Lindsay Lake Trail

Lindsay Lake Trail in Coquitlam is one of those routes that feels bigger than the stats suggest. It’s a 12.6 km out-and-back with about 983 m of gain up to roughly 1115 m, rated difficult for good reason: it’s steep, sustained, and you earn every viewpoint. Expect around 5.5 hours on the move if you’re reasonably fit, plus extra time for photos and lake breaks.

The climb starts in classic coastal forest, with a steady grind through roots, rocks, and short viewpoints that tease what’s coming. Higher up, the Lindsay Lake area and nearby ponds give you calm water views in winter and shoulder season, while the Pulpit lookout is the real payoff, with wide open views over the Tri-Cities and Indian Arm on a clear day. The trail is generally well maintained, but it feels rugged and remote enough that you know you’re in the backcountry, not a city park.

Recent hikers on Lindsay Lake Trail report lots of snow and mud lingering around the lakes and upper sections, with deep snow starting around 600–700 m and still present near the top. Route-finding can get tricky near the lakes when the snow covers markers, so downloading a map is smart, and many people are choosing the west trail up and down until the east side melts out. Bring proper waterproof boots, microspikes, and even snowshoes in late winter and early spring, start early to avoid gate and daylight issues, and expect it to feel closer to a full-day effort than a casual walk, especially outside the main summer season.