Cypress Lake and White Rock Loop

Cypress Lake and White Rock Loop in Coquitlam is one of those routes that feels way more remote than its location suggests. This 11.1 km loop climbs about 628 m to just under 1,000 m, so expect a solid workout and a challenging outing that usually takes just over 4 hours for most hikers.

The loop mixes logging road grinds with more interesting singletrack, with White Rock delivering the payoff views over the surrounding valleys and forest. On a clear day, you get wide open sightlines and a real sense of being up in the backcountry, even though you started in Coquitlam. The flip side is that the approach can feel long and repetitive, so this is more about the journey and the quiet than constant viewpoints.

Right now, Cypress Lake and White Rock Loop is not a good choice for a full push. Past the first viewpoint and Spahatts Ridge, the “trail” pretty much disappears under deep, slushy then fluffy snow, with hidden holes, sketchy snow bridges, and legit hazard where people have punched through into 10+ foot drops. There are also big bear tracks and even bear scat reported, so this is prime wildlife territory. Unless you’re very experienced, carrying snowshoes and full safety gear, stick to the lower section and wait until late spring or summer, when the snow has melted, signage is visible, footing is solid, and this Coquitlam loop becomes a much safer and more enjoyable outing.