Frank's Trail

Frank’s Trail in Coquitlam is one of those lower Burke Mountain routes locals use when they just want a quiet walk in the woods without a big mission. It’s an easy 4.7 km out-and-back with about 179 m of gain, usually wrapped up in around an hour and a half, and it feels more like a mellow forest wander than a summit push. No big viewpoint payoff, but if you’re into trees, moss, and calm, it does the job.

The route winds through classic coastal forest, with tall evergreens, filtered light, and that damp, earthy smell Burke is known for. You’ll share Frank’s Trail with mountain bikers at times, since much of it runs through bike-oriented terrain, so keep your head up at crossings and corners. The “end” is low-key, just connecting into other trails rather than a lookout, which some hikers find underwhelming, but the walk itself is the main appeal.

Recent hikers say the trail can be confusing at the start and is mostly unmarked, so having a GPS map handy is smart, especially if you’re mixing old Frank’s and new Frank’s into a loop. Expect packed dirt that can turn slick, and in colder or wet spells it can get icy, so microspikes are a good call in winter. It’s generally quiet, great for well-controlled dogs, but remember you’re on and around private land on Burke Mountain, so respect signs, yield to bikes, and don’t expect much in the way of facilities or viewpoints—this is a simple Coquitlam forest walk, not a big alpine day.