Malcolm Knapp - UBC Research forest, Maple Ridge, BC
This was my first hike into this well developed area next door to Golden Ears Park. As a working demonstration forest of UBC, it has a well developed series of roads and trails leading to a number of lookouts and lakes. On this particular day I followed the Blue Trail west from the parking area through a nice forest with info signs etc., down over a bridge and a roaring Spring Creek and some great views over Pitt Meadows and back towards Burnaby Mt. Then I basically followed Blue trail till it met G Road and then took the Yellow Trail back to the parking lot. This was a couple of hours of hiking and some good views. There are lots of trails intersecting each other; pick up a map or just follow the colour coded trails. All trails end up back at the parking area. NO DOGS OR BIKES ALLOWED IN THE FOREST, and if walking on the main roads, be careful of some motorized traffic as this is a working research forest. This particular loop was about 6 km of hiking and 2 - 3 hours of fresh air.
There is GPS data attached to this trail (see "download GPS"), which if loaded into your GPS can help you find route points.
Directions:
Follow 232 past Maple Ridge Park and the turnoff for Golden Ears Park. Watch for the right-turn sign onto Silver Valley Rd and then into the parking lot.
Golden Ears Mountain, Maple Ridge, BC
The trail is well-maintained and a fairly easy go despite the 1160m gain to the cabin. For the first two hours the trail is a pleasant meander through the forest. Alder Flats (5km in) is a beautiful camping spot for those who want to take baby steps, especially in autumn when the trees are a gorgeous yellow. After Alder Flats the trail gets steep, not heart-attack steep, but enough to get the lungs going.
For many, reaching panorama ridge and the small alpine cabin will be enough for one day--remember, most of the elevation gain is over the 4 km from the flats. After the cabin the route to the Ears is pretty clear--a 3 km ridge-walk that finds you on loose rock and a patch of year-round snow. The views aren't going to knock your socks off, but the Ears themselves are a Middle-Earth-looking fortress-type peak, and the colourful deciduous trees make this a great fall hike.
Directions:
Follow the Lougheed Hwy East from Vancouver, turning off at the second Dewdney Trunk exit. Follow Dewdney to 232nd St and take a left. There will be a Golden Ears Park sign on the right at Fern Crescent (4-way stop). Take a right here and follow the main, windy road right into the park gates. After the gates continue along the road to its end at a pay parking lot with signs for upper and lower canyon trails. Follow the main upper canyon trail until branching trails eventually disappear after 2 km or so.
Alouette Mountain (Golden Ears Provincial Park), Maple Ridge, BC
Your escape into the wild can be fulfilled on this hike. It definitely doesn't have North Shore urban hoard appeal. Not that I'm dissing Mt.Seymour, Hollyburn/Cypress and Grouse --those are all great destinations --but to see fewer people there you have to get up early to hit the trails. Alouette Mountain differs in that it's a bit further east geographically, but less of a drive than to Squamish, offers great alpine views, and is less traveled.
Directions:
From Vancouver head east on the Lougheed Highway; turn off heading north on 232nd Street and follow the signs into Golden Ears Provincial Park. Pass the goat entrance sign ..(this is a pretty obvious locator (no GPS needed here) because in the summer foreign tourists congregate here to photograph themselves much like they do at the totem poles in Stanley Park). pass the sign and turn left after 4 kilometres toward the Park Headquarters and keep left to Mike Lake. Park after 2 kilometres at the bottom of the Incline Trail (250 metres elevation).
Take time and hike through the second growth at an even pace. The forest is great and will give you a chance to marvel at the occasional cedar or hemlock that escaped the original logging before the creation of the park in 1927. The Incline Trail occasionally intersects a fire access road that switchbacks up the flank of Alouette Mountain. This road is used by equestrian and mountain bike traffic in small numbers, so pay heed and give them the right of way. After about 6.5 kilometres (732m elevation) the trail branches left down to 'Lake Beautiful' keep attentive for old growth in this area and see how different it is from the regenerated forest. Continue on the trail for another 2.5 kilometres and gain another 600 metres vertical and you'll be standing on the summit of Alouette Mountain. Do this hike; it's well worth the effort.
Other information:
Elevation Gain - 1100 metres
High point - 1371 metres
Topographic Map Stave Lake 92 G8 Port Coquitlam 92 G7
BC Parks Map Golden Ears Provincial Park Park Headquarters
Buntzen Lake Diez Vistas, Anmore, BC
Diez Vistas trail is aptly named - it boasts 10 beautiful viewpoints. An excellent day trip from Vancouver, you can hike the 15km-route all the way around Buntzen Lake or simply hike to the first few peaks.
The RewardOnce you reach the high point, the trail meanders along the ridge with sensational views of the city and Vancouver Island in the distance, Deep Cove, the snow-covered North Shore mountains, and various views up Indian Arm.
Map: NTS Map 92G7
Description: The first bit is uphill... to get you nicely warmed up. After awhile, heading left at the fork (marked Diez Vistas Trail, you'll soon cross an open power-line (2.25 kilometres), then duck under the old pipeline and continue.There are a number of switchbacks to the high-point of 560 metres. The trail forks right before the first viewpoint (it's quite steep) but joins again farther up - it's worth trying both routes for different but spectacular views. Lots of people just go to the first viewpoint and return,but if you continue the views just get better, so persevere, you have done most of the uphill.
The trail meanders along the ridge with sensational views of the city and Vancouver Island in the distance. Deep Cove, the snow-covered North Shore mountains, and various views up Indian Arm splendid on a clear day. Continue downhill to open bluffs and lake views meeting with an old BC Hydro access road. This takes you back to the north side of Buntzen Lake via a neat suspension bridge.
At the lake have a snack and lay in the sun at the picnic area before continuing on. You can get back to the parking lot at the south end of the lake by taking the trail on either the east or west side of the lake (4 kilometres). The terrain is a bit more rugged on the west side. Unless it's been a cold winter, there's very seldom snow up top, making it a great year-round trail. If you like rugged trail running, this is a great trail!
The attached GPS data (click on "download/GPS" above to see a plot) names the peaks, and is a very complete track. Download that into your GPS and use it to find and stay on the trail.
Directions
Head east through Port Moody/Coquitlam either from Highway 7a (from the Trans Canada) or from the Barnet Highway from Hastings Street and turn left onto Ioco Drive. Follow Ico Drive around the north shore of Burrard Inlet and follow the signs for Anmore and Buntzen Lake. Once at the parking lot, park near the southwest corner. Take the wide graded trail south through the forest. Cross the floating bridge over the south end of Buntzen Lake, and cross the gravel road to start the trail proper. Or download our waypoints by clicking on "Download GPS" above and find the trail using your GPS.
More
If you like rugged trail running, this is a great trail! One can complete the circuit in about 3 1/2 hours (medium speed!). Unless it's a cold winter, there's very seldom snow up top, making it a great year round trail.
Note if you click on 'download GPS' above, you will see the GPS points for the beginning part of this trail, and, you can download this into your GPS unit to get started and find the trail, even though you can do just fine with the above directions.Elevation Gain 440 MetresHigh Point 560 metresMap Federal Topographic 1:50.000 Port Coquitlam 92G/ 7
Other Buntzen Lake Trails
Halvor Lunden (Eagle Ridge) Trail
The Halvor Lunden (Eagle Ridge) Trail is comprised of the Lindsay Lake Loop, Swan Falls Loop and Dilly Dally Loop. The trailhead is located on Powerhouse Road, near the southeast corner of the South Beach parking area.
Lindsay Lake Loop
Hiking time: 6–8 hours return. Distance: 15 km. Elevation gain: 1020 m.
This route is recommended for experienced and fit hikers only. The trail to Lindsay Lake is the most popular of the three loops along this trail. Climb to El Paso Junction, then turn left and cross Buntzen Creek. Passing through the ancient mountain forest you will encounter several spectacular viewpoints overlooking Vancouver. At Lindsay Lake Junction (at the north end of Lindsay Lake) turn right and head south through the "lakes district" back to El Paso Junction. Return to the main parking area along the same trail you started on.
Swan Falls Loop
Hiking time: 8–10 hours return. Distance: 20 km. Elevation gain: 1150 m.
This route is recommended for experienced and fit hikers only. It is very steep in places. Follow the trail to El Paso Junction, and then choose either the left or right trail to Lindsay Lake Junction. If you choose left, you will see Eagle Ridge's best remaining old-growth forest as well as passing several viewpoints of Vancouver. A right turn will take you through the "lakes district" with its many beautiful tarns. Continuing north from Lindsay Lake Junction, ascend Mt. Beautiful (Eagle Peak) for a panoramic view of Mt. Baker, Vancouver Island, the Fraser Valley, Coquitlam watershed, Mt. Seymour Park, Indian Arm and beyond. At Swan Falls Junction turn left and follow the steep (and sometimes slippery) trail down to Powerhouse Road, which then leads you back to South Beach.
Dilly Dally Loop
Hiking time: 10–12 hours return. Distance: 25 km. Elevation gain: 1150 m.
This route is recommended for experienced and fit hikers only. The Dilly Dally Loop? Don't believe it! Dilly dally along this trail and you'll be spending the night. If you're up for it, you are rewarded with spectacular views as you travel through high mountain forests. Be sure you have the whole day and note gate closure times. Follow the directions for the Swan Falls Loop to Swan Falls Junction. Continue north along the ridge to Dilly Dally Peak, then follow the trail and access road back down to Powerhouse Road.
Buntzen Lake Trail
Hiking time: 4–5 hours return. Distance: 8 km. Elevation gain: 100 m.
Circle Buntzen Lake and enjoy the beautiful views of surrounding mountains. Starting at Buntzen Creek Bridge at the east side of South Beach, the trail leads north, passing several lake access points and viewpoints. After a short section along Powerhouse Road, the Buntzen Lake Trail resumes at the North Beach picnic area. From here, cross the suspension bridge to continue along the Buntzen Lake Trail or you can return along Powerhouse Road for a shorter, easier hike. The trail takes you through open areas underneath the powerline, through mature forest, across several bridges, then finally opens up onto Pumphouse Road. Follow this road south to the floating bridge across the southwest arm of Buntzen Lake. Cross the bridge and follow the trail back to South Beach.
Energy Trail
Hiking time: 30 minutes return. Distance: 1 km. Elevation gain: 15 m.
Looping around the wooded knoll southwest of the South Beach boat launch, this trail passes through a variety of forest landscapes and past attractive views of Buntzen Lake. Look for interpretive displays along the way.
Diez Vistas Trail
Hiking time: 6–8 hours return. Distance: 7 km (one way). Elevation gain: 460 m.
This route is recommended for experienced and fit hikers only. Spanish for "ten views", the Diez Vistas Trail is aptly named. Offering spectacular views of Vancouver's waterways and mountains, the Diez Vistas Trail commences near the floating bridge. Travelling uphill into the forest, cross the powerline and pipeline and continue along a series of switchbacks until the trail forks. The left trail leads to a viewpoint overlooking Indian Arm and the right leads to a view of South Beach and across to Eagle Ridge. After reaching the high point where the trails reunite, you travel along a forest trail that terminates at a BC Hydro service road. Keep right and follow the service road and transmission line (the Old Buntzen Lake Trail) back to the Buntzen Lake Trail, where a left turn will take you to the suspension bridge leading to North Beach. From here, follow either Powerhouse Road or the Buntzen Lake Trail back to South Beach.
Equestrian and mountain biking trails
Originally constructed and maintained for equestrian use, most of the following trails are open to hikers and mountain bikers as well. Some sections of these routes were constructed as trails, while other portions follow old logging road tracks and powerline rights-of-way.
Mountain bikers are permitted on access roads, transmission line roads, the short trails linking the two parking areas with the floating bridge and on the trails to Sasamat Lake and Eagle Bluff. Mountain bikers are requested to obey all posted signs.
Bear Claw/Saddle Ridge/Horseshoe Trails
Leading steeply up the mountainside into the cool, dark cedar and hemlock forests that blanket the slopes around Buntzen Lake, these trails form loops with Powerhouse Road and the Lakeview Trail and provide access to the Diez Vistas Trail and the trail to Sasamat Lake.
Lakeview Trail
Hiking time: 5–6 hours return. Distance: 6 km (one way). Elevation gain: 150 m.
Portions of this trail are very steep. Equestrians and mountain bike riders should only use this trail if experienced in steep mountain terrain riding. Providing an alternative route along Buntzen Lake's western shore, this trail weaves its way along Pumphouse Road from the main entrance gate, then connects with the transmission line heading north before slipping into the dense forest that enfolds Buntzen Ridge. The trail ends where it joins the Old Buntzen Lake Trail near North Beach.
Academy Trail
Hiking time: 2–2.5 hours (one way). Distance: 4 km. Elevation gain: 100 m.
The Academy Trail begins at the main entrance gate and extends north through a fern-filled forest paralleling the main access road to the equestrian parking lot. The trail then follows Rogue Creek to an open transmission line access road that joins with Powerhouse Road about halfway to North Beach.
Old Buntzen Lake Trail
Hiking time: 45 minutes (one way). Distance: 1.5 km. Elevation gain: 20 m.
Before the suspension bridge was built, this trail portion completed the loop around Buntzen Lake. Follow the transmission line north where it leaves the Buntzen Lake Trail. This leads you to a concrete water intake building. Here the trail cuts through the forest, joining Powerhouse Road immediately northwest of the dam.
Connector trails
The Dog Bypass, Pumphouse Road, Powerhouse Road, the South Beach Trail – there are many small connector trails around the main picnic area and entrance roads.
Why not plan your own loop? Take a copy of our trail map, pick your route and set out to explore Buntzen's unsurpassed scenery.
Please remain on the established trails!
Building your own connections and taking short cuts degrades the soil, disturbs or kills vegetation and alters habitat for small animals. Remember to allow yourself plenty of time to complete your route.
Dogs
Dogs are permitted on all trails at Buntzen Lake. All dogs must be on a leash except in the two designated off-leash areas or on the dog off-leash trail. The 0.6 km one-way dog off-leash trail starts to the south-east of the parking lots.
No comments:
Post a Comment