Little Goat Mountain and Dam Mountain Loop

Little Goat Mountain and Dam Mountain Loop in North Vancouver is a compact alpine hit with a big payoff. At 5.6 km with about 298 m of elevation gain and a high point around 1,345 m, it’s rated moderate, but feels like a “real mountain” hike without eating your whole day. Most people wrap it up in around two hours, though you’ll want extra time up top if the clouds cooperate.

The loop links Little Goat and Dam Mountain, so you get a mix of rocky, rooty climbs and smoother alpine trail. On clear days you score a full 360-degree view, with Crown Mountain front and center and the city and inlets dropping away below. It also pairs well as an add-on to the Grouse Grind or BCMC if you still have gas in the tank.

Recent hikers report classic North Vancouver conditions: muddy and slippery sections after rain, some lingering snow higher up, and a few short scrambly bits that can feel sketchy for beginners. Microspikes have been handy but not always essential; still, proper footwear, layers, and a cautious approach on snow are key. Expect clouds to roll in fast and kill the views, bugs on the way up but fewer at the top, and quieter trails midweek. Salmonberries, berries, and blueberries ripen through summer, and the Little Goat Mountain and Dam Mountain Loop usually runs best from July to October, outside of the heavier snow season and any resort-related closures.