Houston Trail

Houston Trail in Maple Ridge is one of those easy local loops you end up coming back to over and over. At 4.2 km with only 57 m of gain, it’s a very easy, family-friendly forest walk that most people finish in under an hour. Locals call it the “roller coaster” thanks to the gentle ups and downs, but it never feels hard, just like a mellow conditioning loop.

The Houston Trail loop is wide, well‑gravelled, and clearly marked the whole way, winding through tall second‑growth forest with plenty of shade. You get short peeks over wetlands and the Fraser River area, plus a viewing deck with fixed binoculars that’s a fun stop for birdwatching. Go clockwise if you want a slightly steeper hill to get your heart rate up, or counter‑clockwise for an even more relaxed walk.

Right now, Houston Trail is in great shape: wide, dry gravel for the most part, but expect horse manure in spots and occasional bear scat, so keep dogs leashed as required and stay alert. It can get busy on weekends and afternoons, and parking is limited, so mornings are quieter. In winter and early spring the shaded sections can turn icy and slick, so small spikes or poles help; in late summer, watch for blackberries along the heritage loop extension and enjoy the extra viewpoint over the Fraser River.