Erin Moore Trail

Erin Moore Trail is a rugged 9 km loop above Lions Bay in West Vancouver, climbing about 700 m to around 611 m. It’s rated challenging for good reason: technical terrain, steep sections, and a creek crossing that can turn people back in spring or after heavy rain. If you like quieter trails with big views and don’t mind working for them, this one feels like a local secret compared to nearby hotspots.

The loop winds through classic coastal forest, with mossy singletrack, roots, rocks, and a few sketchy old bridges to keep you on your toes. Most hikers recommend doing Erin Moore Trail counterclockwise so you hit the Cosmo Bluff viewpoint earlier, then enjoy a more relaxed finish. Views from Cosmo Bluff are wide open and often compared favourably to Tunnel Bluffs, while the “enchanted forest” memorial for Erin Moore near the start adds a thoughtful, very human touch to the day.

Current reports say the trail is rough in spots, overgrown after the creek, and slippery even on dry days, so good footwear and poles are smart. The creek crossing ranges from easy with wet feet in late summer to dangerous or impassable in spring runoff or after long rain, and wasps have been an issue near the bridge in warmer months, though recent hikers note warning signs and fewer stings in colder weather. Expect limited street parking near the trailhead at the end of Oceanview, off-leash dogs with responsible owners, and the best overall experience from May to October when water levels are lower and route-finding is easier.