Hike of the Week
Swan Falls Loop
Rating: very difficult
Time Needed: 9 to 11 hours
Length: 20 km
Elevation gain: 1,700 m
The Swan Falls Loop is one of the most difficult hikes in the Tri-Cities but the panoramic views from the top of Mount Beautiful make the effort worthwhile. A very early start is needed to avoid being caught out in the dark or locked in at Buntzen.
Start at the main Buntzen parking lot and head north along the east side of the lake until you reach the Swan Falls trail head, halfway along McCombe Lake. The climb is very steep, passing Swan Falls about a quarter of the way up (viewpoint from the falls) before flattening out near Swan Falls Junction on the ridge top.
Head southeast from the junction over small bluffs (with ropes to assist) before emerging onto Mount Beautiful’s airy summit. The spectacular views span 360 degrees and take in Coquitlam Lake, Indian Arm, Mount Seymour and Pinecone Burke Provincial Park. Heading down, be careful not to miss the trail that exits the rocky summit ridge to the west.
Follow the trail over Tangled Summit down to Lindsay Lake where there is a choice of taking the west loop or the east loop. The east loop is shorter, easier and passes a region of picturesque small lakes, where it is easy to become disorientated. The harder west loop takes in a number of spectacular viewpoints overlooking Indian Arm.
Both legs will eventually bring you out at the El Paso junction, from which it’s up to a three-hour steep descent down the Halvor Lunden Trail back to the parking lot.
• Be sure to bring along the 10 essentials (get details at www.coquitlam-sar.bc.ca), hike with a buddy and let somebody know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
