Sugar Mountain Loop

Sugar Mountain Loop sits above Sasamat Lake in Anmore, just north of Coquitlam, and is a solid choice if you like quiet forest over big viewpoints. The loop is about 6.8 km with 371 m of gain, usually taking around two and a half hours, and most people find it on the tougher side of moderate thanks to the steady climbs. Expect a calm, low-traffic trail rather than a social hike, especially on weekdays and early mornings.

The route starts with a decent grind that gets your legs and lungs working, then eases into rolling terrain as you circle Sugar Mountain. You’ll move through classic coastal forest with cedar, maple, and Douglas fir, lots of mossy sections, fungi, slugs, and birds, and only a partial viewpoint near the high point where you peek between trees toward Sasamat Lake and Indian Arm. Some hikers link Sugar Mountain Loop into bigger days between Buntzen Lake and Sasamat, but on its own it’s more about the forest atmosphere than open vistas.

Recent reports say the trail is generally in good shape, but conditions swing with the weather: expect wet, muddy, and sometimes flooded sections on the south side, slippery rocks after rain, and occasional downed trees you’ll need to step over or duck under. The route has multiple forks and limited signage, so bring a map app and follow the markers closely, especially on the ascent toward Sugar Mountain. This loop is hikeable year-round out of Anmore, though it feels best in shoulder season or on cool summer days; keep an eye out for bear sign, respect the paid parking at White Pine Beach, and know that off-leash dogs are common even though they’re supposed to be leashed.