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Iron Mountain, Mission: Easy Family Adventure with Stunning Views

Iron Mountain in Mission, British Columbia: kids-friendly hiking trail of easy difficulty that awards you with spectacular 270 degree views of the Fraser Valley and the gorgeous mountain ranges. 

Located right on the border between Maple Ridge and Mission, British Columbia, Canada, Iron Mountain hiking trail was an interesting find. Easy, with gentle elevation over a well-hiked wild trail, makes this one of the most spectacular kids-friendly hikes in Mission – easier even than Hunter Trail. Once you get to the top, there are at least 3 lookouts awarding a 270 degree view of the Fraser Valley and the gorgeous Eastern mountain ranges. 

In this post we’ll share directions, trail map, photos and hiking tips for visitors to Iron Mountain. 

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Iron Mountain Hiking Trail in Mission, British Columbia Canada

There are many Iron Mountains all over the world. The most famous Iron Mountain I believe is in California. But even in Canada there are at least half-dozen. 

We have found an iron Mountain right in our backyard – just 10 min from Maple Ridge, British Columbia Canada.

What was originally intended as a brief easy afternoon walk in the forest, turned out to be one of the most spectacular hikes with some stunning views of the mountains. 

Yet this Iron Mountain hike is fairly easy – only about 3.5km in length and approx 200 metres elevation. We’ve sported this trail in the first weeks of April – and surprisingly did not find much mud on the trail at all. 

While the Iron Mountain trail is not accessible with strollers or wheelchairs, I believe it can be very easily and safely hiked with small kids. The path is well-visible, and there are no steep scrambling sections whatsoever. I must say this trail is even easier than the Minnekhada High Knoll hike. 

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How to Get To Iron Mountain Trailhead?

It will take you:

• 1 hour from Vancouver to Iron Mountain trailhead
• 40 min from Coquitlam or Langley
• 10-15 min from Maple Ridge or Mission

When you google Iron Mountain in Mission, the map doesn’t give you much – just a spot on the map, but no actual directions as to the trailhead. 

GPS / Google Maps anchor point

There are actually two trailheads to two trails that merge halfway that give you access to Iron Mountain – one is coming from a private property, and one from Matheson Avenue. And even though the Google map shows you that you could access the trail from the West – driving from 108 ave into Matheson – that is actually NOT TRUE. The access from 108 [in April 2022] is closed. The only way to get there is to turn to Matheson from Wilson, and park along the road near the trailhead. 

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Spring and Summer Hiking at Iron Mountain in Mission

Iron Mountain, Mission BC – Quick Facts & Trail Map

Here are our stats of hiking the Iron Mountain the first weeks of April.

3.5 km in length, 200 metres in elevation from the trailhead to the lookouts, we’d rate the difficulty of the Iron Mountain hike as easy.

It took us a bit over 1.5 hours on the trail – that is budgeting time for sitting on a cliff enjoying the 270 degrees view. 

Our Personal Notes and Photos

We've started along an old ATV road, then dove into the shady thick forest with tall pine trees and huge boulders scattered here and there.

The path was well-marked, and surprisingly clear of debris, rocks and tree roots. There is no scramble, it felt like a walk in the park. Overall maybe just a few somewhat steep sections, yet very easy to maneuver.

Overall due to its shorter length, less difficulty and much better views, to us the Iron Mountain felt better than Hunter Trail, than Minnekhada's High Knoll, than the Dog Mountain at Seymour, and definitely waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay easier and more rewarding than Monroe Lookout or Diez vistas.

One similar hike that comes to mind – as easy and as rewarding with a stunning view – Pender Hill at Madeira Park on Sunshine Coast.

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The Hope and the USA mountain ranges are absolutely stunning! 

We’ve also marvelled at no less than half a dozen bold eagles and huge black ravens hunting above our heads. 

I do regret not bringing my aerial drone with me (I own DJI Mavic Mini 2). Yet at the same time it was pretty windy at the top, and only a larger drone with good wind resistance would have managed to do the place justice. 

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Frequently Asked Questions, Hiking Safety & Practical Tips visiting Iron Mountain in Mission, BC Canada

Are there bugs, black flies, or mosquitoes at Iron Mountain ?

Judging by the surrounding area I would expect mosquitos at Iron Mountain in the summer months. Yet there was none in April when we visited.

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Are there bears at Iron Mountain?

Yes, definitely bring the bear spray with you when hiking Iron Mountain in Mission. There are black bears living all over Maple Ridge, Mission, Abbotsford and Mount Sumas. 

Considering that this particular hiking trail is relatively unknown and unpopular, there is a higher chance of meeting a bear here especially in the summer months. 

VIDEO: How to Buy Bear Spray in Canada

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Are dogs allowed at Iron Mountain?

Iron Mountain in Mission is not a Provincial, National, or even Regional park. Hence there are no rules and regulations applying to this trail. We’ve seen hikers with dogs. Dogs were unleashed. 

If you are bringing your dog on a hike, please do not forget to clean up after your pet please. Since Iron Mountain in Mission is not a “park” – there are no services or rangers around to help sustain the environment of the mountain. Please be a responsible hiker and Leave No Trace. 

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Is Iron Mountain Hike Accessible?  

Nope. Iron Mountain hiking trail in Mission, British Columbia, Canada is not accessible with strollers or wheelchairs.

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Are there toilets at Iron Mountain trail? 

Nope. There are no bathrooms at the trailhead, nor along the trail. If you or your kids have to go #2 on a trail, please carry the doggy-bags and clean-up after yourself, and pack out any baby diapers. Leave No Trace

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Is there water available along the Iron Mountain hiking trail?

While we’ve seen a few small streams when hiking Iron Mountain in April, I suspect there is no water anywhere along the trail in the summer. Bring your own water bottle and plenty of water with you. 

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Are drones allowed at Iron Mountain in Mission?

There are no posted restrictions [April 2022] on drone flights near Iron Mountain. Yet the strong wind may be a problem. A larger and more wind-resistant aerial drone may be needed if you’d like to get decent shots. 

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Hiking Safety

Safety must come first, especially when hiking with kids. Check out our Safety Tips: Hiking With Kids: 12 Simple Safety Rules Every Parent Should Follow.

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Weather

Most of the Iron Mountain hiking trail leads through the shaded forest. The lookouts at the top of the Iron Mountain are pretty exposed though. We recommend wearing a sun hat and using a good natural sunscreen when hiking with kids in the summer. Check out this post for tips:  9 Best Natural Sunscreens For Kids. Organic. Chemicals-Free.

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Get Kids Engaged

Some parents, while active and eager hikers themselves, may find it challenging to engage and interest their kids in outdoor activities. Not to worry, let us help you: Five Tried-And-True Outdoor Activities To Get Kids to Absolutely Love Hiking

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Leave No Trace

You’ve likely heard the phrase “Leave No Trace” at least once. What does it mean? Simply put, Leave No Trace Principles is a set of Outdoor Ethics and best practices outdoor adventurers should follow to enjoy natural spaces with the zero-impact goal in mind and to protect Mother Nature for future generations. 

Long story short: do not throw garbage on the trail, do not smoke and leave cigarette butts behind, clean-up after your pets and kids, pack-out dirty diapers. Oh yeah, and do NOT litter banana peels and orange peels all over the forest too! Or otherwise next time you are on this trail you could see a bear waiting for the treat. 

Here is our comprehensive introduction to Leave No Trace principles: your actionable guide to exploring the Great Outdoors with your kids and pets with minimal to no impact. Leave No Trace & Outdoor Ethics – Zero Impact Family Adventures

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Concluding Notes

Sometimes the wondrous miracle finds you when you least expect it. In our case, imagine our surprise to find an astonishing hike right in our backyard at a time we thought we’ve hiked it all and seen it plenty. 

Iron Mountain hiking trail in Mission is now our favourite place to find peace any time we want to enjoy a bird’s eye view on things and embrace a wider perspective on life. Of all the kids-friendly hikes in Mission – Iron Mountain is now our favourite. 

Do you know any other interesting hikes that we should check out? Send us a tip! We’d love to travel there to check it out!

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Enjoy!

Cheerfully yours,

Alexandra, Alex & Cosmos

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