Hayward Lake

Hayward Lake in Mission, BC is a long, satisfying loop on paper, but right now it’s more of a choose‑your‑own‑adventure. The classic 17.4 km Hayward Lake loop with about 352 m of gain is rated moderate and usually takes around 4 to 4.5 hours, but ongoing closures mean you should treat it as a collection of linked sections rather than a clean circuit. The payoff is a big lake, quiet forest, and a good cardio workout without serious alpine exposure.

The east side, known as the Hayward Reservoir Trail, is the star of the show, with closer lake views, a waterfall, and rolling hills that keep your heart rate up without feeling extreme. The west side, the Railway Trail, is wider and more straightforward, better for running but a bit monotonous compared to the reservoir side. Expect pink markers along the way, but don’t rely on them alone; there are side trails and junctions where a map or GPS keeps you from wandering onto the wrong path.

Current reality: the full Hayward Lake loop is technically closed and has been for years due to the decommissioned Hairsine Inlet floating bridge and landslide issues. There are rough, unsanctioned detours with blowdowns, broken bridges, bushwhacking, and even a creek crossing where some hikers remove their shoes, plus danger and no‑trespassing signs you’re expected to respect. Treat this as an out‑and‑back on the better‑maintained sections from the BC Hydro recreation areas, check the BC Hydro Hayward Lake page and local fire risk updates before you go, bring poles if you’re exploring rougher segments, and save time for a swim or dog‑friendly beach stop at the end of your day.