South Slope Trail

South Slope Trail in Coquitlam climbs the south side of Burke Mountain and feels longer and tougher than the stats suggest. The route runs about 13.8 km return with roughly 781 m of gain, topping out near 1070 m, and usually takes around five hours for strong hikers. It’s a steady, challenging grind through classic Coquitlam forest that rewards you with quiet lakes, creek crossings, and a bonus view toward Coquitlam Mountain if you know where to look.

The trail follows a mix of old roads and singletrack, crossing bike trails and side routes, so you’ll want to keep an eye on your map. As you climb, the forest opens up around small lakes like Lily Pad Lake and a string of ponds near the top, with an obvious side spur leading to the Coquitlam Mountain viewpoint. Views from Burke Ridge itself are limited, and the official South Slope Trail technically ends at a junction that can feel a bit anticlimactic, but you can extend the day by continuing along Burke Ridge Trail or exploring connected routes.

Recent hikers report mostly dry tread in late summer and fall, with just a few muddy patches and easy creek crossings, plus fall colours starting in the ground cover. In late fall, winter, and spring, expect deep, slushy snow above about 800–900 m, slow post-holing near the lakes, tricky high-water crossings near Sweaty Falls, and the real possibility of soaking your feet. Navigation can be confusing where flagging is sparse, so download a GPS track, carry microspikes in the shoulder seasons, and stay bear aware, as fresh tracks near Lily Pad Lake are not unusual on South Slope Trail.