Goose Lake Trail

Goose Lake Trail in Pitt Meadows is short on distance but big on effort. This 3.1 km out-and-back climbs about 186 m, and most of that feels front-loaded, with a steep road walk and then a rocky, rooty start that wakes up your legs fast. If you like a bit of a grind followed by a quiet lake and a cold dip, this one hits the mark.

The approach is a bit odd: you park by the golf course, then walk up a steep road with gun range warning signs before the actual Goose Lake Trail tucks off to the left. Once you’re in the forest, expect loose rock, creek sections, and some overgrown stretches where branches and brush are in your face. The payoff is a calm little lake, a small waterfall along the way, and a tucked-away feel with old odds and ends like a rope swing and canoe adding to the character.

Right now, the Goose Lake Trail is rough, poorly marked, and closer to a light backcountry outing than a city park stroll. GPS or an app like AllTrails is pretty much mandatory, especially with confusing spray-painted “no exit” signs and faint sections of trail. Count on mud near the lake, slick rocks in wet or fall conditions, and some bushwhacking higher up; sturdy footwear, trekking poles, and some experience with uneven terrain go a long way. Summer and early fall are the friendliest seasons, but even then this is better suited to confident hikers than true beginners, and you should stay alert for wildlife, including the odd black bear.