Eagle Ridge Trail

Eagle Ridge Trail sits above Coquitlam and Anmore and has a bit of a reputation: long, steep, and totally worth it if you’re here for ridge views instead of lakeside lounging. The loop is about 14–14.5 km with around 1,000 m of gain, and most people need about 6 hours, so it’s a full-day grind, not a casual stroll. Think big climb, big descent, and a lot of work in between.

The hike up Eagle Ridge is pretty straightforward but relentlessly uphill until you gain the ridge. Going counterclockwise gives you the viewpoints first, with Spahats Ridge, Little Valhalla, Barton Point, and especially the Pulpit all offering wide views over Buntzen Lake, Vancouver, and out toward Surrey and Langley. The lakes section near Wren Lake and Lindsay Lake is more about quiet forest and small ponds than big scenery, and that side of the loop is often overgrown, muddy, and easy to wander off if you’re not paying attention.

Right now, the big red flag on Eagle Ridge Trail is wasps: there are reports of very active nests along the trail and signs posted at the trailheads, so many locals are straight up recommending you pick a different hike until that calms down. Higher up, expect lingering snow patches into late spring and early summer, especially around the lakes and near the Pulpit, plus hidden mud holes on the east loop. Strong footwear, poles, offline maps, and bug spray are smart, and most people stick to the viewpoint side and turn around instead of completing the full loop when snow, bugs, or brush are bad.