Ferret, Holy Smoke, and Black Flies

Ferret, Holy Smoke, and Black Flies is a 7.2 km loop in the Blue Mountain area near Maple Ridge, British Columbia, with about 329 m of gain and a high point around 384 m. On paper it sounds like a quick, moderate outing at around an hour and a half, but this one is very much a motorized trail first and a hiking trail a distant second.

The loop winds through typical Maple Ridge forest on narrow dirt bike singletrack, with short climbs and descents and lots of twisting sections. Views are limited to the surrounding woods and occasional openings in the trees, and the real “feature” here is the network itself, which is designed for off-road riders to link together Ferret, Holy Smoke, Black Flies, and other lines into longer rides.

Current guidance from local groups is clear: the Blue Mountain Riding Area is designated for off-road motorcycles only, managed by the Blue Mountain Motorcycle Club and the BC Off Road Motorcycle Association. ATVs, 4x4s, and other off-highway vehicles are not allowed, and because the trails are built for high-speed bikes, hiking is not recommended due to safety concerns and conflict potential. If you’re looking to hike around Maple Ridge, it’s smarter to choose one of the many dedicated hiking routes nearby and leave Ferret, Holy Smoke, and Black Flies to the riders it was built for.