4.6
(68)
1,241
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33
hikes
Easy hiking trails in Ubc Malcolm Knapp Research Forest are situated within a 5,157-hectare temperate rainforest environment. The landscape features towering coniferous trees, including Douglas Fir and Western Hemlock, and is interlaced with streams. Terrain varies from areas near sea level to the lower slopes of the Golden Ears Mountains, offering diverse natural settings. The forest provides a peaceful and immersive experience with lush, mossy areas and varied landscapes.
Last updated: October 3, 2026
5
hikers
2.49km
00:43
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
3.41km
01:00
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
hikers
3.10km
00:55
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
3.04km
00:53
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
5.23km
01:30
120m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tent Trail is a peaceful singletrack through beautiful forest, with a few streamside sections that can turn muddy after rain. Mountain bikers use this trail often, so stay alert on bends and enjoy the quieter moments between the trees.
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Shull Trailhead is the end of the residential 236th Street and the start of Shull Trail. There are no restrooms here or trash cans, just some roadside parking and the start of the dirt trail into the woods. Come prepared with your full bottle of water, and in the spring and early summer, there are lots of wild flowers, even right at the trailhead, you can see pops of colour.
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Shoesmith Trail is part of Maple Ridgeโs Silver Valley network, following a broad gravel trail through the forest with very little technical terrain. The east and west sections are each about a kilometre long and are shared by hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians, so keep an ear out for other users. Itโs a useful connector through the network, especially if youโre linking into nearby trails towards Golden Ears Provincial Park.
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Tent Trail is a peaceful singletrack through beautiful forest, with a few streamside sections that can turn muddy after rain. Mountain bikers use this trail often, so stay alert on bends and enjoy the quieter moments between the trees.
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Deep in the forest, Bear Claw is a peaceful multipurpose trail with two distinct moods: deciduous woodland to the north and quiet evergreen forest to the south. The change in scenery is especially striking in winter. The trail is shared with bikes and horses, so stay aware and give others plenty of space.
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Silver Back trail winds through a beautiful stretch of coastal rainforest, passing towering Douglas-firs, western red cedars, and dense moss-covered forest typical of Golden Ears Provincial Park. The trail feels noticeably quieter than some of the park's more popular routes, with roots, wooden bridges, and occasional creek crossings adding variety along the way. It's a great introduction to the old-growth character that makes this part of the park so special.
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Originally built as part of Golden Ears Provincial Park's horseback riding network, Shoesmith Trail follows a wide forest corridor through the lower slopes of the park. The route winds beneath towering cedars and Douglas-firs, crossing small creeks and damp woodland typical of British Columbia's coastal rainforest. Unlike some of the park's steeper mountain trails, Shoesmith feels more secluded and relaxed, making it a great way to experience the forest without the crowds found around Alouette Lake and the main day-use areas.
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The Loop Trail connects the Menzies and Alouette Trails, making a quick loop in Golden Ears Provincial Park. Though not particularly steep it should be noted that head in a clockwise direction will take you downhill, while counter-clockwise is uphill.
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The UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest offers 7 designated easy hiking trails, part of a larger network of 37 routes. These trails are designed to be accessible, allowing you to explore the lush temperate rainforest environment.
Easy hikes in the UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest generally feature gentle terrain within a temperate rainforest. You'll encounter towering coniferous trees like Douglas Fir and Western Hemlock, sparkling streams, and diverse landscapes ranging from near sea level to the lower slopes of the Golden Ears Mountains. Trails are typically well-marked.
Yes, the forest is well-suited for families. The Kanaka Creek & Fraser Waterfront loop, at 2.8 km, is a great option for a shorter, easy walk. The region research also mentions the Red Trail as a good starting point for families, though specific komoot routes for it are not listed here.
While the guide focuses on the trails themselves, it's generally advisable to check specific park regulations regarding dogs in research forests or protected areas. Always keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them to protect the delicate ecosystem and ongoing research projects.
On an easy hike, you can expect to see impressive coniferous trees, including some old-growth remnants over 400 years old, and sparkling streams that interlace the landscape. The forest is situated in the Coastal Western Hemlock Biogeoclimatic Zone, offering a vibrant and verdant temperate rainforest experience.
Absolutely. The Pitt River Bank Walk loop from Widgeon Marsh Regional Park is an easy 6.5 km loop with minimal elevation gain. Another excellent choice is the Heron Cove loop from Burke Mountain, which is 7.1 km and offers views of Heron Cove with very little elevation change.
Easy hikes in the UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest vary in length and duration. For example, the Kanaka Creek Regional Park loop from Maple Ridge is about 3.7 km and can be completed in approximately 1 hour. Longer easy loops like the Pitt River Bank Walk can take around 1 hour 40 minutes.
Given its location within the Coastal Western Hemlock Biogeoclimatic Zone, the forest receives substantial precipitation, primarily as rain. This means the forest is lush and green year-round. While any time can be beautiful, drier periods might offer more comfortable hiking conditions, but be prepared for potential wet weather regardless of the season.
The UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest is a research and educational facility. While it has an extensive trail network, access points and parking facilities are typically located near the research forest gate. It's recommended to check specific access information before your visit, as parking arrangements can vary.
As a research forest, visitors are generally expected to stay on marked trails to respect ongoing research projects. While general hiking permits are not typically required for public access to the trails, it's always a good practice to check the official UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest website for any specific visitor guidelines or regulations that might be in place.
The easy trails in UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 75 reviews. Hikers often praise the lush temperate rainforest environment, the towering trees, and the well-marked paths that make for an enjoyable and accessible outdoor experience.
As a thriving ecosystem, the UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest is home to a diverse array of plants and wildlife. While specific sightings are never guaranteed, opportunities for nature observation are present on the trails. Keep an eye out for local bird species and other forest inhabitants.
Many of the easy trails, such as the Hiking loop from Burke Mountain (5.6 km), lead directly through forested areas. These routes immerse you in the dense, verdant environment characteristic of the Coastal Western Hemlock Biogeoclimatic Zone, with its impressive coniferous trees.


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