Brothers Creek Loop Hiking Trail, West Vancouver, BC

cat hopkins from vancouver writes:

Hi all, planning on doing this loop on the 1st or 2nd of december. Anyone fancy joining? Brisk pace.

Posted: November 30, 2011 12:27:29 PM PST

Andrew from Vancouver writes:

Hiked this on Saturday. I think it is my new favourite hike on the shore. Right at the beginning there is a beautiful view of downtown. I recommend the numbered points of interest. The one we decided to check out took us about 5 mins from the trail and offered a giant fir tree to marvel at. I won't tell you which number because the mystery of them really adds to it, there is no description of what you are leaving the trail to check out.

The first 40 mins you get a pretty good elevation gain, after this the decent has a few muddy spots this time of year. This trail offers a great deal of variety, including bridges, waterfalls, views etc.

Highly recommend it.

Posted: November 1, 2011 11:00:30 AM PST

Geoff from North Vancouver writes:

No worries! Roxy was found safe and sound!
thanks!

Posted: October 14, 2011 11:48:53 PM PST

Geoff from North Vancouver writes:

A dog went missing on the Brothers Creek trail on Thursday Oct 13 around 10:00 am. It was a golden lab and its name is Roxy. If you find her please call Martina at 604-836-2795.

Thank you!

Posted: October 13, 2011 10:06:12 PM PST

Jeff from Vancouver writes:

Just hiked the trail today.
It is muddy in spots but a nice hike.
It took 3 hours to go around the loop.
No bugs.
Quiet trail only a few other hikers.
Enjoy!

Posted: October 2, 2011 03:39:25 PM PST

Heather from Vancouver writes:

I just did it today. No snow. Some muddy areas, but it was relatively clean otherwise. First 30 min was tougher than the rest of it. I went with 2 other groups and they both got lost. The trail markers are a little confusing. It took 2 hours with a large group; would be less with less people. It was a fun trail as the terrain was always interesting. Wish there was a clear view from top though. The falls are really pretty though.

Posted: July 10, 2011 09:48:04 PM PST

Alexandria from Vancouver writes:

Has anyone strolled through this trail as of late? I'm curious to know about the remaining snow pack and if it's managable without snow shoes yet?

Thanks!

Posted: July 9, 2011 06:21:18 PM PST

Karen from Vancouver writes:

We did a hike off this route, similar to Brother's creek but closer to MillStream- beautiful and majestic, Intermediate level to beginner, great forest views and beautiful creeks, amazing for the dogs- but must mention the 2 German Shepards that were on leash, not friendly and managed to grab at one of our dogs, who in turn needs stitches on his side- so I would just like to say if you have dogs that aren't friendly hiking in these woods, be sure to tell other dog owners in advance.

Posted: May 24, 2011 09:17:25 AM PST

Josh from Vancouver writes:

Just did the Brothers Creek Loop the May long weekend (May 23). It was a great forest hike, not any real view points but a beautiful hike none-the-less. Still lots of snow for the upper 1/3 of the hike, passable but a bit more treacherous than normal. 3 hours with breaks.

Posted: May 23, 2011 07:48:04 PM PST

Manny from Vancouver writes:

May 12, 2011
Did this hike last week and it was in great condition. Still has snow once you cross the small Brother's Creek bridge.

Posted: May 19, 2011 09:30:41 AM PST

Roger from Richmond writes:

A fun afternoon. Comments below on snow in top section still applied today (Sun May 8). Do need good footwear and care after trail crosses creek at top and you start to return, and some semi-derelict bridges covered in packed snow. Two highlights are the very impressive large cedars in the upper section and the bridge back across the Creek - at the base of a pretty waterfall. Other than near the start/end, only saw one other person. Agree on time, took 2.5 hours. Well-marked, plenty of orange markers on trees.

Posted: May 8, 2011 11:13:08 PM PST

bitsy from North Vancouver writes:

We walked this hike yesterday (May 3rd), and it was not 4 hours. It took us 2 and a half with breaks. It's definitely a more difficult climb near the top as it's still quite snowy, which we were kind of unprepared for. A beautiful hike nonetheless, make sure you wear proper shoes, and bring proper gear.

Posted: May 4, 2011 11:08:02 AM PST

Lucy from Vancouver writes:

I hiked this trail this morning and it definietly did not take 4 hours. It was just over 2 hours round trip including the walk back to our car. There is still a fair amount of snow towards the top, for about half of the hike. These areas make it a little more difficult coming down in the steep areas as it can be quite slippery. I wouldn\'t suggest bringing any little dogs until all the snow melts. Other than that it was a very peaceful hike.

Posted: April 22, 2011 02:05:37 PM PST

corey from north vancouver writes:

Looking for Hayley missing 12yr old Keeshond. Medium size, cream with black and grey markings. slightly deaf, on medication. Hayley was lost on march 10th at around three p.m. at Brothers creek trail,

Posted: April 7, 2011 11:57:24 PM PST

Walley from Richmond writes:

I hiked this today (March 23), there was still a TON of snow on the top part of the trail, I would recommend taking the cross trail path half way up if you aren't in great shape and didn't come prepared for about 4ft of snow on average. The bridge near the top (at the junction heading to the lake) has about 5 feet of snow on it. The snow is higher than the guard rails so be very, very careful. The smaller bridges all have around 2 feet of snow/ice and are pretty slippy although the falls are less dramatic.

Pay attention and make sure you are staying on the trail. There was no tracks in the snow but you should be able to see mine now!

For people who take their dogs - absolutely do not take yours here if you plan to do the loop before most of the snow clears. I didn't realize there would be this much snow when I went today or I would not have brought mine. (120lb german shepherd) He was excited and enjoyed the hike but I was uncomfortable with him crossing some of the bridges and climbing some of the snow piles on the trail to lake (which engulfed him)

Hope this has been helpful. Don't read these comments and expect a novice trail this time of year. Come prepared for a lot of snow and ice.

Posted: March 23, 2011 08:47:19 PM PST

Sonja from Vancouver writes:

Hiked the trail today with friends after recovering from a knee injury. The first section was steep, slippery and muddy from the previous rainfalls, and looked more like a creek bed, than a hiking trail with all the water and puddles. The second section although muddy, was easy to cope with. The worst part today was the next section going downhill over slippery roots and broken boardwalks. Needless to say that we also made the same mistake as others, took the wrong way, and had walk back along the paved road to our car. Four hours are generously calculated, we did it in under two and a half hours without having raced.
All in all it was good training, and we enjoyed the forest, the creek with its waterfall, and enjoyed determining the mushrooms we found on our way.

Posted: October 30, 2010 08:49:15 PM PST

Mel B from BC writes:

Hiked trail on a lovely September day. Took 2.5 hours for the round trip and we even went to checkout the BIG FIR and walked at a leisurely pace. Beautiful area!

Posted: September 28, 2010 09:33:24 PM PST

kyle from langley writes:

Did this trail on sept 14 2010 good trail lots of different routes to take. Thanks to Paul we went to blue gentian lake and it was worth the detour all in all took us 3 hours to the loop and the detour.

Posted: September 14, 2010 07:42:28 PM PST

kenneymac from port alberni writes:

hiked this trail aug 27, 2010. I thought I was a novice but this trail which was listed as intermediate, could have been completed easily in far less time as what was listed. All in all a nice hike through some second growth forest. We made the same mistake as others and came out a little to far west and had to back track along the paved road to our car. only dissapointment was there is no veiw points on this trail

Posted: August 29, 2010 01:14:39 PM PST

Paul from West Vancouver writes:

Walked this trail last Sunday with an extension to Blue Gentian Lake. When you get to the top of the loop shown on the map you are at Brothers Creek bridge. Instead of turning left after the bridge you can go right and it is less than half an hour to walk to Blue Gentian Lake (easy grade but crude trail) which is lovely at this time of year. In my opinion it is the prettiest lake on Hollyburn with lots of lily pads and flowers. You can continue on the trail around the lake until you reach the junction with the Baden Powell trail that takes you back down the mountain. This extension adds less than an hour to the hike but provides a much better destination point.

Posted: August 29, 2010 07:43:10 AM PST

Sha from Vancouver writes:

Hiked this trail on last Sunday with my family. My wife was happy with this easy trail, but my two kids were keeping complaining "This is too easy and boring, I rather go to Grouse Grind or Squamish Chief!'.
Personally I liked this trail as it's beautiful and well marked.

BTW:
The trailhead is located at 1120/1121 Millstream Road.

Posted: August 21, 2010 09:53:14 PM PST

MK from Surrey writes:

Hiked this on July 25, 2010. No snow. One or two brief muddy sections. I began at the white gates and ended at the yellow gates, having to walk on Millstream Rd back to my vehicle.

I'm an active person, exercising 5x/week doing weights and running on an elliptical, but this was my first hike in a year and prior to that, hadn't hiked for 10 years. Generally, the hike was very easy without any difficulties on the legs or for cardio. The last half hour of the hike I found difficult as it was all downhill and my legs were tired from all the walking(since I exited through the yellow gates instead of entered through them). The hike took 4 hours and 45 minutes to complete, but this includes a 30 minute lunch break and a break to play in the waterfall.

Posted: August 10, 2010 09:15:28 PM PST

Kim from Vancouver writes:

Took a stroll up last weekend with the dig. Beautiful! Steep on the front end but nice wide trails. Backend was a bit more rugged, but we like that.

We must've missed the sign to loop back and we ended up on another trail. A bit of a diversion, but we came out onto Millstream Road, maybe 500m from where are car was parked... so we fared well.

Took about 3 hours all in.

Fantastic!

Posted: July 14, 2010 01:50:10 PM PST

Jorge Tabares from Vancouver writes:

We did this hike last weekend and it was great, it is very simple to follow the trail and the day was just gorgeous. However it was very muddy all along the way and it is particularly dangerous going down south after the wooden bridge crossing Brothers Creek (if you are going counter-clockwise) it is very easy to wipe out in certain sections like the old wooden bridges halfway down, the last one was so slippery that I wiped out and fell off the bridge flat on my face on the side of the trail, fortunately it was not that high nor it was rocky.

But definitely recommend it, just be careful and have fun out there.

Posted: June 14, 2010 10:06:36 PM PST

Devin from Surrey writes:

Hiked up there today. There is still a bit of snow up at the very top section and some very muddy parts because of it. On the way down some of the trail is a little rough and there are lots of fallen logs in sections. But besides for that it was a great hike.

Posted: April 28, 2010 04:43:31 PM PST

Morgan from west vancouver writes:

I hiked this trail last week after the wind storm and there are some trees down right on the trail but nothing to serious. After Brother's creek second bridge heading east (the very top of the loop) beware of a large fallen tree that is hung up on a standing tree DIRECTLY above the trail.

Posted: April 19, 2010 09:08:21 AM PST

R from Vancouver writes:

I hiked this trail last week and there was allot of snow and run off water from the snow which developed into many little creeks you need to find your way around and at some points jump over 5-6 feet wide.

Posted: March 26, 2010 08:52:56 AM PST

R from Vancouver writes:

I hiked this last week and there was no snow anywhere to be found on the lower part of the hike. I took the crossover path to the left with no problems. I am not sure what the rest of the loop would have looked like. The paths are clear and in good condition. Be aware that all of the elevation change is on the first half of the hike and is quite steep an incline.

Posted: March 15, 2010 08:28:47 AM PST

Jeffrey Ai from Burnaby writes:

Hiked this trail on Jun 14, 2009. The trail is in a good shape and trail marks are very easy to follow. As to viewpoints, there are 2 bridges, 2 falls and one corner to oversee downtown and Stanley park.

At the top bridge, you could take a 1.6km uphill trail to see 2 lakes -- Lost Lake at Blue Gentian Lake. Then take another downhill back to the bridge. Although part of the trail is still covered with snow, it's not hard to follow and actually a lot of fun to walk. This will make your hiking a even larger 10km trail loop and probably 500 meter elevation gain.

Posted: June 14, 2009 10:19:22 PM PST

Stevan from Vancouver writes:

Just hiked this last weekend. Trail is in great shape and only a tiny bit of snow at the top across the bridge. This trail is definitely open for the season.

Posted: June 12, 2009 08:19:31 PM PST

Colene from Vancouver writes:

Just hiked today. There is far less snow than what others have written about, so if you don't mind scampering around a few sections of hard packed snow I think it's fine. There are some trees that have come down on the trail which were a bit trickier to get around, but still okay.

Posted: June 6, 2009 03:40:11 PM PST

Michael Virly from Squamish writes:

Hiked this trail with a friend on the 23rd. It was a beautiful day for hiking. Start of the trail was bare of snow but once we pass the sign post for the Candelabra Fir trail, the trail is still covered in snow up to the main bridge. The Brothers Creek bridge is clear but the trail down from here to Crossover trail is full of snow. My friend broke through the ice a few times. Once we pass this point, again the trail is free of snow and easy downhill to the gate. We did stop and had a break at the helicopter landing and took our wet shoes and dry our socks.
This is a nice trail with lots of history along the way, but now I know not to take this trail until mid July so to avoid the white stuff.

Posted: May 26, 2009 10:48:55 PM PST

Tamie from Vancouver writes:

Hiked this trail, May 17, 2009 and had the pretty much the same experience as Sean (see May 2008). Considerable snow, sinky spots around trees and water.

Myself, and my two companions fell through the snow hip deep in a few areas. Entertaining, but could be dangerous.

We took a side trail up to Lost Lake, which was entirely covered in snow. Trail was completely covered and we had to keep an eye out for orange markers to find the way.

I enjoyed the varied terrain, a nice woodsy trail, and some interesting fungus growing from trees.

Although I appreciate the snow challenge, most will not.

I consider this an easy hike and without the snow, 4 hours is a generous time allowance. An experienced hiker could likely complete this trail easily under 3 hours.

This trail would best be hiked in Summer, not spring :-)

Posted: May 25, 2009 09:19:02 AM PST

C & B from Vancouver writes:

Hiked this trail in mid April this year. As mentioned above, there is still a lot of snow on the trail, but most of it is hard packed (fell through a few times up to my hips). Very beautiful trail, with lots of side trails to explore.

We ran into trouble at the midway point bridge, across the falls. The bridge is narrow and was packed 6 feet over the railing with snow. We had to crawl across the snow (about 6 inches wide and very slippery) and the drop down would not have been fun. But we made it across, but it was very dangerous !!

After the bridge the trail was hard to keep on due to snow and high cliffs on the side.

Overall a great trail to take, perhaps later in the season...

Posted: April 26, 2009 09:13:17 PM PST

Mike from Burnaby writes:

Hiked the Brothers Creek Loop today and the trail is almost clear of snow. There's still a few patches near the upper bridge but they will be gone in a few days.

The Candelabra is an amazing sight. It's hard to believe that trees were once that large all around.

Posted: June 15, 2008 04:46:34 PM PST

Sean O'Grady from Vancouver, BC writes:

Beautiful trail that starts in an easy to access location. Hiked in third week of May, 2008 and there was a considerable amount of snow still on the trail. Being hard-packed and icy, it provided a relatively stable base to walk upon, but tree wells and water tunnels posed a few dangers (feet slipping through the ice, resulting in scratches and such).

There are not many vista points, but the natural beauty and the high-flow creek offered good sights. Recommend hiking in Summer, not Spring.

Posted: May 26, 2008 04:27:48 PM PST