Hunter Trail in Mission, BC – Stave Lake & Mt. Baker EPIC Views Guaranteed

Hunter Trail – the hidden gem of Mission, BC locals don’t want you to know about! Easy hike with breathtaking views, a weekend day well spent!

Stave Lake as seen from Hunter Trail in Mission, BC - British Columbia — the view of Stave Lake from Hunter Trail's lookout

Hunter Trail is one of the true hidden gems found in Mission, BC. Not officially a Park, just a gravel road up the hill towering over Cannell Lake, we have found some of the most stunning views of Stave Lake and Mt. Baker when we reached the top! Medium-easy and kids-accessible, your Hunter Trail hike will be a Mission day-trip well-spent!

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Hunter Trail

Hunter Trail is a light-trafficked out and back trail located near Mission in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada.

There are two viewpoints accessible from Hunter Trail. First, and quickest to get to is the EPIC view of Stave Lake.

Add another 15 min quick hike and you’ll reach Hunter Trail’s second viewpoint: the view of Mt. Baker on the other side of the hill.

Mt. Baker as seen from Hunter Trail in Mission, BC - British Columbia — the view of Mount Baker, USA from the second viewpoint at the end of Hunter Trail

Directions & Parking

If you are heading to Hunter Trail in Mission from Coquitlam Centre, it will take you about 1 hour to get to this hike.

Hunter Trail in Mission, BC - British Columbia hikes near Vancouver - google map — MAP: how to get to Hunter Trail from Coquitlam, BB

GPS / Google Maps anchor point – HERE

Once you hit the Sabo Street – drive all the way till you hit a dead-end. Here you will find the trailhead and parking for about a dozen cars. Parking at the side of the road is also an option.

Hunter Trail near Mission, BC – Quick Facts

Hunter Trail in Mission, BC - British Columbia hikes near Vancouver - quick facts

Hunter Trail via AllTrails app info HERE.

Our Hiking Experience

Hunter Trail in Mission, BC - AllTrails map

Hunter Trail was one of the easier hikes near Mission, BC that we’ve done so far.

Although it starts off with steep elevation gain, the whole trail wide road-like, and is covered with gravel.

a child running down the trail in the forest — Cosmos running down the trail in the forest

On the day we hiked – April 11th 2020 – there was no snow at the top. You could find little patches of it at the side of the road, but the hiking trail itself was clear and dry.

We made it to-and-back the first and then the second Hunter Trail lookout, totalling 10.9km.

a family posing for pictures at Hunter Trail near Mission — Alex, Cosmos and Alexandra at the first lookout on the Hunter Trail with Stave Lake behind us

For our 4yo son Cosmos, this was his longest hike so far, but he managed easily: totaling 4hrs of moving time. The actual time spent on this hike was approx. 5.25 hours as we took our time embracing the stunning views and taking beautiful aerial images of Mission, BC using our little drone.

Accessibility & Amenities

Hunter Trail is NOT wheelchair accessible.

Although we have seen one family with a stroller – a heavy-duty large wheeler – we do not recommend taking one. The closer you get to the top, the larger the gravel rocks under your feet, and some pretty steep inclines. The best option for hiking with kids is to take a kids’ carrier or a sling.

As most of other hikes near Mission BC, the trail is dog-friendly, but please keep your pet under control and leash it when you see families with kids approaching.

There are no toilets at trailhead, nor anywhere along the hiking trail.

There are no food options nor any concession stands. As you are about to venture out on an 8-10km hike, bring a snack and plenty of water. On a sunny day, it is getting pretty hot once you hit the Hunter Trail viewpoints. That is also a good reason to use sunscreen (natural, non-chemical sunscreen of course), even in spring and fall!

Hiking Safety

As always, a reminder to be better safe than sorry Hiking With Kids: 12 Simple Safety Rules Every Parent Should Follow.

Hunter Trail near Mission BC is not maintained, does not have garbage bins or garbage removal. Please be mindful of the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles, pack out your trash and clean after your pets (and yourself, as there are no toilets).

Leave No Trace Principles and outdoor ethics for family hiking and camping

Another important note: at the times of COVID-19 pandemic, please ensure to practice social distancing and physical distancing while heading outdoors. Learn more: Social Distancing Outdoors Rules: Responsible Hiking During The Pandemic

Social Distancing Outdoors Rules During Pandemic

Hiking Trails in Mission, British Columbia, Canada

There is however much more to see and to do near Mission, BC.

Mission, British Columbia, Canada is home to some of the easiest yet most beautiful outdoor adventures:

Hayward Reservoir trail will lead you to breathtaking and easily-accessible Steelhead Falls, and if you go further, you’ll eventually hit Ruskin Dam.
Rolley Lake is one of the warmest and kids-friendly lakes near Vancouver you can enjoy with your whole family in the summer; it has a little waterfalls hike too!
Devil’s Lake is a cool find that overwhelms you with its special mystic vibe.
Hoover Lake is one of the most serene places we’ve been to; its trail is the perfect place to enjoy the symphony of waterfalls in the spring.

Our day-trip hike to Hunter Trail was definitely a beautiful weekend day well-spent! As always, we welcome any comments and questions from fellow outdoor enthusiasts. If you know of any other EPIC hikes near Mission, or anywhere in Canada for that matter – definitely send us a message or leave us a comment below!

Are you planning to go with kids, and need help keeping them interested in going all the way? Our FREE outdoor Treasure Hunts can help – simply download and print them for your next outing.