Mushroom and Incline Trail Loop

Mushroom and Incline Trail Loop in North Vancouver is a quick hit of forest time without committing your whole day. At 3.2 km with about 150 m of gain, it’s an easy loop that most people finish in just over an hour, making it a solid choice if you live nearby or want to stretch your legs before heading deeper into the mountains.

The loop links the Mushroom Trail and Incline Trail, mixing smoother gravel sections with a rougher, rockier stretch on the Incline side. You’re mostly in typical North Vancouver second-growth forest, with tall trees, mossy ground, and the odd opening, but don’t expect big viewpoints here; this one is more about moving through the woods than scoring a panorama.

Recent hikers call Mushroom and Incline Trail Loop a bit mediocre for views, and they’re right: if you’re chasing scenery, you’re better off driving farther up into the mountains. As a close-to-town walk, though, it works well, especially from April to October when the trail is usually clear, but it can be muddy after rain and is shared heavily with mountain bikes, so going counterclockwise and staying alert helps. There’s trailhead parking at the Vancouver Picnic Area lot, dogs are allowed on leash, and this loop is best treated as an easy conditioning walk or a low-commitment outing rather than a destination hike.