Low Knoll: Lodge - Fern - Mid-Marsh

Low Knoll: Lodge – Fern – Mid-Marsh in Coquitlam is a short, easy loop with a lot more going on than the stats suggest. At 3.7 km with about 140 m of gain, it’s a quick 1-hour outing that mixes forest, marsh, and a surprisingly solid viewpoint for the effort. It’s family-friendly and fine for newer hikers, but you still feel like you’ve actually been out on a “real” trail.

The loop links the Lodge, Fern, and Mid-Marsh sections, so you get shaded forest walking, cool wetland views, and that classic low knoll lookout over the Fraser River and across to Mount Baker on a clear day. The path is well-groomed overall, but expect a few short, steeper slopes and some roots and rocks that keep it from feeling like a city sidewalk. Marsh sections are great for spotting birds, beavers, cranes, and all kinds of small critters, and in fall there are mushrooms everywhere and in summer you might be dodging toads and slugs underfoot.

Right now, the big story on this trail is bears. Hikers are regularly seeing black bears and cubs right on or beside the path and even along the road to the parking lot, so bring bear spray, make noise, and don’t hike this loop alone if that makes you nervous. Bug spray is a must in warmer months around the wetlands, and some lower sections can be closed or flagged for endangered toad crossings, so check signs and be prepared to adjust your route. Trails drain fairly well but the steeper bits can get slick when wet, so take your time, keep dogs leashed, and treat Low Knoll: Lodge – Fern – Mid-Marsh like the real wildlife habitat it is, not just another city park loop.