Gold Creek Falls: Maple Ridge

Overview:
The Gold Creek Falls is a short hike that is perfect for the beginning of the season or in combination with a camping trip to the Golden Ears Provincial Park.

Thoughts:
This is a recently re-done trail making it nice and easy to walk through the forest up to the falls location.  Along the way there are plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the creek, either for the view or in the hotter months you can take a dip in the water.

The trail is compact gravel and very wide so it good for walking with a stroller, no bikes or horses are allowed on the trail either. The distance ends up being 5.4 km return (2.7km to the falls) and takes about 40 min to walk one way with minimal stopping.

A little ways to drive as it takes about 30 min from downtown Maple Ridge to get tot the trail head but if spending the day out there or just going for a walk up to the falls it is worth it.

There is also plenty of parking at the trail head but does get busy during the summer months and you may need to park further back up the road.

Pros:
Nice trail and easy to walk along wit strollers and not too physically challenging. Good swimming all along the creek

Cons:
A little ways out of tow to get to.

Rolley Lake: Mission

Overview:

Less than an hour’s drive from Vancouver, Rolley Lake Provincial Park provides a quick escape from urban life.  The small, warm-water lake provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and canoeing. Sixty-four campsites are nestled in the trees just minutes from the lakeshore. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking and short hikes.

Beach at Rolley Lake, Mission

Thoughts: 
I like the small lake and its seclusion keeps most of the crowds away.  There is a pretty large grass field for playing in and some shaded and open picnic tables for use.  The beach is pretty rocky though and some water shoes would definitely be recommended.  Not an overly large swimming area but enough space to play in the water and the depth is quite gradual so you don't have to worry about any drop offs for kids. The only facilities at the beach area is an outhouse part way along the walking trail around the lake.

The trail around the lake was a gravel trail with some bridges and wide enough to walk a stroller on.  The trail is 2.6km and would take about 45min to walk.

There looked like a lot of people were fishing but I didn't see anyone catch anything and I am not too sure how big the fish could get with so many people fishing and such a small lake.

Pros:
Small lake so the water is warm. There is more than just swimming and sitting to do with the field, trail and fishing options close at hand. Camping is close by so good for a weekend getaway.

Cons:
Rocks in the sand so shoes are almost a must. Swimming area is a bit small and could get crowded in lots of people show up.

Website: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/rolley.html‎

Othello Tunnels

A line of tunnels were built through the Coquihalla Gorge which are known now as the Othello Tunnels. There are spectacular viewing opportunities available on the trail, through the tunnels and on the bridges. The Coquihalla Canyon park highlights the Kettle Valley Railway that passes through the canyon and 5 tunnels which were built in 1914.

View:
Great views of the Coquihalla River and some fantastic spots for photos in and around the tunnels.

Wildlife:
Not much along the trail althouggh you may get lucky and see a black bear.

Time:
About 40 min to the end of the tunnels and back.

Visit-ability:
Good spot to  stop and stretch your legs or if you are in the Hope area to stop in for part of the day.

Website: 
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/coquihalla_cyn/

Open:
Spring to Fall, closed for Winter

Thoughts:
I like this quick little stop to see a part of Canadian history and nice quick walk through nature.  Just outside of Hope makes it easy and fast to get to and the trail is easy to walk on.  The tunnels took about 10 minutes  to get to the first one and the whole trip is about 40 minutes with stops for pictures and to enjoy some of the scenery.

Rating:
7/10