High Knoll: Meadow - Mid-Marsh - Quarry

High Knoll: Meadow – Mid-Marsh – Quarry is one of those quick-hit trails that feels way bigger than it looks on the map. Tucked just above the marshes near Pitt Meadows, this 4.7 km out-and-back gains about 200 metres and usually takes around an hour and a half, even with photo stops. It’s rated easy, but still gives you enough uphill to feel like you actually went for a hike.

The route rolls from flat marsh and bridge crossings into a steady forest climb toward High Knoll, with shady sections that stay cool even on warm days. From the top, you get wide views over the marsh, the Pitt River, and surrounding lowlands, with fireweed and new growth starting to fill in burned areas. On calm days you’ll hear ducks in the wetlands, spot the odd grouse, and in summer people often see clouds of tiny toadlets near the bridges.

Right now the High Knoll: Meadow – Mid-Marsh – Quarry trail is in good shape, mostly dry and not too muddy, but the steeper rocky bits can get slick in the rain, so decent footwear helps. This is an easy, family-friendly and dog-friendly hike, but it’s very much bear country; recent hikers have seen a young bear on the trail and a sow with a cub near Mid-Marsh, so carry bear spray, make noise, and give wildlife space. Go early, ideally before 9 am, for cooler temps, quieter trails, better parking, and clearer views if wildfire smoke is around in the Lower Mainland.