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:
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:
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)
Or you can buy an epass in advance online at the Discover Your Northwest website
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)
The route…
Here are the photos…
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.
Another trip back to beautiful Golden Ears Provincial Park. To find the snow caves in Evans Valley, you have to have good timing. Too early in the year, there may be too much snow (and also avalanche risks), too late and the caves are all gone. I find social media, such as Instagram is a great resource to find recent conditions – that’s what I did and with a great weekend in the forecast, I set out for the snow caves.
The hike starts at the West Canyon trailhead. After a 2 km hike up the West Canyon, you will need to take a left turn at the Evans Valley Trail, which is not marked well. At times the trail goes through thick salmonberry, but it’s not too bad. The trail continues climbing up Evans Valley, alongside the creek. After another 1.5 km of hiking, the forest trail ends and you start hiking up the boulder field – there is no set path, just go and watch for loose boulders. You will hike up the boulder field for over 1 km and reach the head of the valley – this is the magical place – All of a sudden, we saw two huge snow caves – The first one on our right was inaccessible, but we stopped for a bit before going on. The second snow cave is up a small valley to the east. After a short climb up boulders again, we were standing beside a giant snow cave. As I walked in water was dripping like rain from the edge and ceiling of the cave, the temperature dropped like being in a refrigerator – refreshing for a hot day ! We spent some time in the cave for some photos and then proceeded down again. We meet no one else on the trail today !
The Stats:
Distance: 9.5 km (return)
Time: 6 hours (lots of breaks and exploring)
Low point: 185 m
High point: 745 m
Elevation gain: 560 m
Cumulative Elevation gain: 800 m
Trailhead: 49° 19’ 38″ by 122° 27’ 47” (Google Map)
The route:
The photos:
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.