Hiking Club

For all of our hikes, participants are reminded to be self-sufficient and to bring water, food, appropriate clothing, and sturdy footwear. Hikers must be physically fit and will be required to sign a waiver before participating. Also, as we like to carpool, remember that drivers need to be reimbursed.

Non-members are welcome to participate in these trips as a way to preview the activities of our club, but are asked to limit their participation to no more than three events before becoming a member. This is a requirement under our liability insurance coverage.

Upcoming Hikes

Monday, May 21 Buntzen Lake Loop
On sunny weekends Buntzen Lake can be a very busy place, but we will avoid the crowds by sticking to the lesser travelled Academy and Lakeview trails. We will begin on the Academy Trail, following it north along the east side of the lake. This trail runs through lush second-growth forest and then traces the edge of a power line right-of-way. The open stretch allows for fine views of Buntzen Ridge and, more distantly, Mounts Seymour, Elsay, and Bishop. It also provides a good opportunity to spot birds in the low shrubs beneath the power line, as well as in the wood margin. Recent sightings along the trail have included rufous hummingbird, pileated woodpecker, black-capped chickadee, Pacific wren, American robin, orange-crowned warbler. (Earlier in the year, I saw redpoll.) After dipping down to North Beach, which has a nice view of the length of the lake, we will return via the Lakeview Trail, heading south along the west side of the lake. Like the Academy Trail, this trail runs for much of its length through gorgeous second growth. It is also partly defined by many interesting natural rock walls. Once again we will finish by crossing a power line once or twice, the crossings providing fine views both north and south. If time and interest permit, we may continue along the west side of the lake’s arm to Anmore and then use the lower portion of the Academy Trail to complete our circuit; otherwise, we will cross the floating bridge and head straight for the parking lot. Roundtrip distance (for the longer route) is approximately 12 km (7.5 mi) with an elevation gain of 250 m (820 ft). Meet at 9:00 am. Return 2:00 pm. For more information contact Ian (604-939-4039)

Sunday, June 3 Woodland Walk Trail Maintenance
To prepare for the public hike in June, we need to check out the trail and do some brush clearing. It is an easy to moderate hike. Some tools will be supplied, but if you have loppers or hand pruners please bring them. Roundtrip distance is 7 km (4.4 mi) with an elevation gain of 200 m (650 ft).
Please contact Ian (604-939-4039) for meeting place and time or for more info.

Saturday, June 9 Woodland Walk
To celebrate the seventeenth anniversary of the creation of Pinecone Burke Provincial Park, we will do an easy to moderate hike along the Woodland Walk Trail. This trip will be advertised as a public hike and we are looking for people willing to help lead or assist a leader. On this outing we will travel through a lovely mature second growth forest and view Saw Blade Falls. You should be prepared to cross a creek by boulder-hopping, though there will be help in crossing safely. Roundtrip distance is 7 km (4.4 mi) with an elevation gain of 200 m (650 ft). Due to work on the BCTC transmission line, we may need to change the route. Meet at 8:00 am. Return 1:00 pm. Please contact Ian (604-939-4039) for more info.

Thursday, June 21 Solstice PoCo Trail Cycle
To welcome the first day of summer and to celebrate the longest day of the year we would like to offer an evening cycle trip of the PoCo Trail. This is a 26 km flat route circuit that takes in the Coquitlam River, Colony Farm, Fraser River, Pitt River, DeBoville Slough and Hyde Creek. Meet at 6pm. Return 9:30pm. Please contact Ian (604-939-4039) for more info.

Planned trips for the up coming months include:
Keats Island Traverse in July
Burke Summit in August
Mount Strachan in August
Stawamus Chief (three peaks) in September

More Strenuous Hikes

These trips are for the more experienced hiker and require a higher level of fitness. To register your interest in any of them, please contact Ian (604-939-4039). Arrangements will be made as the summer develops.

Golden Ears 24 km (15 mi); 1500 m (4920 ft) elev. gain; 11 hrs
Mount Elsay 16 km (9.9 mi); 1050 m (3450 ft) elev. gain; 9 hrs
Tangled Summit (Eagle Peak) 18.5 km (11.5 mi); 1150 m (3773 ft) elev. gain; 8 hrs

Trip Reports

Read a report written by a BMN member:
[NOTE: These links may open best using Firefox as your browser, not Internet Explorer].

Edit this page

© 2003 - 2012 Burke Mountain Naturalists