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Distance: 8km
Time: 2 ½ -3 hours
Elevation Gain: 100m
Buntzen Lake Trail is a favorite of mine for a short hike on a rainy day or for getting those hiking muscles into shape for the longer more strenuous hikes in the area.
This is a nicely groomed trial that encircles the lake and provides many view points along the way. As an added bonus is the wild strawberries, goose berries, and huckel berries you can find along the way to snack on.
I like to start this hike at the south end of the first parking lot. Follow the signs to the floating bridge and go across the southwest arm of Buntzen Lake. Here is where the trail branches off. Straight up for Diez Vistas and the Horseshoe trail and turn right for the Lakeshore Trail. After 15 minutes the trail brings you to the first pump house and changes from a road to the trail proper. Take the right fork for the lake trail which takes you into a pine needle covered path in the cool forest. Along the way you have several peek a boo views of the lake while the trail twists and turns through the forest. One hour into the hike should bring you to a rocky view point under the power lines. This is a good place to stop for a water break and admirer the view of the lake, with Eagle Ridge across from you. From here you can also see your next destination, North Beach. The trail winds its way down the hillside and brings you out at the suspension bridge, kids of all ages just love to bounce on this and for those of us that are a bit tired at this point it adds spring to your step. Once across the bridge turn right to go to the beach. Here is a nice grassy area, picnic tables, sand, and a small dock if you feel so inclined to take a dip. Once you have finished your lunch, if you want to explore a bit, take the road north and check out the old cabins that are used for movie sets. You never know if they are filming you may be discovered and become a star! The road continues down to the last outlet for the lake and has a huge water pipe that goes down the hill to the power generating station on Indian Arm.
Back up at North Beach continue your stroll to the west and visit where the outlet from Coquitlam Lake enters Buntzen. When you consider the engineering that went into this tunnel, it’s an impressive feat. From here you go up a steep incline in the trail exit on the roadway for a few feet and then back down for the west side of the Lake trail. If you are pressed for time the B.C. Hydro Service Road will take you back to South Beach, but it can be hot and dusty so my advice is to stay in the forest. This side of the trail is much easier and follows the shoreline closely. There are numerous stops along the way where you can soak your toes in the water or just stop and watch the canoes as they make their way up the lake. In no time at all you will find yourself coming out at the dog beach. This is an interesting place to see dogs at their finest. You’ll see all different breeds, big dogs, small dogs, purebreds, and mutts playing and getting along like little kids. From here you can head up through the gates to the parking lots and back to your car.
The Hiker
"No trail is long with Good Company"
http://vancouverhiking.tripod.com
Buntzen Lake
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Suspension Bridge at North Beach
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North Beach
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Water outlet to the power
station on Indian Arm
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Floating bridge across the
southwest arm of Buntzen
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Dog enjoying the lake
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Dogs at play
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