Rating: Strenuous
Time Needed: 6-7 hours
Length: 11.5 km
Elevation Gain: 900m
This strenuous hike takes in two spectacular viewpoints on the west side of Eagle Mountain. The majority of the climbing is done on a mountain bike trail called “Full Pull.” The long grind up is rewarded at the end with views that stretch from Burnaby Mountain to Downtown Vancouver and beyond (on a clear day) to the mountains of Vancouver Island. With 900m climbing in a relatively short distance, this trek can be considered as a great alternative to the Grouse Grind on the North Shore.
Start off at the Equestrian (gravel) parking lot on the way to Buntzen Lake and head south on the Academy Trail. After about a kilometre the trail will fork. Take the left fork that heads uphill. At the next major fork take the left option again following this less steep path until it joins with the B.C. service road at the top.
Head southeast on the service road keeping a very careful eye out for the entrance to “Full Pull” on the left after about 100m. There may or may not be flagging tape at the inconspicuous entrance. The entrance doesn’t look like much from the road (steep worn tree roots on the other side of a wet ditch) but once you’re past the steep bank and into the trees the route is really obvious.
The climb up “Full Pull” has both moderate sections and very steep sections with lots of switchbacks. At a couple of spots the trail crosses dirt bike routes. At both these junctions go straight on. Near the top expect to drop steeply down into a ravine and up again the other side. Planted skis and an old truck in the bushes will be welcome signs that the long slog up is nearly over!
After taking a well earned rest at the lookout head back down the same way to the service road. Turn right here and follow the road to the end, the location of the Eagle Bluff Lookout. Although lower in elevation, this is also a really nice viewpoint, with great views over to the Diez Vistas ridge and down to Buntzen Lake. This is certainly a worthwhile destination for those who don’t have the time or energy for the “Full Pull.”
From the lookout take the trail that continues north. This relatively new trail connects with the Halvor Lunden Trail, and has one or two steep and rough sections where care is needed. Head down on the Hallvor Lunden trail when you reach the end and then turn left onto the Academy Trail when you reach the clearing at the bottom of Halvor Lunden. The Academy trail will take you all the way back to the parking lot.
