The best walks and hikes around Stave Lake
5.0
(12)
171
hikers
17
hikes
Hiking around Stave Lake offers diverse landscapes in the north-central Fraser Valley, approximately 60 kilometers east of Vancouver. The region is characterized by the expansive Stave Lake, surrounded by rugged mountains like those in Golden Ears Provincial Park and Mount Robie Reid. Lush forests and serene waterscapes define the terrain, shaped by the Stave River hydroelectric project.
Best hiking trails around Stave Lake
- The most popular hiking route is Amazing Lookout loop from Blind Slough Dam, a 1.1 miles (1.8 km) trail that takes about 38 minutes to complete, offering scenic views.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Hayward Lake loop, a moderate 11.2 miles (18.1 km) path featuring varied terrain and lakeside views.
- Local hikers also love the Mount Robie Reid Trail โ Golden Ears Provincial Park, an 11.9 miles (19.1 km) trail leading through mountainous terrain with significant elevation gain, often completed in about 12 hours 32 minutes.
- Hiking around Stave Lake is defined by serene lake environments, dramatic mountain vistas, and lush forests. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy walks to challenging treks.
- The routes in Stave Lake are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from more than 10 reviews. More than 100 hikers have used komoot to explore Stave Lake's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
3
hikers
1.77km
00:38
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
12
hikers
18.1km
04:56
270m
270m
Hike the moderate 11.2-mile Hayward Lake loop in Hayward Lake Recreation Area, featuring varied terrain, lakeside views, and Steelhead Falls
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8
hikers
12.0km
03:13
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
19.1km
12:32
2,160m
2,160m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
1
hikers
1.57km
00:34
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Hayward Lake is a long lake that spans 7.5 kilometres in length, while being only 1.5 kilometres wide. The lake was once home to the original route of the Stave Falls Railway line in the 1900s, but today is home to hydroelectric projects, trails and recreation sites. In summer, the sandy beaches are busy with anglers, paddleboarders and swimmers.
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Hayward Lake Railway Trail is a well-maintained gravel pathway that traces the northern shores of Hayward Lake, stretching between Railway Trailhead Lower Parking Lot and Hayward Lake Recreation Area. The trail is quite forested, so there is a good amount of shade and there are some rolling hills creating short ascents and descents. Bears and mountain lions have been seen here, so carry bear spray as a precaution. Keep an eye out while exploring this trail as parts of the old railway trestles can still be spotted in the forest.
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Hayward Lake Recreation Area is open every day of the week from 8 am to 8 pm. The large, paved Hayward Lake Parking Lot makes accessing the recreation area easy, only a short walk away from the scenic beaver pond, the beach, and large open grassy areas. The beach has a sandy shore and a grassy area behind it with picnic benches and trash cans.
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The Powerhouse at Stave Falls Visitor Centre is a fascinating historic site and museum, located in the original 100-year-old Powerhouse that once generated electricity for the Lower Mainland. Visitors can walk through the old generating facility and check out interactive exhibits, archival photos, and original mechanical and electrical components like the massive turbines and generators. The Powerhouse sits on the traditional territory of the Stรณ:lล People in the core territory of the Kwantlen First Nation.
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Steelhead Falls can be reached via a short and popular hike. The best place to see the falls is at the end of Steelhead Falls Trail on a wooden viewing platform. This out-and-back is best done in spring and summer when the water flow is strong and the surrounding woods are lush.
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The Hayward Street Bridge passes over the Stave River and the northern part of the Ruskin Dam and Powerhouse. There is a small pedestrian crossing separate from cars on he eastern side of the bridge. The dam has been creating electricity here since 1930, using Hayward Lake, a reservoir roughly 5.6 kilometers long, for that powerful flow.
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From here you get a good view of the 20-30 meter cascade that is Rolley Falls. It's not a super clear vantage point since it is still forested, but you can hear and see the falls well from this point and it is a good spot to stop and admire.
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These lower falls are easy to access, positioned right where the Rolley Falls Trail meets the river. They are worth stopping to admire or taking a rest at before continuing to the upper falls.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Stave Lake?
There are over 15 hiking trails around Stave Lake, offering a variety of experiences from easy walks to challenging treks. The komoot community has explored these routes over 100 times, providing an average rating of 5.0 stars.
Are there easy hiking options suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Stave Lake offers several easy trails perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Amazing Lookout loop from Blind Slough Dam is a short 1.8 km hike with scenic views. Another accessible option is the Lakeside Trail & Rolley Falls Trail loop in Rolley Lake Provincial Park, which is 5 km and features picturesque falls.
What kind of natural features and landscapes can I expect to see while hiking around Stave Lake?
Hikers around Stave Lake will encounter a diverse landscape characterized by serene lake environments, lush forests, and dramatic mountain vistas, including views of Golden Ears Provincial Park and Mount Robie Reid. The region is also known for its waterfalls, such as Rolley Falls and the secluded Mystic Falls, and the extensive Stave Lake Mud Flats.
Are there any trails that feature waterfalls?
Yes, the Stave Lake area is home to several beautiful waterfalls. The Lakeside Trail & Rolley Falls Trail loop in Rolley Lake Provincial Park will lead you to Rolley Falls. Additionally, the Hayward Lake area features Steelhead Falls along its trails. The Allouette Discharge Waterfall and Mystic Falls are also notable, though some may require boat access.
Are there any loop trails around Stave Lake?
Yes, loop trails are available for those who prefer not to retrace their steps. A popular moderate option is the Hayward Lake loop, an 18.1 km path featuring varied terrain and lakeside views. For a shorter, easy loop, consider the Amazing Lookout loop from Blind Slough Dam.
What are the more challenging hiking options in the Stave Lake region?
For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the Stave Lake area offers demanding routes with significant elevation gain. The Mount Robie Reid Trail โ Golden Ears Provincial Park is a difficult 19.1 km trail that leads through mountainous terrain and can take over 12 hours to complete, requiring very good fitness and alpine experience.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Stave Lake?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from serene lake views to rugged mountain vistas, and the variety of trails that cater to different fitness levels. The presence of picturesque waterfalls and lush forests also contributes to a memorable hiking experience.
Are there any trails that offer panoramic viewpoints?
Many trails in the Stave Lake area provide excellent viewpoints. The Amazing Lookout loop from Blind Slough Dam offers scenic views. The Hunter Trail, though not listed in the guide, is known for its spectacular views overlooking Stave Lake and the surrounding rugged mountains, including Mount Robie Reid, from an old logging road.
Is there parking available at the trailheads?
Yes, many popular trailheads around Stave Lake, such as those for Hayward Lake and Rolley Lake Provincial Park, offer designated parking areas. For trails originating near the Stave Falls Dam, there is often a Reservoir Trail Head Parking Lot available.
What is the best time of year to go hiking around Stave Lake?
While hiking is possible year-round, the best time to hike around Stave Lake is typically from spring through fall when the weather is milder and trails are generally clear of snow. Summer offers warm conditions for lakeside activities, while spring and fall provide vibrant foliage and cooler temperatures, ideal for longer treks. Winter hikes are possible but may require appropriate gear and awareness of conditions.
Are there any trails that follow old railway lines?
Yes, the Hayward Lake Recreation Area features a lakeside trail that follows the route of a former railway line. Specifically, the Railway Trail along the west side of Hayward Lake is notably flat and wide, offering an easy and scenic walk.
Most popular routes around Stave Lake
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