Munro Lake-Burke Mountain

Drive to Minnekhada Park in Coquitlam. The trail head is on Quarry Road just past 3.5 Km's on your GPS and on marker 12 on the left side of the road. There's a small pull out on the right side of the road that fits 2-3 cars max. Walk left up the rocky road, over dead fall and a beaten garbage covered path until you get to the top of the road, go right. The trail is marked with only pink ribbon now...the previous sign has since fallen off. There are no washrooms on this trail.

Trail Key: RT~R~St~V~CC~H

2015~Munro Lake is your first of two lakes on this diamond in a ruff hike. It's pretty much a snaky trail that's rooty, rocky and steep. It's up, up and just when you think it levels out, there's more up!

You'll come to a small creek crossing then walk up a small creek bed. You are in and out of forest. For most of the hike the markers are tired and old with the odd fresh one hanging. The markings get a little better once nearer to the top. After what seems like forever you'll read a trail marker that reads, 400 meters. You're almost half way.

You'll come to a fork-stay left. It soon levels a bit but don't get comfy because for second it climbs again. Another small creek crossings and up and then a short walk in the park.

Another fork-stay left. Until now as you've walked along you've seen little views peaking through the trees but now on your right is your fist lookout. See how far you've come with Pitt River below snaking its way through the valley.

The trail now snakes with more elevation and you come to a few switchbacks. On your left you'll see a rocky boulder field (Picca's are here) and a right away a nasty log crossing. It's cut for you to get through so some might like it but it wasn't that easy for me being short. The next little bit is really steep (probably the steepest) with a little hand scrambling.

Now even though you had glimpses through the trees and a first lookout this is a beautiful second lookout. A perfect spot to rest and have a snack on this rocky bluff. It is a loop lookout that takes you back to the trail to Munro.

The trail levels a bit and has some ups and downs. In this section of old growth nature has come through here with a powerful force. Expect blowdown, mud, sticks and branches as you navigate your way along. After a long walk in this section you'll arrive at a junction. It is here you must decide...going left for 1.5 hrs takes you up to Dennett Lake or going right for about 15-30 minutes takes you to Munro Lake and the junction to another way up to *Dennett Lake. We decided to see Munro Lake.

As you walk along, the trees thin and Heather appears. Water comes into your view and you're happily delighted until you learn this boggy part is just the appetizer of what's to come. Now it gets a little tricky as it's quite the bushwhacking marked trail expedition finding your way to Munro Lake but when she appears you'll understand why you choose this hike. There's a nice lunch spot or a little private island to explore. The views offer your camera beautiful shots that look professional. You might have heard that there's lots of frogs...being a snow free February, we saw none.

Once your done make your way back the way you came. The trek going down will be slow at times as you navigate some of the steeper sections and slippery rocks. I would not recommend this hike on a rainy day...too slippery!

You won't loose any of your nine lives. Happy & safe hiking. Lori aka Scaredy Cat.

* We never did find the trail head to Dennett Lake from Munro Lake. It might be better from the junction...however it makes for tiring day to continue on that beaten path. This could be done on a separate day.

GPS Waypoints

(From Trailpeak..May or may not be current)

Trailhead N49.32241 W122.68877 10U 522617 5463344

Trail leaves old road N49.32207 W122.69161 10U 522411 5463306

Start of open / bushy forest N49.32396 W122.69189 10U 522389 5463516

End of open / bushy forest N49.32656 W122.69298 10U 522309 5463804

Overgrown viewpoint N49.32998 W122.68993 10U 522529 5464185

South viewpoint N49.33269 W122.69248 10U 522343 5464486

Trail becomes less steep N49.33394 W122.69107 10U 522444 5464625

Trail levels out N49.33738 W122.69158 10U 522406 5465008

Village-Lake Trail junction N49.33952 W122.69103 10U 522445 5465246

Munro Lake N49.34257 W122.68976 10U 522536 5465585

Former site of Munro Lake dam N49.34584 W122.68026 10U 523224 5465951

Junction with side trail to Munro Lake Overlook N49.34833 W122.69587 10U 522089 5466224

Munro Lake Overlook N49.34547 W122.69485 10U 522165 5465906

Dennet Lake N49.35024 W122.69796 10U 521937 5466435

Junction with connector to Village-Lake Trail N49.34934 W122.69984 10U 521800 5466335

Junction with Burke Ridge Trail N49.35101 W122.70685 10U 521291 5466518

The beginning. Trail up to trail head.

1st lookout

One of the few signs. As your going up keep this thought in your heart...The steeper the climb the longer the Km's feel.

Nasty log crossing.

And then a nasty steep section. A little but if scrambling on your hands. For just a brief moment.

And then this rocky bluff and the 2nd lookout. A beautiful spot for lunch and many photos.

About 300 meters more to go!

Wendy in her zen moment.

Lots if this in the next section. Far from a leveled walk in the park.

Decision time...

First sight of water through the trees brings you to this boggy area and little pond.

Live what's happening here...ice or pollen? Nature is amazing. I salute her and am blessed to be in her presence.

Munro Lake...one jewel on Burke Mountain.

A Munro pano.

So many pretty moments it's hard to choose a few. Munro Lake.

I name this island, Scaredy Cat. It has now been claimed!

Loving my photo memories of today.

Mr. BoJango collecting garbage along the trail. I feel warmth in my heart for people like him.

Diggin' this bunch!

And can't forget these dudes!

"Everyone needs love, love...love is all you need." The Beatles I love nature...An amazing hike that will challenge you but reward your eyes and give your mind joy & happiness!