Comments

VanHiker from Vancouver writes:

When is BC Hydro going to reinstall the floating bridge? It shouldn't take several years to do this.

On their website, it says they closed resevoir and railway trails due to flooding. It is now March. How long do they need to clean up the floods. BC hyrdro is too slow.

BC Hydro should at least provide an update when the trails will reopen and when the bridge is put back.

Pathetic stupid company.

Posted: March 10, 2022 10:47:00 AM PST

RBS from Langley writes:

On August 27th 2021, I ran the entire trail starting at Stave Falls Powerhouse parking totalling 17.9km. I ran along the eastern trail until I got to the bridge at the south end.
The bridge is OUT! However, approx. 200m before there is flagging on the left.
Follow through ferns to a Hairsine Creek, cross the creek and carefully follow the flagging along the shore, sticking close to the shoreline and the main trail remerges. Your other option is to swim across the lake where the bridge is.

Saw a Big Black bear a few hundred metres on the trail by the Rec area, he ran into the bushes and looked at me as I passed. Just before the beach was a sign saying "Bear in Area"...how appropriate!

Posted: September 10, 2021 02:55:48 PM PST

OM from Vancouver writes:

the floating bridge is no longer exist
however we did complete the entire loop
there are ribbons - orange and green marking a detour- very confusing- we started at Ruskin dam at the reservoir trail- once we got to the bridge we could only continue where the ribbons led- we followed the orange ones although they were mixed at points. we ended up connecting to the trail. looks like if after crossing the creek in the detour part you go right with the green ribbons you might end up further on the trail... but we only tried one way- which wasn't easy- climbing on tree trunks, roots. walking in mud and water ( even in hot August week)
We felt proud after completing the loop :)

Posted: August 3, 2020 10:53:28 PM PST

Hiker_Steve from Vancouver writes:

Was hoping to do the whole trail around, but the floating bridge is gone. The trail has many signs indicating that the trail is closed at Ruskin Dam. I did the reservoir trail from the reservoir parking lot to where the floating brige once was. This is about 6km one way. Lots of water in all the creeks and the steelhead falls were huge. A little muddy is spots and slippery where leaves were dying on the trail but most of the trail was in great shape. If you looking for a really nice forest trail without all the people this is a great hike. 4hrs on the trail and I saw 8 people. Jan 13th 2018.

Posted: January 13, 2018 07:50:16 PM PST

char y les from white rock writes:

Decided to check this out after many years. We did the Railway Trail to the new dog park. The first part is pretty and interesting with ups and downs and creeks and lots of MUD, but once you get to the flat part, it's a boring road. We stopped at the 'trial' dog park, which is a nice spot on the lake to have lunch with Fido, then turned back because we were bored of the road. Next time will try the other side. That dam has been closed for so many years! Get 'er done already!! Our total time out with lunch stop of about 20 minutes was 3 hours.

Posted: April 17, 2017 07:00:40 AM PST

John Soanes from Langley writes:

One of my favorite trails. Abandoned it yesterday as there was a sign stating that the spur trail to Steelhead Falls was closed for repairs. It didn't indicate how long the closure was.

Posted: April 10, 2017 08:51:27 AM PST

Meghan from Maple ridge writes:

Was on the trail heading to steelhead falls this morning. Past parking lot across the bridge ran into a cougar. Would have been fine except it followed us, running at a point, stalking us. Keep all small dogs on leash.

Posted: February 26, 2017 12:18:54 PM PST

Erin from Abbotsford writes:

Hi avid hikers!
I am working on the Ruskin Dam site and just wanted to let everyone know that the Ruskin crossing is not accessible at all at least until the end of next 2017 (you would need someone to host you across the site and be wearing full protective equipment haha!).
Cheers!

Posted: September 21, 2016 09:44:42 AM PST

Nicola from Vancouver writes:

@Judi from Chilliwack
If you haven't already, check out BC Mobility Opportunities Society (BCMOS.org)--they're all about getting folks with various mobility challenges into the outdoors--hiking, kayaking, paddling, gliding, etc. They're on the facebook and twitter too. I bet they'd have great recommendations for trails that would meet your and your husband's needs. Judi posted in March and it's now August, so I don't imagine she'll see this, but I hope this helps someone out there.

Posted: August 11, 2016 12:25:07 AM PST

Judi from Chilliwack writes:

Is this trail good for wheelchairs, looking for trails from Squamish to Hope that my husband and I can do(he is in a wheelchair, but still pretty strong for wheeling. We love the forest areas, have done Stanley Park all the trails, and sea wall. Need further trails to explore. Any help would be great. Thanks

Posted: March 4, 2016 10:48:22 AM PST

Sam D from Coquitlam writes:

Ok. The BC hydro page says that the southern bridge is closed till 2018. You cannot do the entire loop.

Posted: February 4, 2016 06:55:20 PM PST

Sam D from Coquitlam writes:

I'm trying to find this out too. If anyone can tell me. we're planning to do the loop on Monday morning.

Posted: February 4, 2016 06:50:23 PM PST

Thea from Pemberton writes:

Does anyone know if the southern crossing is accessible? I would like to do the whole loop this weekend by am hearing mixed answers as to whether it is possible...

Posted: February 4, 2016 02:19:44 PM PST

Lisa from Abbotsford writes:

Did both trails this past long weekend. I really both trails but the reservoir one was way more challenging. It was difficult to get to from the lake parking lot so I suggest to other attempting to go to park further up the road at the steelhead falls parking lot.

Posted: May 21, 2015 03:53:47 PM PST

JohnS from Langley writes:

Fabulous, late September weather and one of the most picturesque local trails I have been on. I was amazed how uncrowded this trail was for a sunny Sunday; only encounter about 15 people in the four hours we were there.

This loop should be broken into separate trails as work on the dam will mean the elimination of the floating bridge and Ruskin dam roadway access until 2018. The Reservoir side makes the Railway side look like the ugly stepsister. I did the Railway side about a week ago and was rather underwhelmed …so glad I returned to do this side; it’s a completely different experience.

Our 14.8 KM return trip started at the trail-head on the road (49.233685, -122.3501) which continues across to the interpretive trail. As per usual the directions to the parking were sitting on the kitchen island …at home. The lot is approximately 1.5 KM SE from where we started.

The trail is a wilderness beauty and the few days of rain have pumped-up volumes in the streams and the spectacular Steelhead Falls – which was a raging torrent. We saved this for the return trip – and what a way to finish. The trail had a few muddy spots and some of the bridges and boardwalks were a little slippery and rotting. The trail is getting attention, there were several new replacements in the Mission-managed section, some so new you could smell the cedar. The hike itself is easy, the constant up and down has you doing the 140m gain about three times over. We stopped about 200 metres short of Hairsine Inlet as we wanted to make sure we had ample time at Steelhead Falls.

Posted: September 29, 2014 10:34:15 AM PST

Emily from New Westminster writes:

I did the Railroad trail today (12 km ), and it was really beautiful. The first kilometer or so is just a wide gravel road, which isn't that pretty, but don't be discouraged! There are beautiful, winding, forest pathways in store! Just a note, the Ruskin Dam is currently closed, so you won't be able to do a loop of the lake. I really recommend this hike!

Posted: June 25, 2014 09:45:04 PM PST

Nathan Veldhoen from Abbotsford writes:

Ran it today, Westside was good and not too muddy. Did the eastside out and back and its still in really rough shape after the falls. Many bridges need fixing and they are slowing doing that. Float bridge is still out and looking like well into December or longer?. I highly recommend taking it easy on a lot of the bridges on the East-very wet and slippery and many of them are on angles which make it hazardous.

Posted: November 18, 2013 07:25:46 AM PST

Anonymous from Vancouver writes:

Ran into a fairly large sized black bear shortly after passing the off leash dog area on the west trail going south towards the dam. Thankfully it was on a long straight away so we had a decent distance from him and didn't spook him coming around a corner. Kind of freaked us out to return and do this trail ever again, at least not running it as the path in the beginning is gravel and a bit wide but has twists and turns and heavily bushed on both sides. Damn bear... was looking forward to this run and returning in the future after the construction of the south dam finished to do the full loop.

Posted: June 2, 2013 11:11:06 PM PST

Caitlin K from Cloverdale writes:

Did this hike yesterday, March 29, 2013, the directions are very poor as there are two ways to get to the stave dam.

If you've parked down in the hayward lake recreation area you can either follow the road you came down OR take the railway trail NORTH to the stave dam.

What the directions should say is go east and thru the construction following and then show signs for the reservoir trail which will entail steep switchbacks till you get to the top to show a view of the valley.

Myself and others who we ran into trying to find the Resevoir trail were very confused as the directions are pretty unclear saying exactly to go to the left from the bathroom and take the trail (which is railway trail) up to the stave dam and cross it (which brings you to stave lake road).

Posted: March 30, 2013 09:35:45 AM PST

Emily from Maple Ridge writes:

I hiked the Reservoir Trail from the upper parking lot to the canoe landing on Feb 23, 2013. Great hike, with a few muddy spots. The trees kept me dry when it sprinkled a bit. Not many people on the trail yet so it was very peaceful.

Posted: March 5, 2013 08:37:52 AM PST

michelle from Maple Ridge writes:

I want to take my class to do the railway trail in March 2013. BC hydro has told me it's open and we can picnic at the park end after. is this true?

Posted: February 27, 2013 10:11:48 AM PST

physsie2002 from maple ridge writes:

the ruskin dam is closed for upgrades until 2015 the floating bridge and reservoir trails are closed from that side as well as below the Ruskin dam a round trip is not possible, 4.5 hours max. with lots of stops to swim. beautiful place lots of vista for photo opts, loons beavers,geese, owls,ravens and the occasional buzz from an osprey or eagle population that seems to be year round.There are bears and cougars reported on the trail in the fall so take the necessary precautions. Steelhead falls always a spectacular site year round

Posted: February 18, 2013 11:03:34 PM PST

Colleen Branson from Surrey, BC writes:

I haven't been for a few years, but there used to be good swimming at the start of the trail - north end of the lake new the northern dam.

Posted: September 22, 2012 09:17:46 AM PST

Theresa Chevalier from Abbotsford writes:

Ruskin Dam is now completely closed off to the public and sections of the floating bridge have been removed to prevent any crossing there. Still a great hike! You just have to remember that you will have to hike all the way back to your car. (Cannot do a loop) This may extend the distance & time of your hike.

Posted: June 4, 2012 12:09:54 PM PST

Kelli from Vancouver writes:

I just did this hike today (June 2/12) and it seems that the Ruskin Dam has been closed since May and will be closed through September. This means you can't get all of the way around. It just went to the dam and back and had a great time. Such a lovely, peaceful hike.
A bit muddy but not too bad.

Posted: June 2, 2012 03:46:27 PM PST

silva plut from vancouver writes:

I am planning to hike the lake next Sunday and would like to know if the lake is good for swimming. Can anybody give me this info?
Thanks.

Posted: August 28, 2011 05:16:54 PM PST

James from Abbotsford writes:

Beavers can be found all over the Fraser Valley. Streams that have plenty of vegitation are great places to find Beavers. There are some in Gardener Park In Abbotsford. Just seen them.

Posted: July 3, 2011 11:25:45 AM PST

Gary from North Vancouver writes:

I heard you can see beavers in this lake.
Has anyone seen beavers or signs of beaver activity (eg dams, chiseled tree trunks, etc...)

Are there other places in the Fraser valley that have beavers ??

thank you.

Gary

Posted: July 2, 2011 08:59:49 AM PST

James from Abbotsford writes:

Jumping across the gap in the bridge was the best part! However, the lake looks shabby right now when compared to its normal splendor. I hope they bring the water back up soon!

Posted: June 11, 2011 11:16:22 PM PST

Kira from Abbotsford writes:

Went to hike the trail today, however the bridge is broken. The water is sooo low that it split appart in the middle. The ramps are blocked off but you can walk around. However you have to jump across about 5 feet in the middle. Wont be repaired for a while!

Posted: May 29, 2011 09:44:46 PM PST

Perry from Mission writes:

Hayward trail is drying up nicely. Did it 2 days ago in 2 hours 50 minutes power walking.

Posted: May 26, 2011 02:36:07 PM PST

Elaine from Abbotsford writes:

We did the Haward Lake hike today and it took us 3 hours and 40 minutes. It was a long hike(17km) but not difficult. In the beginning the only problem was that the trail went along the road but the signage was non existant...not a big deal at all. We left @ 9am and we saw very few people. We started out from the parking lot on the west side to the dam and over to the east side of the lake and did the full circumferance. Once we were back on the west side we ran into more people on the easy trail.

Overall, really good hike. Would suspect that mid summer on a weekend would not be the time to take this hike.rnYesterday we kayaked the circumferance and I would highly recommend that. We only saw 2 other kayakers and it was a very peacefull paddle. Again we put in at 9am. The water was like glass, and the eagles, loons and geese joined us through the old stumps and inlets. Awsome paddle. Very beautiful.

Posted: April 23, 2011 05:06:09 PM PST

John Hewson from Burnaby BC writes:

Did the trail on Saturday (April 16, 2011) Beautiful trail round the lake. The construction work at Blind Slough dam was no problem; just a short raod detour is required.rnrnRecommended pont is Steelhead Falls; beautiful photo op there.rnrnAlso, along the west shore forest trail are a few lovely old growth trrees worth seeing.rnrnAll in all a lovely 17km. hike, with the 6km. on the east shore being an easy former railway track and the west shore being a lovely 11 km. forest trail. If you haven't got time for the whole thing, I highly recommend the west shore forest trail.

Posted: April 18, 2011 03:02:00 PM PST

Jennifer from Vancouver writes:

The loop is open now (we were there on April 9) although we seen signage dated early March that indicated a full loop wasn't possible. The part of the trail that they were working on was on the Railway Trail and it is complete. Now when you cross the dam to the other side there are a series of steep ups and downs (including one that garnered some swearing under ones breath) until you get to the widest creek/stream crossing and it levels back out and the access road starts. I believe the trail that used to be there was more of the typical lake perimeter/rolling style vs. UP-DOWN-UP-DOWN-DEARGODUP?... lol

Otherwise- great trail. I definitely prefer the Reservoir Trail side as it's in the trees, more rolling, and the ground is made of forest earth. The Railway trail, once it flattens out, is compacted gravel... doesn't quite have the same give for the legs/joints.

I do highly recommend hiking clockwise from the recreation/picnic area to Reservoir Trail then to Railway Trail to get the elevation gain out of the way at the start. I can't imagine what I would have felt like (with my 35lb backpack for training) if I had had to do them at the end.

Posted: April 12, 2011 09:46:24 AM PST

Mary Ann Westendorf from Maple Ridge writes:

My daughter and her friend took me on this hike today and it was beautiful. WE did 12 K /7.5 miles. In spite of the light rain we stayed relatively dry under the canopy of tall trees. Some of the hills were pretty steep but doable for this out of shape Gramma. :) I'd love to do the whole loop in preparation for the BMO half-marathon on May 1st.
Does anyone know when the loop will re-open?

Posted: February 13, 2011 02:41:27 PM PST

Debra & John from Pitt Meadows writes:

We hiked the trail September 5th, 2010 on a whim. Had just planned on a short walk and started out at the Stave Falls end and walked south along the west side of the lake. By the time we got to the bridge to cross the lake we figured we'd finished what we started. It was a beautiful and serene part of our magnificent province. We finished the walk in just over 5 hours and we are both in our mid 50's. Thanks to those that both created and maintain the trail.

Posted: September 13, 2010 12:34:59 PM PST

Joel D from the Mish writes:

did the trail today... 17km july 22 10
I really liked it allot. me and my friend age 29-33 did it in 4hours.. just walking. I'm not sore or anything still have lots of energy for band prac and volleyball. good trail to tier out you ten year old... seen lots of ppl with there dogs and a few runners. trail would be good even in the rain/snow because half of it's undercover by the beautiful wilderness. if your a first timer study the online map... a few parts are on the road..not much. all in all I give it 10/10. Nature ROCKS!!!

Posted: July 22, 2010 12:49:33 AM PST

Dorothy from North Vancouver writes:

It is a beautiful trail and we enjoyed it. Was a little longer than we figured as we had not really read the book carefully-could do with a few more markers to let you know where you are at with regards to the kl. Good hike for people with dogs.

Posted: July 9, 2010 01:14:03 PM PST

Linda & Derrick from Abbotsford writes:

Seven of us hiked Hayward Lake Trail on Canada Day! We had 3 kids age 11-14 yrs old, all who managed the 17 km. hike within 4.5 hours. The trails were well groomed, and we all really enjoyed this hike. Encountered bear droppings on the west trail, and again on the east trail....bring bear spray just in case! Definately would return to this trail around the lake again. Maybe next time we will run/jog around this trail!

Posted: July 2, 2010 06:23:16 PM PST

Nathan from Vancouver writes:

Hiked the full loop today. Reservoir Trail was very nice: well maintained, beautiful views, and lovely snaking trail through the woods. The view of the waterfall is worth the slight detour from the main path. The entire loop, however, is marred by the trails over the dams. They are busy roads without any shoulder in places. Also, the Railway section has nice views and access to beaches, but is basically just an access road for BC Hydro.

The recreational area was nice and I would hike the Reservoir Trail again, but only as an out and back, not the entire loop.

Posted: May 7, 2010 09:00:02 PM PST

Tammy Lang from Maple Ridge writes:

My Husband and I ran the trail yesterday and it was heaven! Well maintained and had a vairity of terrain. This was a challenging trail to run. We come from Vancouver Island and we love the trails over there but we are stating to think these trails over here may have them beat!

Well worth the hike or run!

Tammy and Ivan Lang

Posted: April 30, 2010 10:09:26 AM PST

Johanna from Langley writes:

This is a gorgeous hike, and well worth the time, but the directions for the Reservoir Trail are a bit misleading. When you are walking past the Stave Falls Power House/Visitor Centre, the instructions should specify that you have to walk up the road for 5 - 10 minutes before you cross the dam. (Don't go left! That is not the dam they are referring to!)

Or, what is even easier yet, take the Railway Trail out of the parking lot and cross over Ruskin Dam when you hit the end. It was open when we hiked it, so we were able to do the full loop without doubling back.

Posted: April 4, 2010 10:23:14 PM PST

Murray from Surrey writes:

I hiked the railway trail from the parking lot to the dam and back on Jan 10, 2010. There appeared to be quite a bit of trail work going on. A couple of new bridges are built and some of the trail edges were being reinforced and new gravel spread on the trail. This is a good hike in the winter. Even if it's raining a lot the trail remains in good shape.

For more coments on the trail see my blog at http://westcoasthiker.blogspot.com

Posted: January 17, 2010 10:36:02 AM PST