Brothers Creek Trail - Lost Lake Trail - Baden-Powell Trail

The Brothers Creek Trail - Lost Lake Trail - Baden-Powell Trail loop in West Vancouver is one of the North Shore’s best forest hikes if you like a bit of challenge without huge elevation. At 7.1 km with about 450 m of gain, it’s rated moderate, but the roots, logs, and creek crossings make it feel more “technical” than the stats suggest. Expect about three hours on trail if you stop at the lakes and take your time.

Most locals hike this loop counterclockwise, heading up Brothers Creek Trail, tagging Lost Lake and Blue Gentian Lake, then cruising down the Baden-Powell Trail. The climb follows the creek in deep, green forest, with huge old-growth trees, constant roots underfoot, and a few narrow, confusing junctions where having a GPS map really helps. After the lakes, the character changes: the west side and Baden-Powell are smoother, more open, and better for jogging back down toward Millstream Road.

Recent reports mention poor marking in spots, some big downed trees to climb over, and occasional closures or advisories near Blue Gentian Lake for problem bears, especially in feeding season, so check signs and give wildlife lots of space. In summer and early fall, creek levels are usually low and crossings are easy, but in heavy rain or during spring snowmelt, the bridgeless creeks between Lost Lake and Baden-Powell can be completely uncrossable. Through fall and winter, expect mud, slick roots, and, higher up, packed snow and ice where microspikes help; parking is along Millstream Road, so arrive early on clear weekends and be ready for a quiet, shaded loop that feels far from West Vancouver traffic.