’m using the Petzl Actik Core, which is a bit pricier than the more budget-friendly Black Diamond, but is also brighter, more comfortable (in my opinion), and has a hybrid power system that is rechargeable but can also take AAA batteries if needed.
You won’t see me using trekking poles on shorter hikes often – but on long hikes and backpacking trips, as well as certain scrambles, they are an absolute lifesaver. I’ve invested in a high quality ultra-lightweight pair of MSR DynaLock Ascent carbon poles which, while pricey, I don’t regret one bit. If you’re not entirely sure how much use you’re going to get out of a pair of trekking poles, the best budget-friendly option would be the Trekology Trek Z 2.0. Amazon does sell a lot of cheaper Made in China-style trekking poles for cheaper, but these usually are much much heavier and not worth buying.
All the best and most long-lasting cables and power banks I’ve ever owned have been Anker. I once had a phone cable from them that lasted me over three years of daily use! That’s why I keep an Anker PowerCore Essential 20K power bank on me. Like many people I use my phone for a lot of stuff when hiking (checking in with family, using online maps, taking photos, flying my drone) so I like to be prepared for that low battery warning by having a backup power source on me just in case.
The only socks I ever buy for myself are from Darn Tough, and I almost always make sure to wear them when hiking. After years of having no problems only wearing these comfortable and rugged socks for hikes, I accidentally wore a pair of no-name socks on a hike last year and ended up with blisters on both feet. Safe to say I’m back to sticking with the Darn Tough. And the best part? They have a lifetime guarantee, meaning that if they ever wear out you can send them back for a brand new pair. For hiking footwear I go between a pair of lightweight approach shoes for quick and dirty mountain ascents or anything involving scrambling and more heavy-duty boots for longer treks. I’ve worn a couple different versions of the lightweight but super durable Arc’teryx Konseal FL 2 approach shoes for a few years now and am very impressed with the durability. I also really like the thick toecap that keeps me protected every time I stumble into a root or large rock. For longer, tougher, or muddier treks I rely on my LOWA Camino EVO GTX, which I find insanely comfortable and made of very high quality.
I wear my Ar’teryx Gamma Lightweight Pants on every single hike I go on, and on many days when I’m not hiking. After several years of abuse they are still holding together extraordinarily well, with only a few small holes from where I’ve fallen down and some slight stains from being repeatedly coated with mud. They’re lightweight, breathable, and super comfortable. For lightweight and breathable hiking tops I’m a big fan of both the Patagonia Capilene Shirt and the MEC Core Shirt. My Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody shows up in a lot of my photos. It’s super lightweight and packable, and does a great job of cutting the wind while also being pretty breathable. I also have an Arc’teryx Atom Hoody and Arc’teryx Beta LT that I pull out for cooler or wetter conditions.
I hope you enjoyed this guide to hiking to Star Creek Falls in the Crowsnest Pass! Feel free to leave any questions in the comment section below or to contact me directly via social media.