Menzies Trail to West Canyon

Menzies Trail to West Canyon in Maple Ridge runs 7.9 km through the lower reaches of Golden Ears Provincial Park, with only 183 m of gain and a mellow high point around 300 m. It’s rated easy and usually takes about two hours, so the effort comes more from distance than climbing. This used to be a straightforward forest wander, but current closures have changed the experience a bit.

On the open sections of Menzies Trail to West Canyon, you get classic Maple Ridge forest: wide, mostly flat trail under tall trees, with stretches of rocky tread and the odd small waterfall or creek crossing. There aren’t big viewpoints, but the calm, shaded woods and the occasional peek toward the river and stony beach keep it interesting. You can treat it as a point-to-point or improvise an out-and-back using connecting paths where access is still allowed.

Right now, much of the trail is closed due to unsafe conditions, so expect to be rerouted and to spend time walking alongside the road instead of staying in the forest the whole way. Check the latest Golden Ears Park advisories before you go, and be ready for wet sections, softball-sized rocks, and some standing water depending on the season. Spring through fall is the most comfortable window, dogs must stay leashed, and sturdy footwear makes a big difference on the rocky, sometimes soaked stretches of this otherwise easy Maple Ridge hike.