Sasamat Lake

Hikers looking for an easy, year-round accessible hike or an outdoor area perfect for family picnics and a short walk will find the trails around Sasamat Lake in Belcarra Park a great escape from the city. Located near Port Moody, Sasamat Lake has several facilities including walking trails, a beach area, swimming in the lake, a concession stand, and much more.

In the summer, Sasamat Lake can become very busy so it is advised to arrive early if you expect to find a parking spot near the lake. The trail wraps around the lake so you can choose what area you would like to begin your walk however, we will start from the White Pine Beach area by the concession stand. As you walk down the short hill towards the beach, the lake comes into full view giving a sense of the entire area and the distance around the lake. Go right towards the end of the beach area where the paved trail turns to gravel and heads into the forest. We will walk around the lake in a counterclockwise direction.

For the first section the well maintained trail hugs the shoreline offering occasional glimpses of the lake from different angles. As you continue, the trails goes up a set of wooden stairs and merges with the gravel road above. Follow this road to the left towards the Sasamat Outdoor Club, a facility that offers many outdoor programs for community groups and local schools within the Belcarra Park area.

Cross the driveway and walk down the steps as the trail continues toward Bedwell Bay Road. After crossing a bridge over a small stream, the trail reaches a junction. Walking right takes you to Woodhaven Swamp and going left will continue along the trail that circles the lake. Go right as the trail follows Bedwell Bay Road for a short distance before going up a set of wooden stairs to the road. Carefully cross the road to the sign on the other side and continue up the trail between the two residential houses.

As the trail climbs up the side of the hill, the sight of homes and noises of passing cars and the busy Sasamat Lake area begin to fade. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow through the second-generation of Douglas Fir and Western Cedar trees. After hiking for 2km, the trail arrives at another small road with the Woodhaven Swamp partially visible between the trees on the other side. Cross the road and continue along the trail to a sign on the left. Walk down the steps and follow the path as it loops around the swamp area. After enjoying the scenery, return to the road area and cross back to the trail that leads back down towards Sasamat Lake.

Once back at the junction near Bedwell Bay Road, continue along the trail that wraps around Sasamat Lake. The terrain is flat and there are several viewpoints to stop and enjoy the mountain peaks that overlook the Belcarra region in the background. Eventually, the trail arrives at a crossing on the south end of the lake which has a couple of platforms for swimmers. Walk across this crossing and take in the view of the lake.

Once on the other side of the lake, continue along the trail to the left back towards the White Pine Beach area. Only a short time later, the trail opens up at the beach area and you have completed your loop of Sasamat Lake. A hot, sunny day offers the perfect opportunity for a quick dip in the lake or a relaxing picnic on the sandy beach shore.