Barnston Island is a 1500-acre agricultural island in the Fraser River. There is a free ferry that takes you to the island at the east foot of 104th Avenue in Surrey. When I went in 2016, the parking was free.
There are many choices for recreation here. You can bike or walk around the island, or just go to one of the ends and back again. You can take cars on the Island, but there are no parking lots (so what’s the point unless you live there ?).
Distance around island: 10 km
Distance to west point and back: 3.5 km
Distance to east point and back: 8.3 km
Time: varies
Low point: near sea level
High point: near sea level
Elevation gain: minimal
Location for Parking: 49° 11’ 30.14” by 122° 43’ 35.8” (Google Maps and navigation)
Perimeter route with downloadable gpx…
The Photos…
Farming fieldsGolden EarsMt. BakerMt. BakerPerimeter RoadRoad on IslandBoat on Fraser RiverFerry dockFerry dockLoading onto ferryBarn
Kanaka Creek Regional Park is located in the middle of Maple Ridge. I can’t believe how many times I’ve driven by and never knew it was there !
The highlight of this park is the cliff falls formed from sandstone. Over many years, running water has carved a deep canyon and interesting rock formations. Be very careful if you get close to the creek – the rocks are very slippery. There is also a nice network of trails that take you around the park and it’s mostly under the shade of large trees, so it’s great for hot days !
This park is similar in features and geology to Whatcom Falls Park in Bellingham, Washington.
Here are the stats for the loop I did today…
Distance: 2.1 km
Time: 1 hour
Low point: 63 m
High point: 104 m
Elevation gain: 41 m
Trailhead/Parking: 49° 12’ 46.2” by 122° 31’ 34.4” (Google Map)
The route…
Some photos:
Big waterfallCliff FallsBig waterfall
Kanaka CreekKanaka CreekKanaka CreekKanaka CreekDanger !Kanaka Creek Regional Park
★★★★★★★★★★★
Before heading out on your hike, make sure you are well prepared. This means, having the TEN ESSENTIALS. It is also important to leave a trip plan (route details and estimated return time) with someone you trust.
Bring your smartphone, fully charged and put it in airplane mode while hiking. I always bring back-up battery packs for extra piece of mind. It is highly recommended that you bring a GPS device; I use my smartphone with a GPS app (Backcountry Navigator). The GPS will work in airplane mode. Learn how to use it before your hike.
For anyone new to hiking, there is a rule to which hikers follow; it is called “Leave No Trace” or LNT. The concept is generally to pack out what you pack in and respect nature, so all future visitors can enjoy what you have enjoyed.
To learn more about LNT, please check out this BLOG by a certified LNT Trainer.
This has got to be one of the most popular hikes in Golden Ears Provincial Park. Due to its easy, flat trail, stunning views and waterfall at the end, this hike even family friendly. The hike starts at the East Canyon Parking lot and follows the Lower Falls Trail. The trail is mostly shaded by the trees and follows Gold Creek. Stop ever so often to check out the views and even go in the creek on a hot day. At the end of the 2.6 km trail, you are treated with stunning views of Gold Creek Falls. There is also an Upper Falls, but the trail is much rougher than the Lower Falls Trail and is not recommended for family travel.
The stats:
Distance: 5.2 km (return)
Time: 1-2 hours
Low point: 160 m
High point: 237 m
Elevation gain: 77 m
Parking/Trailhead: 49° 19’ 38″ by 122° 27’ 47” (Google Map)
The route:
The Photos:
Gold Creek FallsGold CreekGold Creek
Stop along side the CreekSun shining over the creekThe rocks at the Lower Falls
★★★★★★★★★★★
Before heading out on your hike, make sure you are well prepared. This means, having the TEN ESSENTIALS. It is also important to leave a trip plan (route details and estimated return time) with someone you trust.
Bring your smartphone, fully charged and put it in airplane mode while hiking. I always bring back-up battery packs for extra piece of mind. It is highly recommended that you bring a GPS device; I use my smartphone with a GPS app (Backcountry Navigator). The GPS will work in airplane mode. Learn how to use it before your hike.
For anyone new to hiking, there is a rule to which hikers follow; it is called “Leave No Trace” or LNT. The concept is generally to pack out what you pack in and respect nature, so all future visitors can enjoy what you have enjoyed.
To learn more about LNT, please check out this BLOG by a certified LNT Trainer.
The Mount Baker area never ceases to amaze me. The 4.2 mile (6.8km) gravel road up to the trailhead is not bad and I think most 2wd cars will make it. The road is better than the Skyline divide road. You just have to go slow and watch for potholes and oncoming traffic.
The location of the start of the forestry road (NF-3065) to the trailhead is HERE
It was a beautiful sunny day and the views were stunning. There were many wildflowers to be seen and minor snow patches which are easy to cross. I put on bug spray at the beginning and didn’t have a problem with the bugs – no bites !
The trail is a gradual climb and never really steep. The steepest part is at the end on the way up to the butte, but it’s short and pretty easy.
I highly recommend this hike !
Remember – You will need a Northwest Forest Pass, which can be purchased in person at the Glacier Public Service Center at 10091 Mt. Baker Highway,Glacier, WA (Link to Map)
Border crossing tips: Bring passport, Nexus or enhanced ID !!; no fruit, no veges, no meat (this isn’t a complete list !); trailmix is ok. There is an IGA just across the border if you want to get some fruit or a sandwich for your hike.
A great resource for current conditions for this hike is the WTA website.
Check it OUT !!!
The stats:
Distance: 12.6 km (7.8 miles)
Time: 6 hours
Low point: 1075 m
High point: 1896 m
Elevation gain: 821 m
Trailhead: 48° 56’ 36” by 121° 39’ 45.7” (Google Map)
Before heading out on your hike, make sure you are well prepared. This means, having the TEN ESSENTIALS. It is also important to leave a trip plan (route details and estimated return time) with someone you trust.
Bring your smartphone, fully charged and put it in airplane mode while hiking. I always bring back-up battery packs for extra piece of mind. It is highly recommended that you bring a GPS device; I use my smartphone with a GPS app (Backcountry Navigator). The GPS will work in airplane mode. Learn how to use it before your hike.
For anyone new to hiking, there is a rule to which hikers follow; it is called “Leave No Trace” or LNT. The concept is generally to pack out what you pack in and respect nature, so all future visitors can enjoy what you have enjoyed.
To learn more about LNT, please check out this BLOG by a certified LNT Trainer.
