Weaver Lake Trail

Weaver Lake Trail near Harrison and Hemlock Valley is one of those loops that feels more remote than it really is. The 6.9 km circuit rolls gently around the lake with only about 153 m of gain, topping out around 309 m, so on paper it’s an easy hike in under two hours. In reality, recent visitors are calling it more of a low-end moderate because of trail conditions, but the quiet forest and calm water keep people coming back.

The loop around Weaver Lake is classic coastal forest: big trees, moss, and a narrow singletrack hugging the shoreline. There are a couple of small creek crossings where old bridges are gone, so you’re balancing on logs and dealing with slick rocks. On a calm day the reflections on the lake are great, and if you time it right, a swim at the campground side of the lake at the end of your loop is the highlight.

Current reports say Weaver Lake Trail is overgrown in sections with blackberry, dense foliage, and quite a few fallen trees, so expect wet legs, some light bushwhacking, and watch your footing on hidden roots. There have been wasp and hornet nests along the route, plus a bear spotted in the area, so bring spray, make noise, and avoid lingering if you see insects swarming. Access can be hit-or-miss: the gate to the campground near Harrison is sometimes closed, with a $10 day-use or parking fee when open, and some hikers have been turned away, so have a backup plan and be ready to walk extra distance from outside the gate, especially in shoulder season or winter when the park may be considered closed.