Photographing Christie Falls: A Beautiful Waterfall Near Ladysmith, BC

About Christie Falls Ladysmith

Embark on an adventure through the lush rainforest and experience the breathtaking scenery of Christie Falls. On the outskirts of Ladysmith, BC, lies a 6.8 km lollipop hiking route that takes you on a journey through the West Coast temperate rainforest.

With each step, you’ll encounter mature trees and an abundance of foliage, all leading to the stunning waterfall. This hike is perfect for nature lovers and photographers. Christie falls in Ladysmith promises a memorable day in the wilderness.

Where is Christie Falls located?

There are several ways to get to the falls. I prefer the following

• Turn-off highway 19 (trans Canada) onto Grouhel Rd.
• Turn right onto Christie Rd.
• Turn left onto Arroayo Rd.
• Parking is just before you reach the hatchery gate, logging road gate.
• You will need to head down the hill to the right.

Alternate route.

• Turn off highway 19 (trans-canada) onto Thomas Rd.
• Sharp right onto Takala Rd.
• Left onto Ivey Rod – Stay Left.

When you arrive at the Bush Creek Fish Hatchery, follow the Bush Creek trail up the hill. The last ascent to the falls involves climbing steeply along a rocky, narrow path. At the summit, there are two large waterfalls to explore, plus side pathways.

Things to Know About Christie Falls Trail

When Is the Best Time to Photograph Christie Falls?

Springtime or after heavy rainfall is the best time to visit Christie Fall. During the winter Bush Creek feeds the Christie Falls, and is overflowing. For stunning ice formations, cold weather is best. The area is best enjoyed during the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is not directly on the waterfalls.

Why Should You Visit Christie Falls Ladysmith Vancouver Island?

1. With its cascading water and lush greenery, it is a great location for capturing beautiful photographs and creating memories.
2. The misty atmosphere and refreshing environment of the falls will leave you feeling revitalized.
3. The tranquil surroundings and the sound of the flowing water make it a peaceful escape from busy city life.
4. Whether you’re interested in photography, nature, or adventure, a visit to Christie Falls is a must.

Another great thing about Christie Falls is the variety of scenery you can experience, depending on the time of year you visit.

How long of a walk is Christie Falls?

The 6.6 km loop trail to Christie Falls takes around two and a half hours to accomplish. It is relatively easy for the first three kilometres, with a 300-meter uphill section of moderate difficulty afterwards, and an elevation gain of 137 meters. If you wish to make a large loop, the hike is 7.2 km and the elevation gain is 181 metres.

The route is well-maintained throughout the duration of the hike. The upper portion of the hike is a bit steep and narrow in places.

Christie Falls trail on a logging road

The Christie Falls Trail passes through a temperate rainforest, and countless ferns scattered across the forest floor. At the end of the hike, you arrive at not one but two waterfalls. At the end of the trail, you can cross a log bridge leading you to the larger waterfall.

Hiking to the first waterfall

Bush Creek splits in two above the falls, with one branch creating this smaller waterfall, and the other creating Christie Falls. The first waterfall on the Christie Falls hike is a smaller waterfall located a short distance from Christie Falls.

Christie Falls – Main waterfalls

Cross the wooden log bridge and head left to reach the main waterfall. The sound of the waterfall will get louder as you approach. Enjoy the amazing sight of the water cascading over the rocks

Wanting to explore further? There is a trail with a rope leading you to the top of the falls.

The secret gem cabin in the woods.

This is the only information I could find about the cabin in the Woods.

The history of Christie Falls Cabin began in 1992 when John Goodman and friends decided to build the cabin. There were no trails in the beginning. Another hardship was carrying in the tools and materials.

The cabin is a rustic, one-room building. Inside is a wood-burning stove, two bunk beds, and a small kitchen. The cabin is surrounded by trees and mossy ground, creating a tranquil environment ideal for a relaxing getaway.

Tips for Photographing Christie Falls

• Photographing Christie Falls can be a rewarding experience. Here are a few insider hints for this area.
• Use your wide-angle lens to capture the beauty of this massive waterfall.
• Bring a microfiber cloth to keep your lens clean and dry, as the spray from the waterfall will often land on it.
• The best time is early morning or late afternoon when the sun is setting. During late afternoon, you might get a chance to photograph the falls with the light filtering through the trees.
• Experiment with different shutter speeds and apertures until a suitable one is found.
• Make your photos stand out, use a slower shutter speed shot for a more dynamic and captivating image
• To create a silky effect, a tripod and an ND filter are recommended.
• A polarizing filter is useful to reduce unwanted reflections in the water and wet surfaces.
• Cloudier days are preferable for waterfall photography due to reduced glare and contrast.
• When exploring the area, it is important to come prepared with proper hiking footwear and poles, as the route is steep and narrow in some places.
• Watch your footing. There is mist in the air, and uneven terrain near the falls.
• Finally, check out our guide on how to photograph waterfalls.

Final Thoughts about Christie Fall in Ladysmith

In conclusion, Christie Falls is a great place to visit for a half-day hike. It offers great views, a unique experience, and plenty of photo opportunities. The waterfall is also a great spot to cool off on hot summer days, and visitors may even find some stunning ice formations in the winter.