Harrison Grind

Harrison Lake's answer to the Grouse Grind is a route that climbs up the side of a steep mountain along the Campbell Lake trail and offers a great view of Harrison Lake at the top. The route is rugged and passes through sections that are overgrown, blowdown that's challenging to climb over, and parts of the trail that have become a creek. This hike is not for the inexperienced.

The trailhead is located on a gravel section off to the side of the main Hot Springs Road by Balsam Avenue. Walk through the small opening in the chain-linked fence as the gravel road veers to the right, followed by a left and a very steep incline. At the top of the hill sit a couple of large water tanks and a concrete viewing platform to the left where you can catch your breath.

Continue on the far side of the tanks as the trail enters the forest and follows a rough, rocky path uphill. The path serves as a creek bed, so watch your footing as the rocks can be slippery. About 15 minutes up the trail, the trail veers to the right and opens up underneath the power lines with a large rocky outcrop on the left. This section of trail can be fairly overgrown with the bushes encroaching on the path. Continue hiking up the path until you are next to a powerline tower, then look to your right to see a view back towards the Fraser Valley.

Right after the power line tower, the trail veers to the left and enters back into the forest. After the roughness of the previous section, the next section is fairly enjoyable as the trail weaves through switchbacks through the coastal mountain forest, crossing small creeks and the occasional blowdown. However, the trail gets steeper and drags on as you continue making your way towards the top.

Eventually you cross an old. narrow bridge made out of a log. Be careful is this is often slippery. Not too much further and the trail begins to open up onto a rocky section with a view of Harrison Lake. The view of Harrison Lake is the final destination for the Harrison Grind, however the trail does continue to Campbell Lake which is about 40 minutes away and through fairly flat terrain.

Once you've enjoyed the view, head back down the trail the same route that you arrived, carefully stepping over the blowdown and be extra cautious along the rocks under the power lines.