Skidder Loop

Skidder Loop in Maple Ridge is one of those forest hikes that feels more rugged than the stats suggest. It’s a 6.9 km loop with about 375 m of gain, topping out around 581 m, and most people clock in over the “average” 2.5 hours. Expect a solid moderate workout, a bit of route-finding, and a quiet feel compared to busier Maple Ridge trails.

The loop starts near Whonnock Creek where 287 Street meets 123 Avenue, using the Shotgun trailhead to climb up toward the main Skidder Loop. From there you wind through classic West Coast forest, with lush, mossy trees and a mix of hiking and mountain biking routes criss-crossing the hillside. On the way down you’ll likely hit segments of Lower Toad Stool and Bloggy Style before looping back via Skidder, with rolling ups and downs that keep your legs honest.

Recent hikers say the biggest challenge isn’t the elevation, it’s navigation: the mountain bike trails are well signed, but the hiking route for Skidder Loop is not, and many people find themselves off the AllTrails line more than once. Plan for it to take longer and feel a bit harder than the numbers suggest, download the map for offline use, and be ready to backtrack at junctions. There isn’t much natural water on route, so bring extra for dogs, and expect mud and slick roots in wetter months, with the trail feeling more straightforward and enjoyable in drier late spring to fall conditions.