Marv, Bigguns and the Cherry Tomato

Marv, Bigguns and the Cherry Tomato is a 6.8 km loop in the Mission Municipal Forest above Mission, BC, and it’s very much a locals’ trail. The stats sound friendly enough at 316 m of gain and a high point around 544 m, but it’s a steady, leg-warming climb that earns its moderate rating and usual 2 hour plus outing. It’s quiet, rough around the edges, and feels more like a working forest trail than a polished tourist hike.

The loop weaves through second-growth forest and mountain bike lines, with short viewpoints rather than big open panoramas. You’ll spend most of your time under trees, on dirt and roots, crossing the occasional slushy or muddy patch depending on season. The appeal of Marv, Bigguns and the Cherry Tomato is more about a solid workout close to Mission than about big views.

Current reports matter here. Recent hikers mention lots of snow and slush near the top, with some slick sections where microspikes would have helped, and the trail is not maintained in winter, so expect deadfall and rough tread in spring. This is an active mountain biking zone and reviews are clear: hikers are often dodging fast riders, with jumps and features built into the trail, and many walkers feel it’s safer to choose another Mission hike if you don’t want that stress. If you do go, check the City of Mission trail updates for any seasonal closures, go early or on bad-weather days to avoid bike traffic, and be ready to yield quickly on narrow, overgrown sections.