Coquitlam Lake View Trail

Coquitlam Lake View Trail is one of those hikes in Coquitlam that feels mellow at first and then suddenly turns into a real grind. This 10.8 km out-and-back with about 610 m of gain doesn’t sound terrible on paper, but most people agree it earns its “challenging” label, especially in the final kilometre. You get a mix of wide gravel, old logging road, and rough singletrack, with a big payoff view over Coquitlam Lake, the city, and surrounding mountains on a clear day.

The first stretch up from the trailhead is straightforward on a gravel road to the power lines, then you slip into forest on older road and proper trail. It’s shaded almost the whole way, with creeks, small waterfalls, and in fall and November, loads of mushrooms, moss, and lichens to check out. Past the waterfall the character changes fast: it gets steeper, rockier, and then very steep near the “new” lookout, where there’s a short scramble and a small but impressive rock perch with the best view of the lake and Lower Mainland.

Recent hikers on Coquitlam Lake View Trail report muddy sections, washed-out bits, and creek crossings that can be sketchy or even impassable right after heavy rain, so avoid stormy periods and bring waterproof shoes. Poles are strongly recommended for the steep final 5–10 minutes and the descent, and an offline map helps where markers thin out. Expect some mountain bikes, summer mosquitoes, possible bear sightings, and parking to fill by late morning; most locals aim for a cool, clear day between spring and late fall to make the most of the view and the mostly shaded climb.