Comments

VancouverHiker from Vancouver writes:

Good easy walk in the forest to a bunch of lakes. Edith and Fawn lake are really nice. At Edith lake, there is a rough trail that goes around to the other side. Trail is a bit overgrown and not maintained. There is a nice beach on the other side. Turn right when you get to the road coming up from Alice lake, then look for a trail on the left. This is outside the provincial park. Stump lake is nice too and you can completely walk around it. If coming in summer, bring mosquito spray. This is best in spring and winter if parking is open.

Posted: February 12, 2022 10:28:12 AM PST

Karen from Vancouver writes:

We went to the Four Lakes Trail on 5/5/2021. It was a nice and easy hike; we really liked it. Just wanted to let hikers know that due to Covid rules, the hike is now a one-way trail. What Vancouvertrails described as the beginning of the trail is the current Exit of the trail (see photo of the trail map). The trailhead is next to the gatehouse of the campground (there is a parking lot). It goes clockwise from Stump Lake, to Cheekye River, to Fawn Lake, to Edith Lake and finally to Alice Lake. So take the reverse of the description in Vancouvertrails.

Posted: May 7, 2021 05:06:33 PM PST

Steve from Vancouver writes:

Really beautiful trail. Not a ton of people so very peaceful, at least this time of year. The four lakes are actual lakes, as opposed to little ponds that are called lakes on some of the other trail descriptions on this site. Crystal clear water today - not a ripple on the water - which made for great photo's. I perched by a couple of the lakes for a while just to enjoy the peace and tranquility. The trail is very flat for almost the entire hike (2 minor hills - 1 up, 1 down).

Note if you start the trail where this site indicates you should, when you get to Edith Lake (officially the second lake, as the first lake is right where you park) there is a sign pointing down to the left towards the water. Go down the hill as indicated. After peering at the lake, you have the choice to go left or right. Going left it seems you are going back where you just came from, but you are not. This trail will take you to the other two lakes. If you go right, on the other hand, and stay on this trail you will be able to circle all the way around Edith lake if you want a slight diversion and to see more of this lake. On this path, you will see an old, faded sign that says "private" at one point but locals advised me there used to be a house there years ago until the Province bought up the land so just ignore the sign and do the little loop. It will take you back to the main trail that takes you to the other two lakes (take a right when this loop ends).

The whole entire Four Lakes trail takes about two hours if you keep moving the whole time. I took about three hours by stopping and enjoying the peace and tranquility at a couple of the lakes (Edith was my favorite. If you go right when you initially go down the hill toward it, about five or ten minutes, you will get to a beautiful clearing where you can perch on a stump and enjoy a nice unobstructed view of the lake).

In between Fawn Lake (the third lake) and Stump Lake (the last lake) you will get very close to a small river just as you come down the hill. Make sure to walk out next to the river and you will get an exceptional view of some snow capped mountains from the river bed! Worth the two minute detour off the trail.

There are several other side trails off the main Four Trails loop which I did not explore. One apparently loops back towards Squamish. Others are used by cyclists (though not too many out today). Others I have no idea where they go but could make for future explorations.

When you hit Stump Lake, the trail ends very shortly after that at a paved roadway. You need to go straight across that road, into the Alice Lake campground, then right at the bottom of the hill to get back to where you parked.

Definitely a highly recommended hike for an easy trail with much beautiful scenery!

Posted: December 1, 2019 12:28:38 PM PST

Beth from Saskatoon writes:

Such a gorgeous hike! On your way to the last lake (Stump), be sure to take the side trail down to Cheekye River - there's a beautiful view with a perfect mountain peak in the background.

Posted: May 22, 2017 10:30:36 PM PST

Josephine Wang from Vancouver writes:

For my understanding, dogs are not allowed on the four lakes trail but still, I encountered a lot of dogs running loosely yesterday, even came close to snip at my lunch at Cheekye River. That was quite annoying! Otherwise I enjoyed the trail very much and the Fawn Lake was very beautiful, peace and quiet. The Stump lake had less view and Alice lake was full of people! Highly recommended the trail but do not go there on the long weekend!

Posted: May 22, 2017 09:36:09 AM PST

Chris from Vancouver writes:

Great park setting and nice big sites. The staff are very unfriendly and are very quick to point out where dogs are not allowed. Park rangers do not seem to be worried about any other campsite etiquite or rules such as speed limits, burning neighbouring trees, or patrolling the sites on foot. What ever happened to park rangers walking around? Why do they need to drive around in vehicles that emit emissions? I have had a ranger quickly point out that dogs were not allowed on the trails while ignoring the fact that they were tracking a bear that was not more than 20' away. 45 seconds after I had received the stern warning about dogs, the rangers chased a bear right across our path. Glad that the priorities are well at hand. Sad to see camping come to this.

Posted: September 24, 2016 02:27:15 PM PST

crossover from Vancouver, BC writes:

This trail is easy and just perfect for a relaxing walk around the beautiful lakes and woods. My favourite spot was the little rest area at Fawn Lake. It was peaceful and the scenery was gorgeous. I could have stayed there the whole day to soak up the sun.

We took our time and finished the trail in just under 3 hours. But really why would you want to rush through it?

Posted: August 24, 2015 09:32:47 AM PST

Ramin from Burnaby writes:

We did this trail in a group of four last week. It was pretty easy with great scenery, specially around the Stump lake. There was almost no mud.
Would definitely do this again later this summer but will consider running the trail.

Posted: May 11, 2015 03:12:25 PM PST

sandy from north vancouver bc writes:

This trail is no longer open to dogs.

Posted: September 16, 2014 11:38:25 AM PST

Kate from Vancouver writes:

I love this hike as it is both a gentle easy hike with gorgeous scenery. I drive up here from Vancouver when I need to reconnect with quiet, nature and this beautiful province we live in.

Posted: September 2, 2014 12:06:58 PM PST

Dirk from Chilliwack writes:

Round n round BC parks, This site, google, Dicover Camping etc and still cant find out simple infor like how much the camp sites are, and other details after Oct 1st, Sheesh, does it have to be so complicated? and then it says I must enter valid email over and over..
Yogi bear where are you??!!

Posted: September 22, 2012 04:47:48 PM PST

Mahsa from Vancouvwr writes:

We went to Alice lake today, a sunny day in April and we did the 4lake hike. It was a nice and refreshing stroll through the woods. When we reached the earth lake we took the wrong path and we got out of the trail to a bike trail by mostake. Howevere after 5 min walk there it was a narrow wooden pathway(for bikes) on a swamp full of yellow flowers. one of kind! It is good to get lost sometimes!

Posted: April 8, 2012 01:32:56 AM PST

Alice from Vancouver writes:

Hi,
my boyfriend and I would love to hike it next weekend but we lack a car. If you see this post, have the same plan, drive via Vancouver and feel kind enough to take us, email us, please: [email protected]

cheers,
Alice

Posted: September 6, 2011 09:24:10 PM PST

Tony from Vancouver writes:

I'm heading to Alice Lake today an will be checking out the Four Lakes Trail. Thanks for the great info!

Tony

Posted: May 22, 2011 08:19:47 AM PST

Shirley from Richmond writes:

Just went yesterday with 2 dogs. We followed the four lakes trail and saw all 4 lakes. It was very relaxing and easy. Didn't run into too many people along the way.

Posted: April 23, 2011 10:38:38 AM PST

Patrick from Squamish writes:

While obviously based around Alice Lake, this trail actually has a name: "Four Lakes" Trail to reflect the linking of Alice -Edith - Fawn - Stump Lakes in the Alice Lake Provincial Park. I only mention this because there is a great network of trails in Alice Lake PP other than these to explore.

Posted: August 26, 2010 09:32:45 AM PST

Maryse from Vancouver writes:

This was my idea of a perfect weekend hike - A nice, easy stroll through the woods on a well-marked trail, with nice spots to chill or go for a swim.

We really took our time, and so it took us a little less than four hours to get around. It was a hot, sunny weekend so Alice Lake was packed, but the trail was not that busy.

If you're looking for a nice relaxing hike to get out in nature, I highly recommend this one.

Posted: July 25, 2010 10:48:11 AM PST

VanTrails from Vancouver writes:

According to the BC Parks website, dogs are permitted on a leash but NOT allowed on the Alice Lake trail, playgrounds, beaches, or picnic areas. By Alice Lake trail, I think this is the area around just Alice Lake and not necessarily on the trail that passes the 4 Lakes.

Of course, you should obey all marked signs.

Posted: July 21, 2010 12:43:40 PM PST

Cea from Squamish writes:

I would just like to state that Alice Lake is NOT dog friendly. There are signs everywhere that state that dogs are not allowed. Just a tip!

Posted: July 21, 2010 11:05:13 AM PST

Ashley and Sheldon from Surrey writes:

We left home with the intent on camping at Alice lake... unfortunately it was all full. We ended up camping across the highway at Paradise Valley campsite. It was really nice with lush campsites. We woke up in the morning and went to hike around the Alice lake loop trail. We parked and followed the signs so it took us the furthest way around all the 4 lakes. We stopped at the river and shortly after this we saw a BLACK BEAR! He stopped looked at us and then carried on towards the river. The whole loop took us under 2 hours and was very easy. We did the hike in runners. We then went back to the car and took sandwiches down to Alice lake.

Posted: May 24, 2009 08:05:15 PM PST