The loop trail to Star Creek Falls is an easy-ish (although steep) hike to some incredible scenery and a waterfall near Crowsnest Pass, along Highway 3 in Alberta (Canada). The falls are located in a narrow gorge with steep cliffs on all sides. The best views are up above the gorge and you can reach them by following a loop around the falls within a gorgeous forest.

Star Creek Falls Loop Map:

Star Creek Falls Loop – the basics

Distance: 2km
Elevation Gain: 90m
Time: 1 hour
What to bring: Grippy shoes as it can be dusty and slippery. Plus the 10 essentials
Facilities: No facilities here.
Dogs: Dog friendly. Keep dogs leashed if they like to get close to the edge of cliffs.
How hard is it? Not hard, but there are some super steep sections and cliffs. Not suitable for small kids.

Star Creek Falls – Getting started

The trailhead is near Crowsnest Pass on the edge of the town of Coleman (just off Highway 3 here.) You need to go through Coleman and take 16th avenue. Turn off onto 54th avenue and drive to the end of the road where there is space for several cars to park. You’ll know you’re in the right spot when you can see the incredible view of Crowsnest Mountain (above.)

There aren’t any signs on this trail, and there are a few routes you can take. We followed the first trail to the right into the forest, that looks like it is normally used by ATVs. There is a pretty steady incline up the hill. Near the top, there’s an obvious extension that branches off the main path out to a rocky precipice.

The outcrop sticks up in the center of the gorge, so there are great views over to Mount Tecumseh, Deadman Pass Peak and Crowsnest Mountain. You can also see Star Creek Falls through the trees.

To continue around the loop, you need to go back down the hill to cross Star Creek on a cute little bridge. Next is the super steep section that is straight up to the best viewpoint.

Star Creek Falls Viewpoint

This is the best view on the loop around Star Creek. You can see Star Creek Falls from above as well as the other mountains of Crowsnest Pass.

Ridge around Star Creek

Once you’ve made it up high, the trail loops around the top of the canyon. Isn’t it gorgeous!?

Be really careful at the top of the canyon as there are no barriers and it is a steep, dangerous cliff down to the waterfall. From here, continue along the trail to loop back to the start

Fancy seeing more?

• Here is a post with great descriptions of the route in the snow.
• If you’d like to hike to the base of the falls – see this post.
• If you’re visiting in the winter – see Star Creek Falls covered in ice.

I’ll finish my post with a few panoramas of the scenery as it is an incredible area.

This loop trail around Star Creek Falls may not be manicured, but it is a fantastic place to stop to stretch your legs if you are on a road trip through the Crowsnest Pass. While you are in the area, there are a couple of other cool waterfalls near here; Lundbreck falls and Rainbow Falls (along the Miner’s path.)