Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
140.00 m (459.32 ft)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
5.08 km (3.16 mi)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Rice Lake is a very popular area near Vancouver. It's not really a worthwhile hiking destination as the distance is so short, but for families or those looking for quick and easy access to nature, it's a great choice. It's more of a lovely stroll. But for being so close and easy to access, it is truly beautiful. The witches' hair and old growth add a serenity that betrays the crowds.

The open forest is an excellent place to let kids run amok. Aside from the boggy lake, there are few hazards. There is prime fort building and great mud for kids looking to get dirty. Being fairly wide open, its somewhat easy to keep an eye on things from a discrete distance. 

A nice loop runs from Lynn Headwaters across the bridge and up the trail to the turnoff into Rice Lake. Follow the trail around Rice Lake and down toward the Lynn Canyon suspension bridge. From there follow the signs back up to the Lynn Headwaters to collect your car. The added distance makes it feel more like an actual hike.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Spring
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Kid friendly. Short and sweet.

Cons

Very busy.

Trailhead Elevation

623.36 ft (190.00 m)

Highest point

688.98 ft (210.00 m)

Features

Family friendly
Flushing toilets
Near lake or river
Shelters
Old-growth forest
Wildlife
Horseback riding

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.