Murrin Park

Route Description for Murrin Park

Venture out on the Murrin Park hike from the parking lot, heading directly towards Browning Lake. Find the path near the bank of the lake, next to a series of picnic tables. Here, you’ll spot the sign for the Murrin Loop. Follow the trail as it veers upwards and to the right.

The path starts with a quick, steep climb, but it quickly drops back down towards a rocky section of trail. Come to the first junction, head right back uphill. At the top, there is a sign for Loop Trail and Quercus Viewpoint. There is an orange marker in one of the trees up the trail ahead.

In about 400 m, you’ll come across the rock-climbing wall known as The Commonwealth. Stay here for a minute to watch people climb, then head left, up the wooden steps.

The trail veers right, continuing up more rock and wooden stairs until you reach the second rock climbing wall. You’ll find yet another marker for Loop Trail, proceed north around the wall.

Press forward until you loop back to reach the top of the climbing wall, where a junction awaits. For a great viewpoint, follow the trail straight towards the Quercus Viewpoint, for a little detour.

From Quercus Viewpoint, you have a 180-degree lookout over Howe Sound. You can see Anvil Island in the distance directly to the south, and the mountain ranges on both sides of Howe Sound.

Proceed back to the main Loop trail to continue your journey. The trail will drop down, leading to the next junction to the right, keeping eyes on the orange trail markers.

Soon, you’ll see a sign for Jurassic Ridge to the right. While you can skip this loop detour to shorten your hike, this short path will take you to some of the best views in the park so it is well worth it. It is of note that this will add elevation to your hike and is the most difficult sections of the hike, so take caution.

Following the Jurassic Ridge trail, follow the hill as it climbs, until you reach a large rock with a rope to help you climb. Use another rope as the trail drops sharply, passing a gully and following it as it does a hairpin north. Follow the orange markers for your final climb up the ridge.

You’ll be greeted by 180-degree views overlooking glistening snowcapped mountains on your right. You can actually see Quercus Viewpoint, down, directly to your left.

Instead of turning back, the Jurassic Ridge trail will continue to drop all the way back down and rejoin the Loop Trail. Take caution, as the path can be steep and rocky. Use the ropes provided to help you get down safely.

Once you hit a ladder made of rebar, climb down it to officially find yourself back on the Loop trail. Scramble over boulders before re-entering the woods and following the trail on your left.

At the next junction, stay straight to continue on the Loop Trail. There are orange markers on the other trails at this junction, so be sure to keep the course moving forward.

From here, the trail becomes easier with less tripping hazards to look out for, and it gradually descends. Find the next viewpoint, marked by a bench, making it the perfect place to stop and rest.

When you’re ready continue to follow the Loop Trail down past the climbing wall, until you reach the very first junction on the way in. Here, take the Quercus Viewpoint path and you’ll find yourself at Browning Lake, perfect for a post-hike swim.

Insider Hints for Murrin Park

• The Marrin Park parking lot can fill up quickly with the large number of climbers heading to the same spot. Get here early in the day if possible and try to avoid weekends.
• If you plan on brining a furry friend, just note that dogs are not allowed in the main beach area if you plan to swim at Browning Lake.