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HIKE OF THE WEEK: A generally easy hike, & movie memorabilia

This short walk heads out to the site of an old gravel mine on the southeast slopes of Burke Mountain in Coquitlam.
“First Blood"
Hikers trying this week’s route will come across remnants of a movie shoot for the 1982 Sylvester Stallone Rambo flick “First Blood,” including junked vehicles.

First Blood Trail
Rating: easy (but with a few rough sections)
Time needed: 2 hours
Length: 2.5 km
Elevation gain: 150 m


This short walk heads out to the site of an old gravel mine on the southeast slopes of Burke Mountain. The site has many relics from our recent local industrial heritage, all now in the process of being reclaimed by nature.

The site was also used as a filming location (junkyard scene) for the 1982 movie First Blood, with Sylvester Stallone as Rambo.

The hike starts from the start of Munro Lake Trail (or Goat Trail), which is located on Quarry Road, 3 km past the parking lot for Minnekhada Regional Park. Look out for pull-outs on the gravel road and a rubble-strewn trail heading up into the woods. And make sure not to leave valuables in your car!

Follow the rocky path up for about 200 m, at which point the Munro Lake Trail leaves the main track. Continue on the main track until reaching Deiner Creek.

Scramble up a few rocks to reach the makeshift bridge above the main track, then descend again to regain the track the other side. Note that this crossing could be dangerous or impossible during high water. The track is a little overgrown and tricky to follow in places but eventually it will bring you out into a large open area scattered with old machinery.

Take your time exploring before heading back the way you came. Note that although it is possible to continue southwest past the site, the path is very overgrown, washed out in places and exits onto private property (BC Hydro).

—Steve Chapman is a Coquitlam Search and Rescue volunteer, a member of the Burke Mountain Naturalists and the creator behind a detailed new map of Tri-City trails. More info on safe hiking: www.coquitlam-sar.bc.ca.