Eagle Bluffs Trail

Eagle Bluffs Trail is actually just outside Coquitlam, starting from the Buntzen Lake area near Anmore, but it’s close enough that locals from Coquitlam treat it as a go-to half-day hike. The trail is about 6.9 km out and back, with around 397 m of gain, and usually takes about two and a half hours. It’s rated moderate, but most people find the first section a solid workout and the rest more relaxed.

The climb up through the forest is the main effort, with some steep, narrow sections and sandy, sometimes slippery ground near the viewpoint. Once you hit the first Eagle Bluffs lookout, you get the main reward: views over Buntzen Lake and the surrounding mountains, partly broken up by powerlines. Past this viewpoint the trail turns into more of a calm forest and dirt-road walk with limited scenery, so many hikers turn around after soaking in the initial view.

Right now, recent hikers report that the trail is well maintained but dry and loose in spots, so proper hiking shoes are strongly recommended, and poles help a lot on the way down. Expect limited gravel parking, a gate that opens at 8 a.m., and the occasional construction-related access issue near the trailhead, so check current notices before you go and arrive early. This Eagle Bluffs Trail near Coquitlam is a good shoulder-season option with lighter crowds, but don’t come expecting a huge summit panorama; think solid exercise, quiet forest, and one decent viewpoint, then head home happy.