3 fun hikes for kids in Mission

By Stephen Hui
 
A walk in the woods does wonders for the whole family. Here are three kid-friendly hikes — enjoyable year-round — in Mission. Happy trails!
 
Reminders: Check trail reports, bring the essentials, leave a trip plan with a responsible person, and leave no trace. 
 
Railway Trail
Round trip: 12 km
Location: Hayward Lake Reservoir Recreation Area
 
Navigate the west shore of a B.C. Hydro reservoir and spot the remains of a historical B.C. Electric Railway line.
 
From the Railway Trail’s upper parking lot, off Wilson Street, drop down to the shore of Hayward Lake and follow the wide path northeast. Pass a little beach. The trail curves up and away from the shore to bridge streams under the dappled light of fir and cedar trees.
 
Near the top of the Railway Trail, turn left onto Harry’s Trail. Round a pond, clockwise, in shade. At the trail's end, continue straight past a large parking lot and the warden’s house to the swimming beach. Head southwest on the Railway Trail to return to the trailhead.
 
Hayward Reservoir Trail
Round trip: 5 km
Location: Hayward Lake Reservoir Recreation Area
 
Steelhead Falls is a popular destination. It’s just one reason to take a forest hike on this trail, dawdling at viewpoints on the way.
 
From the Hayward Reservoir Trail parking lot, off Dewdney Trunk Road, join the trail on its journey south. Hang a hard right at the Steelhead Falls junction. Descend a muddy path and wooden stairs to the viewing box. This destination will suffice for many kids.
 
However, to enjoy a longer nature break and quieter woods, keep going south on the Reservoir Trail. Aim for a lakeside viewpoint with a rotting picnic table, 1.5 km past the falls junction. Take a break before returning to the trailhead. 
 
Hoover Lake
Round trip: 8 km
Location: Mission Municipal Forest
 
Seek out a remnant of local history hidden in the woods. Spot fish breaking the surface of a placid lake.
 
Find the parking area on Dewdney Trunk Road, opposite the Mission Landfill. From the gate, head north on Hoover Road. Follow the main stem uphill and across a power-line corridor. After 3 km, spot the signed start of the Hoover Lake Trail on the left. 
 
Orange diamonds lead the way. The trail pulls alongside a historical corduroy logging road. Please help preserve it by not straying off the designated path. After crossing the plank road, the trail descends. 
 
Arrive at Hoover Lake. Follow the trail left along the shore. Reach a quiet spot on a peninsula, with logs for sitting and a view of a little island. Head back the way you came.  

Stephen Hui is the author of Best Hikes and Nature Walks With Kids In and Around Southwestern British Columbia, a new guide to 55 family-friendly trails.
His first two books, 105 Hikes and Destination Hikes, were #1 B.C. bestsellers.
Learn more: 105hikes.com