Mike Lake Trail via Main Horse Corral

Mike Lake Trail via Main Horse Corral is a mellow forest walk in Golden Ears Provincial Park near Maple Ridge, British Columbia. At about 10.3 km out-and-back with roughly 345 m of gain, it’s an easy hike that most people wrap up in around three hours, with enough incline to feel like you actually went for a hike without getting worked over.

The route starts from the Main Horse Corral on a wide, mostly flat path under tall trees, quiet and shaded, which makes it a solid option on hot or rainy days. As you climb toward Mike Lake, the grade ramps up but stays manageable, and the forest stays the star of the show: big trees, lush greenery, and a calm, “forest bathing” kind of vibe more than big viewpoints. The lake itself is small and low-key, with a dock where people like to sit, have a snack, and enjoy the still water before heading back.

Current reports say the main Mike Lake Trail is generally well maintained, but the Mike Lake loop section is the rough part: muddy, slippery when wet, lots of exposed roots, and several fallen trees, especially on the north side. Some signage at forks is confusing, and there are a few missing planks on a bridge, so having a map and watching your footing helps. Expect mud and “trail-as-creek” conditions in wet weather, and know that the park road sometimes closes, though you can usually still walk in from 240th or the Horse Corral; free parking at the corral and leashed dogs make this an easy-going Maple Ridge forest hike most of the year.