Mike Lake - Image 1
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Mike Lake

4.3
·65 reviews·Maple Ridge, Canada

A serene lake hike in Golden Ears Park, featuring a well-maintained forest trail with recent bridge upgrades. Ideal for nature lovers and dog walkers....

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful nature

CrowdLow
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Mike Lake - Image 1

Mike Lake

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful nature

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene lake hike in Golden Ears Park, featuring a well-maintained forest trail with recent bridge upgrades. Ideal for nature lovers and dog walkers. Reddit

4.3
(65 reviews)

"The sheer beauty of the area keeps people using it despite the trail's condition. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Proper Footwear

Roots and mud holes are common; sturdy hiking boots are a must!

🐕 Leash Your Dog

Dogs must be on a leash around Mike Lake.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mike Lake Loop Trail

Mike Lake Loop Trail

Golden Ears Provincial Park

A scenic 1.5-hour hike through a forest, leading to a beautiful lake. Well-maintained with recent bridge repairs.

Reddit
Golden Ears Park Main Corral

Golden Ears Park Main Corral

Trailhead

Starting point for the hike, offering pit toilets and parking. A good base for exploring the area.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Trail Footwear is Key

The Mike Lake loop trail can get muddy and has many roots. Proper hiking boots are essential to navigate the terrain comfortably and safely, especially after rain. Reddit

Dog Leash Rules

While some areas of Golden Ears Park allow off-leash dogs, the trail around Mike Lake itself requires dogs to be on a leash at all times. Be aware of park regulations. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful nature
Crowd
Low
When
After bridge repairs
Why
Improved trail conditions
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

First Time Finishing

👟 Wear Proper Footwear

Roots and mud holes are common; sturdy hiking boots are a must! Reddit

🐕 Leash Your Dog

Dogs must be on a leash around Mike Lake. Reddit

reddit.com

Fishing

reddit.com

MR Fishing Spots Suitable for Beginners

🚽 Pit Toilets Available

Facilities are located at the Main Corral trailhead. Reddit

🌳 Enjoy the Forest

The trail winds through beautiful, well-maintained forest. Reddit

reddit.com

what's a good lake for fishing?

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Proper Footwear

Roots and mud holes are common; sturdy hiking boots are a must! Reddit

🐕 Leash Your Dog

Dogs must be on a leash around Mike Lake. Reddit

🚽 Pit Toilets Available

Facilities are located at the Main Corral trailhead. Reddit

🌳 Enjoy the Forest

The trail winds through beautiful, well-maintained forest. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(65 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Mike Lake offers a beautiful natural escape with a well-maintained trail, praised for its scenic forest and recent bridge improvements. While not ideal for swimming, it's a popular spot for hiking and dog walking, though visitors should be prepared for muddy conditions and always keep dogs on a leash. Reddit

"We parked our car in Golden Ears Park - Main Corral then we walked going to mike lake loop. Flat trail,some off leash and when heading to mike lake then that is when the dog need to be on leash all the time.
There is some pit toilet in the start of the trail in main corral then heading to mike trail."

Adette Balot

"Nice Hike from Golden Ears parking lot. Gentle elevation gain. Nicely maintained trail through the forest. 1.5 hours up to the lake and about 1 hour back."

David krajnc

"It was busy, as expected for the time of year. Remember to review the dog's rules, which may make you change your mind if you haven't visited the park before."

Gregory Chiñas

What People Like

Beautiful lake scenery
Well-maintained trail
Forest hiking experience

What People Dislike

Muddy trail sections
Not suitable for swimming

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mike Lake is accessible via the Golden Ears Park Main Corral parking lot. From there, you can walk the Mike Lake loop trail. Reddit

Yes, parking is available at the Golden Ears Park Main Corral, which serves as the trailhead for the Mike Lake loop. Reddit

No, you park at the Golden Ears Park Main Corral and hike to Mike Lake via the loop trail. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Mike Lake is located within Golden Ears Provincial Park. While entry to the park is generally free, BC Parks may implement a day-use pass system during peak seasons. It's advisable to check the BC Parks website for current requirements. Reddit

Golden Ears Provincial Park is typically open year-round, but specific trail access and park hours can vary. It's best to check the official BC Parks website for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The Mike Lake loop trail is generally considered to have gentle elevation gain, making it suitable for many hikers. However, it can be muddy and rooty in sections. Reddit

While Mike Lake is beautiful, reviews suggest it's not a good option for swimming. Reddit

Yes, dogs are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash at all times while on the Mike Lake loop trail. Reddit

The trail is generally well-maintained, with recent repairs to bridges. However, expect roots and muddy sections. Reddit

The hike to the lake typically takes about 1.5 hours, with the return trip taking around 1 hour. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The lake itself offers beautiful reflections and surrounding forest scenery. The well-maintained trail provides scenic forest shots. Reddit

Yes, the natural beauty of the lake and surrounding forest makes it a good spot for nature photography. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Mike Lake loop trail is a good option for families looking for a moderate hike. The gentle elevation makes it manageable for children, and the forest setting provides an engaging natural environment. Ensure kids wear appropriate footwear as the trail can be rooty and muddy. Reddit

Remember the dog leash rule if you're bringing a furry family member; they must be leashed on the Mike Lake trail. The pit toilets at the Main Corral are a convenient amenity for families. While swimming isn't recommended, the overall experience offers a pleasant nature outing. Reddit

🎣 Beginner Anglers

Mike Lake is mentioned as a potential spot for beginner anglers looking to practice fishing. It's suggested as one of several lakes suitable for those starting out, alongside others like Whonnock Lake and Stave Lake. Reddit

While the focus is on practicing and catching small fish, it's important to check local fishing regulations and obtain the necessary licenses before casting a line. The accessible trail makes it easy to reach good fishing spots around the lake. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Mike Lake Loop Trail

The Mike Lake loop trail offers a rewarding hiking experience within Golden Ears Provincial Park. While the trail is generally described as having gentle elevation gain, reviewers consistently emphasize the need for proper footwear due to numerous roots and muddy sections. Recent maintenance efforts have improved the trail, including the replacement of several dilapidated bridges, making the hike safer and more enjoyable. Reddit

Hikers should be prepared for varying trail conditions, especially after rainfall. The path winds through a beautiful forest, providing a serene natural setting. The total hike time is approximately 2.5 hours round trip, making it a manageable day trip for most visitors. Remember to respect the park's regulations, particularly regarding dog leashes, to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. Reddit

Trail Maintenance and Improvements



Recent positive feedback highlights the park's commitment to improving the trail infrastructure. The replacement of old bridges is a significant upgrade that enhances safety and accessibility. This attention to maintenance, combined with the inherent beauty of the area, contributes to the trail's popularity despite its natural challenges. Reddit

Understanding Dog Regulations at Mike Lake

For dog owners planning a visit to Mike Lake, it's crucial to be aware of the specific regulations in place. While Golden Ears Provincial Park generally permits dogs, the Mike Lake loop trail has a strict on-leash policy. This means that even if your dog is well-behaved off-leash in other parts of the park, they must be leashed at all times while you are on the Mike Lake trail. Reddit

This rule is in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all park visitors, including other dogs, wildlife, and those who may be uncomfortable around unleashed animals. Adhering to these guidelines helps maintain a harmonious environment within the park. Always check the latest park notices or consult with park staff if you have any questions regarding pet policies. Reddit

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