Mall Madness or Mountain Madness - Day Hike Golden Ears Provincial Park

At the time of year when folks flock to the stores, we decided to avoid Mall Madness and head to the Mountains for a day of rest and relaxation.  The weather forecast looked promising so we decided on a day trip to Golden Ears Provincial Park.

Entrance to Golden Ears Park

Situated on the north side of the Fraser River, near Maple Ridge, Golden Ears is one of British Columbia's largest parks.

Thanks to BC Parks for maintaining our trails

The Park features hiking and biking trails, over 20 km of horse trails, fishing, swimming, water skiing and windsurfing.  There are also three vehicle accessible campgrounds and numerous back-country wilderness camping opportunities.

We decided to check out the East Canyon Connector trail.  The trail is a really easy hike and suitable for children and families.  It climbs gently along the canyon above the creek on an old service road. There are numerous creek crossings - lots of opportunity to rock hop.  Always a hit with the kids!

Numerous stream crossings along the route

Evidence of recent wind storms

Thanks to the Ridge Meadows Outdoor Club there is a newly flagged route from the East Canyon Trail to several view points on Mt. Nutt.  This trail is rated difficult, and with limited daylight, we decided to save this one for another day...although it was tempting!

As we continued along the East Canyon route, we were able to catch glimpses of the Golden Ears looking very majestic with a dusting of new snow.

Glimpses of snow capped moutains

We decided to follow the connector trail down to the Lower Falls route.  This was by far our favourite part of the day.  The connector route is quite steep and as you descend to the falls you quickly become mesmerized by the forest.  The trees tower above and you are surrounded by ferns, mosses and lichens.  We did not encounter a single soul on the trail and enjoyed the stillness and calm as we listened to the falls roaring below.

Lush forest

Connector trail to Lower Falls

There is evidence of past logging along the route, and as we stared at the old stumps, we marvelled at the thought of what these trees might look like today.

Evidence of past logging

Mother Nature fights back - what a nursery tree!

The Lower Falls trail is almost like a sidewalk - wide, flat and obviously well used, but still very interesting and enjoyable as you travel from the falls along the shores of the creek.

Giggle of the Day:

We have enjoyed many trips to Golden Ears Provincial Park, taking advantage of the hiking trials, campsites and lake.  We often joke that Alouette Lake should be renamed Always Wet Lake as we have almost always encountered rain when visiting the park.

Today we thought the rain curse might be broken!  After a few days of torrential rain and heavy winds, we were thrilled to be hiking in the sunshine.  Well "thrilled" might not be the right word.  As we began to hike we gloated about the weather and how lucky we were to be basking in the sunshine.

It seemed fitting that when we arrived at the Falls, the spray was cold and thick.  Within seconds we were soaked to our skins....karma?  We vow to never gloat about weather again!

Picture doesn't capture how COLD the spray was!

Map and Route Tips:

Access to the East Canyon Trail head is from the Gold Creek Parking lot.

Golden Ears Provincial Park Map