Comments

Maria Staunton from Surrey writes:

Too many mosquitoes! Decent views! Very inaccurate rating! Should show moderate hiking because of the steep hills and rocky terrain.

Posted: August 1, 2022 06:23:55 PM PST

Brandon from Abbotsford writes:

Really fun hike that’s easy to maneuver, can get down to an amazing beach overlooking the water. Great views for pictures on top of the cliffs as well.

Posted: April 11, 2021 09:54:37 AM PST

Henry Klaassen from Rosedale writes:

Hiked this for the first time ever, yesterday. Sandy Cove was inundated, so the loop trail is currently only a U trail. Whippoorwill Point was still fully accessible though! Highlight: heard and saw a seal in the Harrison River.

Posted: July 1, 2020 09:59:26 PM PST

Melissa from Chilliwack writes:

I did this hike with my 3 and 4 year old. It took us about 1 hour to get to the beach and 45min back down. My two toddlers were able to do this entire hike by themselves (they are frequent hikers). Lots of climbing, the trail is narrow, but overall a lot of fun! Make sure your kiddos have adequate footwear for the climb! :)

Posted: May 24, 2019 11:41:43 PM PST

Angela from Langley writes:

Just did this hike today with my 4 kids (ages 9, 7,6 & 4) and our dog. Everyone LOVED it, it was challenging for my youngest at times lots of roots and rocks but it was still short enough that she could make it to the end. The Sandy Cove was a highlight, the kids played on the beach and we had lunch before heading around the rest of the trail. It took us about 3 hours (but we spent a little more than an hour at the beach playing) so 2 hours of hiking at snail pace sometimes. As long as you follow the directions given here and orange/red markers you'll be fine.

Posted: July 6, 2018 05:43:55 PM PST

Geoff from Edmonton writes:

Great hikes. Route notes were bang on. If in doubt follow orange flags.

Posted: May 2, 2018 05:03:18 PM PST

R from V writes:

I’m going to start by answering the question everyone seems to be asking:YES, there is free parking. We go to Harrison reasonably regularly and we have always found free parking somewhere in town. No it is not right next to the trail head, but on one of the business streets in town. Sometimes of year all parking is free other times only some. Harrison is a small place so any down town parking will be reasonably close to the trail.

As for actual thoughts on the trail. I grew up coming out to Harrison almost every spring and despite efforts each year to find a good hike close to the town never found one I was satisfied with until I read these directions and tried this hike.

My husband and I both loved it! We did it in a torrential downpour with a slippery leaf cover in the trail and still loved it. It was short but not too short. It was challenging in sections but still relaxing enough to carry on a lively conversation and enjoy the beautiful environment!

I would like to point out that there are some very very very steep portions where we were more climbing than hiking, we almost turned back part way though the beginning portion as my husband had to carry our toddler and he started to get nervous the whole trail would be so steep. I really wouldn’t suggest it for people carrying a toddler or baby. We were fine obviously but I spent a lot of time helping him and spotting to make sure we were safe. On alpnr with a baby or toddler I wouldn’t suggest it.

I will say our son loved the sandy cove!

Posted: November 14, 2017 10:08:24 AM PST

Michael from Vancouver writes:

We had a blast on this trail and I would call it a hidden gem. The trail is very natural, but that also means it's difficulty is definitely not easy like stated in the description. It's actually the most challenging terrain we've hiked on so far. It goes up and down a lot, big steps, steep sections, over and under fallen trees. So lots of fun but rather difficult. Good shoes are a must.

Posted: August 2, 2017 10:12:52 PM PST

Gareth C from Chilliwack writes:

The trail is known locally as the Sandy Cove trail and you will find unofficial signs pointing you in the direction of the trail, until the T-junction.
The steep scramble at the start, is a lot of fun and you will need decent hiking boots. At the T-junction, we took the trail left, where it descends to the lake shore, through overgrown bushes. It is easy to miss the trail, so keep an eye out for the orange ribbons (which are missing from a few key points!).
The trail needs a lot of maintenance near the lake shore.

It gradually loops around to Sandy Cove. Because of high water levels (at time of writing), the beach is under a metre of water! Take off your socks and boots and go for a wade. It is quite refreshing! After 100m of submerged beach, the trail goes back into the forest.

In all, a fun little trail and a great views of Harrison Lake.

Posted: July 5, 2017 03:47:34 PM PST

Michael from COQUITLAM writes:

Is there any free parking? or can park anywhere near roads at the residential area?

Posted: May 8, 2017 01:22:38 PM PST

Toby and Marina from Vancouver writes:

My partner and I did this trail today in January. It's a lovely hike, with some great views of Harrison River and the surrounding mountains. There was some snow and ice on the trail but it was still manageable in wellies and waterproofs. There are also a couple of waterfalls where you can grab some good pictures :)

Posted: January 18, 2017 09:23:42 PM PST

Burger from Abbotsford writes:

I give it a 3 stars because it is very poorly marked. If the info wasn't out there, no one would know there is a trail there. After you beat the bushes and actually find it, it gets steep and narrow sometimes but overall easy and very enjoyable. We couldn't do the whole loop and had to turn around half way after we spotted a bear.
It was far enough but still nerve racking, be cautious and maybe keep your dogs on leash.

Posted: December 5, 2016 02:15:04 PM PST

Travis V from North Van writes:

Are you able to camp on this beach or is that not allowed??

Posted: August 4, 2016 04:14:03 PM PST

Sarah from Abbotsford writes:

I did this hike in May of this year. It was a very easy hike, though not well-marked along the way. The beach (Sandy Cove) was a nice treat, though it was relatively busy. To continue on from the beach, walk to the end of the sand and you'll find some rocks with rope to pull yourself up. This part is not marked. We found another spot to sit and eat a snack along the water on some high rocks which we preferred over the beach.

Posted: June 30, 2016 01:51:54 PM PST

maria from Abbotsford writes:

Hi,

we want to do this trail tomorrow and its the first time we go to Harrison. Where can we park? Are there free parkings available near the trail? Thanks !

Posted: June 6, 2014 12:36:10 PM PST