Eagle Ridge

Eagle Ridge runs north from Coquitlam to the head of Indian Arm, and divides Indian Arm from Coquitlam Lake. It takes its name from Eagle Mountain, one of the many peaks of similar elevation along its length. The ridge is connected to Buntzen Lake from the west, and borders Metro Vancouver parks, watersheds, and crown land.

The southern portion of the ridge borders on the large residential area of Westwood Plateau where urban trails merge directly into wilderness. There are a huge number of challenging mountain bike trails in the area, and there are several dirt roads accessing old clear cuts on the broad summit area. A maze of trails, roads and routes weave between creeks and lakes across the top of the ridge.

Trails

The main trails on Eagle Ridge are the powerline, and the old access roads, with many 4×4, mountain bike and hiking trails all across the ridge.

Access Road

The Eagle Ridge access road is an extremely rugged, deactivated logging road that access the ridge from behind the golf course on Plateau Boulevard. It travels high on the ridge to a network of very old roads and trails that snake between small lakes, including Cypress Lake. Commonly used by four wheel drive enthusiasts.

Powerline Trail

The powerline trail is a road under the BY Hydro right of way that cuts west to east across the lower reaches of Eagle Ridge and is used by extensively by hikers, mountain bikers and dog walkers.

Academy Trail

This trail descends from the Powerline trail to Buntzen Lake

Mountain Bike Trails

Several mountain bike trails such as Decapitator, the Dentist, and Four Lost Souls drop from the access road mentioned above, and end on the powerline trail. The network of trails is extensive, and mountain bikers in this area tend to be very capable since they have to ride to the top (no car shuttles).

White Rock

There are several trails to the White Rock, visible from much of Burnaby. There is also a loop that goes to a viewpoint overlooking Coquitlam Lake.

Types of Calls

The types of calls in the are include rescuing stranded four wheel drive enthusiasts, injured mountain bikers, and lost hikers. None of the trails is maintained or signed, and some disputes in trail naming has resulted in some very confusing signage.

Rescues in the area usually include the use of the team’s four wheel drive vehicles including the Argo and Coquitlam 4, which were bought specifically for this area.

In one case the partner of an injured mountain biker left his friend to go and get help and was unable to describe where the subject was. This resulted in a frantic search for the injured subject who had a fractured vertebrae.

Cautions

Cell contact can be good throughout the area, but be prepared to lose contact. Do not underestimate the terrain; even though this area is very close to the city you can get lost. Snow stays on the ridge for weeks after the end of winter, and is not visible. Four wheel drive vehicles should be prepared for the roughest conditions; some locals consider this area to be a 4×4 test piece and only the most capable vehicles should be considered.