Stave Dam Forest Interpretation Trail

Stave Dam Forest Interpretation Trail in Mission is a short loop with more punch than the stats suggest. At just 1.8 km with about 133 m of gain, it’s a quick 45-minute outing that feels like a real hike, not just a stroll. The payoff is a quiet forest climb to a lookout over the dam, waterfall, and surrounding trees, with far fewer people than nearby Mission hotspots.

The loop starts off steep, so expect your legs and lungs to wake up fast, especially if you’re getting back into hiking. Roots and branches form natural steps most of the way up, and the forest is thick, mossy, and green, with ravens and hawks often circling and calling overhead, which gives the place a bit of an eerie vibe in a good way. Do the Stave Dam Forest Interpretation Trail clockwise, following the numbered signs from 1, and you’ll hit the lookout near the top before looping back down on a more relaxed descent.

Recent hikers say the trail is well maintained and usually dry, but it can get slick when it’s raining, so decent shoes are important. It’s rated moderate, but kids and newer hikers are managing it fine, as long as they’re ready for a short, steep start. Expect mosquitoes in warmer months, parking at a small roadside pullout, and generally very light traffic, especially on weekdays. The trail is best from late winter through fall, but always check Mission’s forestry trail updates for any seasonal closures, and pack out all your garbage to keep this little local gem in good shape.