Durrance Lake Trail

Route Description for Durrance Lake Trail

While the Durrance Lake Trail is an easy hike that almost anyone can enjoy, there are a few things to consider when planning your trek through the area. First, there is a decent amount of parking at the trailhead, but even this can quickly fill up on weekends or during peak times. If you are looking to have a bit of peace and quiet along the trail, try arriving early or during off-peak times throughout the week in order to get a parking space. Additionally, the trail itself is easily accessible and easy to navigate; however, its make up is not consistent throughout the hike. On one side of the lake you will be able to follow along a nice gravel pathway, while the opposite side is made up of much more narrow dirt trails that can become fairly muddy. Keep this in mind if you are planning to complete this hike with less-mobile travellers or young children.

Even with this slight trail variation in mind, the hike around Durrance Lake is a fun, family-friendly activity that will allow you to experience the natural beauty of the forests and lakes within Mount Work Regional Park. Along the trail, you will make your way along the northern edge of the lake and take in some scenic views across the water before arriving at a viewpoint overlooking a charming waterfall. From there, you will cross over Durrance Creek and traverse the trail along the southern edge of the lake to return to the trailhead where you began. The amazing forest terrain and easy nature of the trail make this route the perfect day-hike option for just about everyone.

Setting out from the trailhead, follow the wide gravel path to the east as you make your way along the northern shore of Durrance Lake. Take some time to appreciate the calm lakeside atmosphere, as you gaze out across the water and spot the various types of birds that call the area home. After roughly 600 m of hiking along this path, you will come to a junction in the trail at the eastern edge of the lake.

Keep left at the junction and continue on for about 100 m to arrive at a small rushing waterfall within the temperate rainforest. After spending some time in this serene setting, head back to the junction at the edge of the lake and follow the path to the left to continue along the southern shore.

The south side of Durrance Lake features a trail that is made of dirt and is more narrow than the north side, so make sure to watch your footing as you make your way through the forest. Make your way through the beautiful rainforest setting for 580 m and take advantage of the intermittent breaks in the tree cover for some amazing views over the water before arriving at another junction in the trail.

Pass straight through this junction and continue along to the northwestern corner of the lake for the final stretch of the loop. After 300 m, you will cross over another small creek and follow the trail as it turns back to the east. From here, a short 230 m stroll along the road will bring you back to the parking area, having completed the hike around Durrance Lake.

Insider Hints for Durrance Lake Trail

• While the trail is family friendly, on one side of the lake it follows a narrow path that is often covered in mud. Keep this in mind if you are planning on hiking with young children or a stroller.
• Parking at the trailhead can be limited during peak hours, so plan to arrive early or during off-peak times.