Golden Ear Provincial Park
How to get there:The Park is located 7 miles (11 km) north of Maple Ridge. There are two approaches to reach Golden Ears Provincial Park. Entering Maple Ridge from the west, take Highway 7 in Maple Ridge where it intersect with the Dewdney Trunk Rd. Drive east on Dewdney Trunk Rd, then north on 232nd St. and follow the Provincial Park signs from here Or if you approach Maple Ridge from the east, take Highway 7, turn north on 232nd St. The route from Albion begins at the Fraser River ferry slip. There are over a dozen trails with various destinations throughout the park. The lengthy 8 miles (12 km) one-way trail to the Golden Ears themselves, is one of the more lengthy trails. Another noteworthy trail is the one to the summit of Alouette Mountain. The trailhead starts at Mike Lake, adjacent to the park headquarters. The Alouette Mountain Hiking Trail is a 12 miles (20 km) return trip. While there are not many noteworthy views on your way up, the panoramic view at the summit across the Fraser Valley into Washington and west across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island is stunning. If you prefer a shorter outing, the 2.6 (4.2 km) Mike Lake Trail might be your choice. In the summer feast your eyes on the abundance of wildflowers, such as pink azalea, elderberries, devils club and many others that are found in this area. There are additional walking trails, which lend themselves for a nice outing. Both, the Lookout and the Loop Trail start at the day-use area at Alouette Lake. The trails are a 1.5 miles (2.5 km) round trip and can be easily completed in an hour. Another short walking trail, the Spirea Nature Trail, is a short walk that winds through the woods adjacent to the park's main road and introduces visitors to the fascinating variety of flora in the forest. The trail begins from the parkway near the entrance to Alouette Lake. In addition, still two easy walks, can be found at the Gold Creek day-use area parking lot, and located at the north end of the park's main road. Both lead to a set of waterfalls on Gold Creek. The Lower Falls Trail, an easy 3.5 miles (5.5 km) return, is one of the most popular walks in Golden Ears Provincial Park. The East Canyon Trail, a moderate 17 miles (28 km) return hike, is much rougher. East Canyon Trail runs along the east side of Gold Creek and leads to the upper falls and far beyond. One of the benefits of taking either route to the falls is the views of the Golden Ears and other peaks in this group. If you want to explore the far reaches of Golden Ears Provincial Park, hike the West Canyon Trail, an easy; 6 miles (10 km) return trip, which links with the Golden Ears Trail to eventually reach the summit of the North Ear. The summit is part of the two horn-shaped granite formations, which is easily spotted from as far away as Washington and the southern Gulf Islands. A note of caution: Weather patterns in the region may change rapidly. Hypothermia is always a threat, even on the hottest days. Plan and dress accordingly.
