Golden Ears West Canyon Trail-Alder's Flat

Spent Father's day with bf's family. We decided to go a 6 km hike at Golden Ears. It took about 6 hours. We started the trail around 12pm and got back down around 5pm. We had a lunch break at Alder's Flat. The trail begins in the West Canyon parking lot. There is a bathroom, garbage bins and drinking water before you start. The path starts out quite flat. some rocky areas but the trail will become steeper and rockier as you walk on the exposed tree roots. There is a viewpoint just before you head down a short but steep section and you will see the Gold Creek Lookout sight. You will also see a very large boulder in the forest. There are many man made steps and metal bridges that you will be crossing. During this time you most definitely need hiking shoes because there is a lot of mini streams, water and mud in your path. The rocks are slippery when wet and when your shoes are wet and muddy the bridges become slippery to walk pass. Make sure you have plenty of water before heading out and keep hydrated at all times. Overall, a great hike. My second time up here and I hope to accomplish the full Golden Ears experience one day.

Specs:

Location: Maple Ridge, BC, Canada

Roundtrip: 11.0km

Elevation gain: 280m

High point: 480m

Time needed: 4 hours