Coquitlam Lake View, Sawblade and Woodland Walk Loop

Coquitlam Lake View, Sawblade and Woodland Walk Loop is one of those Coquitlam hikes that feels way bigger than its stats. This 11.6 km loop packs in about 661 m of gain to around 932 m, and most people are out there for 4–5 hours, depending on breaks and route choices. It’s rated challenging for a reason: long forest climbs, rocky sections, creek crossings, and a steep final pull to the new Coquitlam Lake viewpoint.

The loop links together Coquitlam Lake View, Sawblade Falls, and Woodland Walk, so the terrain changes a lot. Expect a mix of gravel roads, rooty singletrack, and rocky stretches, with three waterfalls to break up the grind, including Sawblade Falls, which is the standout. The left side of the loop has more scenery, and the “new” Coquitlam Lake lookout gives the best reward, with views over Coquitlam Lake and south toward Burrard Inlet on a clear day, while the old viewpoint is now mostly grown in.

Recent hikers report the trail as well marked overall, but there are a few confusing junctions, so having a GPS map helps, especially on the way down. Sections can be muddy with some loose rock, creek crossings vary with rain, and the last climb to the new viewpoint is very steep, more of a tree-grab scramble than a proper trail, so poles and good footwear are smart. Expect bugs in warmer months, gunshot noise from the nearby range near the start, limited roadside parking with no washrooms, and a small, busy viewpoint area, so timing your trip for a quieter evening or shoulder season can make Coquitlam Lake View, Sawblade and Woodland Walk Loop a lot more enjoyable.