Christie Falls Trailhead

BEAUTIFUL and DANGEROUS

Here’s what you need to know about the infamous “Christie Falls” in West Kelowna.

First of all, Google Maps- “Christie Falls Trailhead” then load the directions on your phone on the satellite view and you’re good to go. There’s an old blog of “the amazing Christie Falls” on Kelowna Now’s website and I would NOT follow these directions listed there- the KM distances are wrong anyways. *Also should mention at this point that hiking shoes or running shoes are definitely mandatory! Hiking this in flip flops is asking for trouble. *Also note that snow is present here until April/May usually!

Going in a small car is possible but beware of many potholes and a tougher ride. There is also a steep hill immediately before the parking lot at the end so if you make it this far, I wouldn’t drive up this hill. You’ll know it once you see it.

The hike to the cliff side edge is through an old forest fire burnt area. Very cool and sadly beautiful. This is a flat 15 minute walk. Mosquitos are bad in the spring time! Watch out for black bears in the spring and summer!

You know once you reach the cliff side edge. The trail ends and of you do happen to walk farther to your right, you’ll see the top of the waterfall when the creek goes over. Do not get close to the edge because it is actually an overhanging ledge!! The mountain is cut back against itself so it is very sketchy.

The descent down:
There are ropes that will help you descend down. It is very steep!! 70-80 degrees down! Bringing gloves would actually be useful. The descent takes only about 10mins or so. At the bottom the waterfall is absolutely gorgeous. In the springtime it is a raging waterfall and in the summer it is reduced to a trickle misting over the edge. You can go under the waterfall if you want but if a rock or debris comes over the edge you will not see it until it potentially hits you with more force than you can even imagine so jus the careful.

Waterfall and Rope Swing:
-You can walk under the waterfall!! So cool! Walk around to the other side and there are some small caves too. On the far side of the waterfall you will probably find the famous rope swing. Here’s the truth you need to know: it is NOT a rope swing. It’s an old combing rope used by rock climbers. It is not maintained.

Here’s the real dangers about this waterfall:
-As someone who works in the hospital, I’ve seen first hand multiple people who’ve fallen off the rope swing and nearly died. Below the waterfall are massive razor sharp boulders and when you swing on the rope, you’ll be 20-40 feet above the ground once you swing out away towards the falls. If you fall off or slip you are in great danger. One young man fell off and with his friend they had to climb out by themselves to get cell service. This took 2 hours to get out! Usually climbing back up on takes 15 minutes max.
On a different day-Another young man fell off and had to be rescued by helicopter several hours later while stranded beneath the waterfall.

This is definitely a unique beautiful natural wonder of the central Okanagan and because it is off the beaten path and not a park or maintained by the city, not a lot of people come here on a daily basis. I have been here many times so I know it inside and out and I hope you’ll enjoy it as we do and take thought of the risks of the swing and climbing.

Very fun walk, the waterfall is beautiful. Getting down to the falls is quite steep, so gloves are recommended and dogs are not.

Great trail. Feels a lot longer than it really is due to the terrain. Christie Falls is really worth seeing.

Pretty easy to find.
The road gets really rough right near the end and all wheel drive would be nessesary for most vehicles to make it, also lots of bigger loose rocks on the road.
There is quite a bit of parking and the views are amazing even as you drive in.
The trail isn't easy, there are trees down all over it and it's very steep with rope assists at the end which is only about 2kl from the parking.
No washrooms.
I highly recommend this area.

Amazing views of the early 2000s forest fire with lots of burnt trees surrounded by new growth plants. The trail itself is fairly easy, but the waterfall can only be accessed via a rope path which may be challenging for some. Also some of the mountain roads were washed out when we went so be mindful of this before straying too far off the main roads (thank goodness we had our Jeep)!