Lost Lake via Fisherman's Trail

Lost Lake via Fisherman’s Trail is a long, steady grind deep in the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve in North Vancouver, and it feels a lot wilder than the low elevation suggests. At 26.4 km out and back with about 480 m of gain, it’s a challenging day that’s more about distance and rhythm than steep climbs. Expect a solid 6+ hours on your feet, with long stretches of quiet forest and very few crowds once you’re away from the main access areas.

The route on Fisherman’s Trail and the connecting roads is mostly wide gravel, with some sections of asphalt that hikers often find a bit dull, so many locals prefer routing via the Homestead side to stay on softer forest trail. Views are limited: you’re walking under tall trees, along the river and through the valley, with only occasional openings and a modest lookout at the Hydraulic Connector gazebo. Lost Lake itself has a cool “backcountry” feel, ringed by mountains and driftwood, and reaching the shore means carefully picking your way across soggy ground and floating logs.

Right now, Lost Lake via Fisherman’s Trail is in good shape for hiking and light mountain biking, but the lake water has been murky after dry spells and isn’t great for swimming. The approach to the shore is soft, boggy, and easy to slip into, so waterproof footwear and trekking poles help. The Fisherman’s Trail slide area is open again with a rough detour where you’ll need to walk your bike, bug spray is a must in warmer months, and this long, low-elevation valley route works well almost year-round as a cool-weather hike, long walk, or gravel ride when higher alpine trails are still snowed in.