Harrison Lookout Trail

Harrison Lookout Trail is a short, sharp grind with a big payoff above Harrison, BC. This 3.7 km out-and-back climb gains about 344 m and usually takes around 1 hour 50 minutes, but it feels steeper than the numbers suggest. If you like old fire towers, quiet forest, and a bit of a leg-burner, this one is worth the rough approach.

The trail heads straight uphill almost right away, with a steady, sometimes very steep climb on loose rock, sandy sections, and shale. It’s overgrown in spots, with bushes brushing your legs and a fair bit of deadfall to climb over, so expect to duck, step over, and occasionally scramble. Views open up near the top and from the old Harrison lookout tower, where you can soak in the surrounding hills and valleys and, on a clear day, a wide sweep of the Fraser Valley.

Recent hikers report lots of fallen logs, overgrown stretches, and a long, potholed forest service road drive to the trailhead, though the route itself is well marked. Ticks are a real issue here right now, with people pulling several off themselves and their dogs, so wear long sleeves and pants, use repellent, and do a full check after. Bring hiking boots, poles, and rain gear if it’s wet, as the brush holds water and the sandy sections get slick; there are no water sources on Harrison Lookout Trail, so pack plenty, and aim for late spring to fall when snow is gone and the road is usually passable.