Bear Claw Loop

Bear Claw Loop in Maple Ridge, British Columbia is a short, easy wander that still feels like a real forest outing. At 2.4 km with only about 65 m of gain and a high point around 167 m, it’s more of a relaxed stroll than a grind, usually done in under 40 minutes. It’s a good choice if you want a quick hit of trees and quiet without committing to a big hike.

The Bear Claw Loop trail twists through classic West Coast forest, with narrow singletrack and that soft, mossy underfoot feel in places. Intersections with other trails come up fast and aren’t always marked, so it can feel like you’ve drifted off route even when you haven’t. Expect a mix of hikers, mountain bikers, and sometimes horseback riders, but outside peak times it stays fairly calm.

Recent reports mention a black bear encounter about halfway around, so bring bear spray, make noise, and give wildlife plenty of space. The Maple Ridge area holds moisture, and Bear Claw Loop is often muddy, so waterproof shoes are a smart call, especially from winter through spring. Have a GPS app or offline map handy to stay on track at the junctions, and aim for January through October for the best conditions and daylight.