Academy, Eagle Bluff, Halvor Lunden Trail

Academy, Eagle Bluff, Halvor Lunden Trail is a solid grind with big payoffs above Buntzen Lake in the Coquitlam/Anmore area. This 6.6 km loop gains about 579 m and tops out around 663 m, so it feels steep and earns its “challenging” label, but it’s short enough to knock off in about three hours. If you like a bit of sweat, some quiet forest, and ridge views without committing to a full-day epic, this one fits the bill.

Most hikers tackle the loop from the parking lot and push straight up to the Polytrichum lookout, either clockwise or counterclockwise depending on preference, but either way the first half is the workout. The climb is pretty much straight up through classic coastal forest, with a few rough, narrow sections and minor scrambling as you link Halvor Lunden to the Eagle Bluff viewpoint. On a clear day you’re rewarded with big views over Buntzen Lake and Eagle Ridge, and on foggy days it can feel moody and quiet, with very few people around.

Recent reports mention steep, muddy sections on the way to the first lookout, and in late winter and early spring you can expect lingering snow and ice up high, so spikes are strongly recommended until it fully melts out. The upper viewpoints can be slick, while the lower circuit tends to stay snow free and more relaxed, so adjust your loop if you’re not in the mood for a full grind. The trail is generally easy to follow, but some spurs to viewpoints are less obvious, so having a map downloaded is smart, and the main hiking season for Academy, Eagle Bluff, Halvor Lunden Trail in Coquitlam runs best from April through September.