Intake Pond Trail

Intake Pond Trail is a solid moderate hike just south of Squamish, starting from the Furry Creek area off the Sea to Sky Highway. It’s an 11.3 km out-and-back with about 519 m of gain, usually taking just under 4 hours, so it’s a good half-day mission without wiping you out. The route is popular with locals for hiking and mountain biking, so expect some company, especially on weekends.

The trail climbs steadily on old roads and forest paths, winding through classic coastal forest with plenty of shade and a few open stretches where you get partial views toward Howe Sound and the surrounding hills. It’s more about the journey than a single huge viewpoint, with the turnaround at Intake Pond offering a quiet, calm spot for a break and a snack. The grade is consistent rather than brutal, so most reasonably fit hikers will find Intake Pond Trail challenging enough to feel like a workout but still manageable.

Intake Pond Trail near Squamish is usually accessible year-round, though in winter and early spring you can hit snow, ice, and slush higher up, so microspikes are smart if it’s been cold. The area sees logging and bike traffic, so keep an eye out for signage, active roads, and riders on the descents. Bring good waterproof footwear, expect some mud after rain, and pack extra layers since the forest can feel cool and damp even when it’s warmer down by the highway.