Little Knives - Datsun Alley - Pump It Up - Riley Falls

Little Knives – Datsun Alley – Pump It Up – Riley Falls is a mellow forest loop in Halfmoon Bay on the Sunshine Coast, ideal when you want time on your feet without a big climb. At 8.9 km with only about 212 m of gain and a max altitude around 211 m, it’s an easy loop that usually takes just over two hours. It’s more about quiet woods and steady movement than big viewpoints, which some people find a bit boring, but it delivers a solid low-key outing.

The loop starts just south of Trout Lake off Highway 101, then ducks into classic coastal forest right away. You follow Little Knives south, link into Datsun Alley, then swing onto Pump It Up and Riley Falls, weaving through mossy second-growth, roots, and a few short punchy rises. Views are mostly filtered trees and glimpses toward the highway, so the appeal here is the calm, the soft tread, and the steady rhythm rather than dramatic scenery.

Recent hikers say the Little Knives – Datsun Alley – Pump It Up – Riley Falls loop is well marked, in good shape, and surprisingly quiet in the woods despite being close to the road. Expect some mud and slick roots after rain, but nothing technical for anyone comfortable with easy trails. The route is open year-round, works well for hiking or a quick trail run, and dogs are allowed on leash, making it a reliable go-to when you just want an easy forest loop near Halfmoon Bay without worrying about conditions or crowds.