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Pinecone Burke Provincial Park

4.5
·356 reviews·Coquitlam, Canada

A rugged mountain backcountry park offering challenging hikes, thrilling mountain biking, and stunning lake vistas.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful hikes

CrowdLow
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Saw Blade Falls Burke Mountain

Pinecone Burke Provincial Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful hikes

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A rugged mountain backcountry park offering challenging hikes, thrilling mountain biking, and stunning lake vistas.

4.5
(356 reviews)

"The Coquitlam lake look out is definitely in my top 5! Stopped at a water fall on the way down it's much nicer to look at then crystal falls!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking at Gun Range

Park at the gun range access road. Drive slowly due to dust and wildlife. Be aware of gunfire noise.

🥾 Challenging Viewpoint Trail

The new viewpoint trail is steep and requires scrambling. Consider bringing a rope for assistance.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Coquitlam Lake Viewpoint

Coquitlam Lake Viewpoint

Coquitlam Lake View Trail

Breathtaking panoramic views of Coquitlam Lake and surrounding landscapes. A rewarding climb!

Hidden Waterfalls

Hidden Waterfalls

Various trails

Discover serene waterfalls tucked away in the lush forest, often more picturesque than Crystal Falls.

Rugged Mountain Biking Trails

Rugged Mountain Biking Trails

Various trails

Challenging old-school trails with steeps, wood features, jumps, and drops for experienced riders.

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Planning Your Visit

Trail Conditions & Access

Burke Mountain offers rugged trails, some quite steep. Check recent conditions, especially for the Coquitlam Lake Viewpoint trail, which can be challenging. Parking is available at the gun range, but be mindful of noise and wildlife.

Wildlife & Safety First

This is backcountry! Bears, coyotes, and cougars are present. Be bear-smart, carry essentials like water, snacks, and a first-aid kit. Inform someone of your trip plan, as there are no facilities or cell service on many trails.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful hikes
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Cityscape & star views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Anyone done any trails in pinecorne burke provincial park in coquitlam?

🚗 Parking at Gun Range

Park at the gun range access road. Drive slowly due to dust and wildlife. Be aware of gunfire noise. Reddit

🥾 Challenging Viewpoint Trail

The new viewpoint trail is steep and requires scrambling. Consider bringing a rope for assistance. Reddit

reddit.com

Hiking in Burke-Pinecone Provincial Park in 2021

reddit.com

Widgeon Falls on a Beautiful BC Day (Pinecone Burke Provincial Park)

🐻 Be Bear Aware!

This is active wildlife territory. Carry bear spray, make noise, and know bear safety protocols. Reddit

💧 No Facilities Here

Bring all your own water, snacks, and emergency supplies. No washrooms or amenities available. Reddit

reddit.com

Pinecone Burke Provincial Park parking?

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking at Gun Range

Park at the gun range access road. Drive slowly due to dust and wildlife. Be aware of gunfire noise. Reddit

🥾 Challenging Viewpoint Trail

The new viewpoint trail is steep and requires scrambling. Consider bringing a rope for assistance. Reddit

🐻 Be Bear Aware!

This is active wildlife territory. Carry bear spray, make noise, and know bear safety protocols. Reddit

💧 No Facilities Here

Bring all your own water, snacks, and emergency supplies. No washrooms or amenities available. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails

Well-behaved dogs are welcome on many trails, but keep them leashed and clean up after them. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(356 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Pinecone Burke Provincial Park for its stunning lake views and challenging, rewarding trails, especially for mountain biking. However, the lack of facilities and the presence of wildlife require careful preparation and awareness.

"“Beautiful and family-friendly!”
We had an amazing time at Pinecone Burke Provincial Park. The trail is perfect for families, with stunning views of two lakes and a chance to walk by the water. The lake view from above was breathtaking, and we even saw ducks along the way. A great hike for all ages—worth every step!"

rahele

"The view point from the Coquitlam lake look out is definitely in my top 5! Stopped at a water fall on the way down it's much nicer to look at then crystal falls!
The terrain is pretty easy going until you get to the new path to the view point. Gets almost vertical, would be nice if they had a rope there to aid with scrambling.
The trail we did was about 12km round trip parking at the gun range. Took just over 2 hours round Trip, with breaks and stopping at the view point Definitely recommend this to anyone! We also took our dog up there, great to get out."

Collin Sluggett

"If you are a mountain biker or hiker and you love a challenge, this area is a hidden gem. (Wait, why am I saying this publicly?!)

Burke Mtn. has lots of old-school (mtb) rugged tech, steeps, wood features, jumps, gaps, and drops. There aren't really any green (beginner) trails, unless you count the gravel road climbing trails and maybe Woodland Walk (for mtb, that's more of a transit corridor from upper trails to the lower ones).

There are quite a few double-black trails, some of which are, frankly, a bit insane, lol.

If you do visit this place, PLEAAE drive slowly along Upper Harper Road (gravel) as your dust is awful for bikers climbing, plus, there are dogs off-leash. The Coquitlam gun club also uses that access road (sadly) and there is always a background NOISE of near constant gunfire. I think the bears are numb to it. There is plenty of wildlife: make sure you are bear-smart!!! Also, coyotes, foxes and cougars.

Make sure you have a trip plan; tell someone where you are going. Bring a phone, map, water, sealed snacks, emergency supplies & first aid - Coquitlam S.A.R. is awesome, but it does take time to locate hikers/bikers in trouble and the top-most trails are way up there!

There are NO washrooms or amenities of any kind."

Roni Kury

What People Like

Breathtaking lake views
Challenging mountain biking
Beautiful waterfalls

What People Dislike

No facilities
Steep trails
Gunfire noise

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Access is primarily via the Coquitlam gun range access road off Harper Road. Be aware that this is a gravel road and can be dusty. Reddit

Parking is available at the Coquitlam gun club access road. It's a common starting point for many trails. Reddit

Public transport options are limited for direct access to the park's trailheads. Driving is the most common method. Reddit

The access road is gravel and can be rough in places. Drive slowly and cautiously, especially if you have a lower-clearance vehicle. Reddit

As a provincial park, there are typically no entrance fees. However, always check the official BC Parks website for any updates or special advisories. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, tickets are not required for entry into Pinecone Burke Provincial Park. It's open for public access. Reddit

Provincial parks are generally open from dawn to dusk. However, it's best to check BC Parks for specific hours or any seasonal closures. Reddit

No specific trail pass is required for hiking in Pinecone Burke Provincial Park. Standard park access applies. Reddit

While the park is generally accessible during daylight hours, overnight stays are not permitted, and it's recommended to exit before dark for safety. Reddit

Be aware of wildlife, especially bears. Always practice bear safety. Check BC Parks for any fire bans or other temporary restrictions. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Popular trails include the Coquitlam Lake View Trail for stunning vistas, Woodland Walk for a gentler experience, and the Burke Ridge trail for a longer trek. Reddit

Yes, some trails like the one leading to the lake view are family-friendly, offering beautiful scenery and water access. Reddit

Expect to see bears, coyotes, foxes, and cougars. It's crucial to be bear-smart and aware of your surroundings. Reddit

No, there are no washrooms or amenities of any kind within the park. Come prepared with everything you need. Reddit

Bring plenty of water, sealed snacks, a map, a phone, emergency supplies, and a first-aid kit. Bear spray is highly recommended. Reddit

🎫 🚴 Mountain Biking

Absolutely! Burke Mountain is a hidden gem for mountain bikers, featuring rugged, old-school trails with technical sections, wood features, and drops. Reddit

Most trails are not beginner-friendly. There are many double-black diamond trails, some considered quite challenging and even 'insane' by riders. Reddit

While specific trail names are often known within the biking community, riders often access challenging routes from the gravel road climbing trails. Reddit

Bikers should be mindful of hikers and drive slowly on the gravel road to avoid kicking up dust. Yield to uphill traffic. Reddit

There are very few, if any, true green (beginner) trails. The gravel road climbs and Woodland Walk are more transit corridors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Coquitlam Lake Viewpoint offers stunning panoramic shots. Waterfalls along various trails also provide beautiful photographic opportunities. Reddit

Yes, but always maintain a safe distance and never feed wildlife. Be prepared for quick encounters with animals like deer or birds. Reddit

Late afternoon can offer beautiful light for cityscape views from higher elevations. Early mornings can be serene for forest shots. Reddit

Yes, the higher trails, particularly the Coquitlam Lake Viewpoint, offer excellent opportunities to photograph cityscapes. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Pinecone Burke Provincial Park offers some family-friendly options, particularly for those seeking beautiful views without extreme difficulty. The trail to the Coquitlam Lake Viewpoint is often cited as a good choice for families, providing stunning lake scenery and a chance to enjoy nature. Reddit While some sections can be steep, the overall experience is rewarding. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, as there are no facilities within the park. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Pinecone Burke Provincial Park is an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers as there are no entrance fees. The primary costs will be transportation to the park and any supplies you bring with you. Reddit It's a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of the region without significant expense, provided you are prepared with your own food and water. Reddit

🚵‍♀️ Experienced Mountain Bikers

This park is a dream for experienced mountain bikers seeking a challenge. You'll find a wealth of old-school, technical trails with significant elevation changes, steep sections, and exciting features like jumps and drops. Reddit Be prepared for demanding rides and always prioritize safety by carrying essential gear and informing someone of your plans. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Trails

Pinecone Burke Provincial Park boasts an extensive network of trails, catering to both hikers and mountain bikers. For hikers, the Coquitlam Lake View Trail is a must-do, offering rewarding vistas, though it can become quite steep and challenging towards the viewpoint. Reddit Other popular hiking routes include the gentler Woodland Walk and the longer Burke Ridge Trail. Reddit

Mountain bikers will find a playground of old-school, rugged terrain. The park is known for its challenging trails featuring steep ascents and descents, technical sections, wooden features, jumps, and drops. Reddit It's important to note that there are very few beginner-friendly trails; most are geared towards intermediate to expert riders. Always be aware of other users on the trail and practice trail etiquette. Reddit

Wildlife Encounters and Safety

This park is a true backcountry experience, meaning you are sharing the space with abundant wildlife. Bears are a significant presence, and visitors are strongly advised to be bear-smart. This includes carrying bear spray, making noise while hiking to avoid surprising animals, and knowing how to react if you encounter one. Reddit Beyond bears, you might also spot coyotes, foxes, and even cougars. Reddit

Safety is paramount here. Due to the remote nature of many trails and the lack of amenities, it's crucial to be well-prepared. Always inform someone of your trip plan, including your intended route and expected return time. Carry essential supplies such as ample water, sealed snacks, a comprehensive first-aid kit, and a reliable map. Cell service can be spotty or non-existent on many trails, so a physical map and compass are wise additions. Reddit

Mountain Biking: A Thrill Seeker's Paradise

For the adrenaline-fueled mountain biker, Pinecone Burke Provincial Park is often described as a 'hidden gem.' The park features a network of old-school, rugged trails that demand skill and experience. Riders can expect challenging climbs, steep descents, technical rock gardens, and exciting wooden features like jumps and drops. Reddit

It's important to manage expectations: this is not a park for beginners. Most trails are rated for intermediate to expert riders, with a significant number of double-black diamond routes that are considered quite demanding. Reddit When accessing the trails, particularly via the gravel road, remember to drive slowly and be considerate of hikers and other bikers. The community emphasizes respecting the environment and fellow users. Reddit

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