Outside of the city and away from the the traffic - on the trail I mean! This hike is great - the first hour is the real cardio-boost, followed by a mix of interesting clambering conditions (you've got roots, rocks, trees, lakes and more!). Fantastic viewpoints and flora and fauna all the way. On those hot summer days, you can even go for a dip in Buntzen lake at the bottom when finished!
Directions:
From Lougheed Highway in Coquitlam, go west (turn left) along Barnett highway into Port Moody. Turn right on Ioco Road, then follow the signs to Buntzen lake (about 6km). Stay in the topmost parking lot in the park, and walk back along the entrance road to the gate on your left - the trail head is marked the Halvor Lunden trail. About ten minutes in (along the rocks), the real fun begins at the trailhead on your right.
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ByPosted By: Dennisone
- Thu Dec 06 13:01:02 EST 2012
Not Rated
UpsideVery few people on the trail, and nobody past Polytrichum.
DownsideThe roots on the trail were icy from El Paso on. Crampons were a real asset.
CommentFive of us hiked as far as Chickadee Lake on Dec 5. There was no snow as far as El Paso but over 12 inches at the lake. We could have used snowshoes at the top but not really necessary. It started snowing at noon so there is more snow now.
ByPosted By: docdusty75
- Sun Jul 15 10:01:48 EDT 2012
UpsideGreat views at the top. The view at the Pulpit was the best!
DownsideNo downsides. Can be tough on the knees coming down.
CommentGreat hike. I did it in 5 hrs but I was alone and only took one 20 min break. I'd recommend going with somebody past this point in the year if you are nervous with bears. Lots of berry bushes at the top. That being said I didn't see any bears when I did this hike on July 6, 2012. The hike gains elevation very quickly but levels out once you gain the ridge. Snow still present between Chickadee Lake and Lindsay Lake but it is passable. Watch out for post holing through the snow section!
ByPosted By: jeffvm
- Mon Jul 05 20:11:42 EDT 2010
Not Rated
UpsideGreat views along the viewpoint trail, neat lakes(ponds) and streams through the "Lakes District". Go figure.
DownsideA lot of muddy sections near the lakes. And bugs- something up there stung me.
CommentMost of the elevation gain happens between the trailhead and El Paso junction, so once you've gone that far, the loop on the top of the ridge is much more moderate. That said, the trail still climbs uphill after Chickadee Lake up to Lindsay Lake, which is definately the highest point of the hike.
I went to Lindsay Lake via the Lake District as the top of the mountain was in the fog. There were some small snow patches near Lindsay Lake, but with the weather getting warmer they should be gone soon. There are many little streams and waterfalls between the lakes. The mud is definately soft, but not wet or splashy. Step carefully and you'll stay clean.
After two hours I was at Lindsay Lake Junction and began the return leg of the trip. I guess the view from the Pulpit would be fantastic, but it was still foggy. By the time I got to Spahat Rigg and Barton Point the clouds had thinned to reveal a wide view across Buntzen Lake towards Indian Arm.
The hike took me 4h30min at a very brisk pace.
ByPosted By: yoursdigitally
- Mon Jul 06 02:40:26 EDT 2009
CommentI hiked this trail with 7 other friends today, Sunday, July 5, 2009. At trail gate 10:15h, and returned to the same at 17:55h.
Parking is at the end of Sunnyside Drive and park in the first lot on the right that is closer to the trail gate.
The hike up requires lots of strength. Bring your hiking poles with you. You won't regret investing a pair. Wear old hiking shoes as there are many muddy puddles. Lots of mosquitoes in the forrest and especially close to water bodies.
I suggest hikers to take the left trail at El Paso (cross the creek) and proceed to Barton Point, Little Valhalla, Spahat Rigg, Jessica Lake, West Point, The Pulpit, and arriving at destination Lindsay Lake. Return via the lake districts that will lead you back to El Paso.
Also, I finished 2-1/2-litre water.
FYI: â?¢ Belcarra Regional Park map http://www.metrovancouver.org/about/maps/Maps/Belcarra-map.pdf â?¢ Indian Arm Provincial Park map http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/indian_arm/indian_arm.pdf â?¢ BC Hydro - Buntzen Lake Trails Info http://www.bchydro.com/community/recreation_areas/buntzen_lake_trails.html â?¢ BC Hydro - Buntzen Lake Trails map http://www.bchydro.com/etc/medialib/internet/images/graphics/maps/map-buntzen.Par.0001.Image.gif
ByPosted By: squirrelbait
- Mon Jul 21 10:17:14 EDT 2008
UpsideViews across to Vancouver - don't often see it from this perspective! If you like a work-out this is a great one up through the trees, then you can relax a little on the ridge.
DownsideMuddy boggy areas around lakes; flies at lakes.
CommentOur book told us to take the lookouts side of the loop first but we did the lakes first and were pleased we did - saving the best for last - the views! Did it in 6 hours with a few 5 min. breaks (plus lunch stop), and that was going at quite a fast pace. Bit of snow at the top (Jul 19 2008) but nothing unmanageable. Poles are great for the way down, to save your knees.
ByPosted By: keepsmiling
- Mon Aug 09 14:26:06 EDT 2004
Not Rated
UpsideOn a sunny day, amazing views, great work out and a skinny dip in Lindsay Lake. What more can you ask for.
DownsideNot to many places to picnic at lakes, take tarp or ground sheet. As mentioned above, watch for wasps in clear cut between start of trail and first view point. They get a little angry when you stick a hiking pole in their home. Glad I wasn't bringing up the rear of our little group...interest dance though.
CommentWell worth it when the weather is good. Sunrise would be a amazing time to enjoy the views up top.
ByPosted By: wanderlust
- Tue Jun 29 20:30:07 EDT 2004
UpsideClose to the city, fairly easy for the payoff, charming mini-lakes and interesting array of flowers.
DownsideOnce at the upper loops there are frequent patches of perma-muck and the annoying bugs that come with it.
CommentI didn't see any mosquitos, but I would have taken them over the hordes of little things that try to fly into your facial orifices. Most of the lower 'lakes' are a frumpy copper colour, but Chickadee lake is worth a visit.
ByPosted By: westcoast_pathfinder
- Mon May 10 03:31:08 EDT 2004
UpsideTake the left fork at "El Paso" and you will be rewarded with viewpoint after viewpoint as you make your way towards Lindsay Lake. I believe Westpoint is one of the best viewpoints; we usually have lunch there. Jessica Lake is a naturally dyked lake that, although very tiny, is interesting.
DownsideTrail can be very muddy after Polytrichum lookout. Be watchful for wasps in the clearcut area. Lindsay lake itself offers little in the way of dry areas to sit most of the year and there can be a lot of hungry insects waiting to lunch on YOU! Bear scat is common in the lake area. The lakeside trails can get overgrown with berry-laden bushes in the summer and so one must be cautious about bears.
CommentThe trail is varied and enjoyable. I have seen all typed of hikers on this trail, so I wouldn't think it too difficult. One can carry on from Lindsay Lake to Eagle Peak (an astoundingly gorgeous view) or the Dilly Dally circuit for a longer more challenging day.
Posted By: Dennisone
Posted By: docdusty75
Posted By: yoursdigitally
Posted By: squirrelbait
Posted By: wanderlust
