Widgeon Peak

Widgeon Peak is a serious grind above Coquitlam in Pinecone Burke Provincial Park, and it feels way more remote than its distance from the city suggests. The stats alone tell the story: about 10.5 km out-and-back with roughly 1400 m of gain to around 1430 m, rated extreme for good reason. This is not a quick 37‑minute stroll; expect a long, committing day that demands fitness, navigation skills, and a high tolerance for rough terrain.

The route usually starts from the end of Quarry Road, following the Widgeon Bowl Trail, also known as the Burke–Widgeon Connector, before branching onto a flagged ridge up to Widgeon Peak. Once you leave the main trail, it turns into a steep Class 3/4 scramble on a narrow, forested ridge with hands-on climbing and some exposure. On a clear day, the summit rewards you with wide views over Coquitlam, Burke Mountain, and the surrounding valleys that really drive home how wild this corner of Pinecone Burke still is.

Recent hikers report heavy overgrowth and thorny bushwhacking near the connector and beyond, with long stretches where the trail basically disappears under vegetation. Flagging is spotty, maintenance is poor, and navigation eats up time, so bring GPS, long sleeves, and expect to move slowly. This route is best in late summer and early fall once snow is gone; the area can be seasonally closed in winter, and dogs are not allowed. If you tackle Widgeon Peak from Coquitlam, go in with a strong party, extra daylight, and the mindset that the crux is just as much route-finding as it is climbing.