Viewpoint Trail via Viking Trail and Menzies Trail

Viewpoint Trail via Viking Trail and Menzies Trail is a short, punchy loop in Golden Ears Provincial Park near Maple Ridge, BC, and it packs more workout than the stats suggest. On paper it’s about 3.2 km with roughly 218 m of gain up to around 403 m, but most hikers’ GPS tracks show it closer to 4–5 km, and many people take closer to two hours with breaks. Expect a quiet forest hike, some modest viewpoints over the lake and creek, and a leg-burning climb or descent depending on which way you tackle the loop.

The route winds through classic West Coast forest, with soft, mostly non-rooty tread and the sound of streams all around. You’ll cross a new bridge, pass a big rock that marks the start of the real climb, and then grind up through trees to a partially obscured viewpoint that still gives a decent look at the lake and a small waterfall. Songbirds are common, deer sightings aren’t unusual, and the Viking section in particular feels peaceful and far less busy than the main Golden Ears routes.

Recent hikers say the trail is in good shape and surprisingly soft underfoot, but steep, especially on the Viking Trail descent if you go clockwise. Locals strongly recommend hiking Viewpoint Trail via Viking Trail and Menzies Trail counterclockwise from the West Canyon parking lot so the steepest section is on the ascent and easier on your knees. Expect some downed trees to climb over or under, lots of small streams, and views that are decent but not dramatic; sturdy hiking footwear and poles help, and the loop is hikeable year-round, though winter and early spring bring extra mud, slick roots, and the usual Golden Ears rain.