Evans Peak Trail

Route Description for Evans Peak Trail

The Evans Peak Trail is a challenging but rewarding day hike option for experienced hikers that are looking to push themselves through a steeply inclined route, with multiple rope sections for added difficulty. These roped sections are quite technical, so make sure that all members in your hiking group (including the four-legged ones) are comfortable climbing steep, exposed stretches of rocky trail. While the area is easily accessible, its steep trails should be treated with caution, as the name Evans Peak stems from Lesley and John Evans, who went missing here in 1966. To aid hikers, the more technical sections have ropes for added safety. Even with the difficulty, the incredible views are well worth the effort!

Embarking from the West Canyon parking lot, hikers will head out on the West Canyon Trail for a few hundred meters before turning left and continuing on Viewpoint Trail. From here, the well-defined path through the forest begins to form a switchback as it gains in elevation up the hillside before crossing over Viking Creek.

After crossing over the creekbed, the steep trail begins to level out as it meanders along the southside of the hill. Shortly after the 1.5 km marker, hikers will reach a junction with a signpost for Evans Peak/Alouette Mountain.

This is where the real work begins! Shortly after following the signpost for the Evans Peak Trail to the right, you will start to notice the narrowing trail and increasingly steep incline. This continues up the slope with a mix of straight trail and switchbacks before opening up to a flat, unmarked viewpoint with semi-obstructed views of Alouette Lake.

From here, the trail passes by a beautiful waterfall and continues up a ridge and along a canyon stream, offering a glimpse of the task ahead: Evans Peak. Roughly 1.0 km after the viewpoint lies another trail junction with the options of left for Alouette Mountain and right for Evans Peak.

Following the trail to the right, hikers will continue along the ridge and notice another increase in slope. A handline up the steep, rocky ridge marks the first scramble portion of the trail, where you will need to navigate the root-covered path in order to continue on the trail to Evans Peak. From here, hikers will experience several steep sections of trail that are close to drop-offs before coming up on a second, more vertically-inclined scramble section with a handline.

After conquering the last scramble, the rest of the trail to the rocky summit of Evans Peak is an easy hike and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. While wandering along the north side of the ridge, you can experience unobstructed views of Alouette Lake to the southeast, the majestic Garibaldi Provincial Park to the north, and the snow caves at the foot of Edge Peak to the northwest.

The return journey to the West Canyon parking lot follows the same route, and feels a lot quicker thanks to the path’s steep decline. After carefully navigating the two scramble sections of the trail you will find yourself back at the car park in no time!

Hiking Route Highlights

Alouette Lake

Located in Golden Ears Provincial Park, this often photographed lake can be seen from a semi-obstructed vantage point about midway through the hike and can also be seen to the southeast from the summit of Evans Peak.

The area surrounding the lake has several campgrounds and an extensive trail system. It is also a popular area for watersports such as canoeing, windsurfing, and water skiing.

Insider Hints for Evans Peak Trail

• While not overly long, this is not a beginner hike. Be prepared for a steep incline and to use your hands during the roped scramble sections.
• This hike is not recommended in winter conditions as snow and ice make it very difficult to navigate the trail, and exposed sections can get muddy.
• Parking at the West Canyon parking lot is limited. If no spaces are available, try driving 1.5 km north on the Golden Ears Parkway until you reach the Gold Creek parking lot.
• Make use of the two nearby campgrounds (Golden Ears Campground, Gold Creek Campground) if you are looking to explore the rest of Golden Ears Provincial Park.