High Knoll
Table of contents
Route Description for High Knoll
Start the High Knoll hike from the main Quarry Road parking lot in Minnikhada Regional Park. Here, you’ll find an outhouse and the start of the trail. Follow the trail directly behind the outhouse.
Within a 100 m, you’ll notice a split in the trail. Head left, following the sign towards High Knoll/Low Knoll. It’s only 2.3 km to reach High Knoll from here.
Right away, you should run into another junction, where you’ll head right onto the gravel path that is Meadow Trail.
Come to another sign, then keep left where you should see the marsh peeking through the tree line.
Follow the trail, as it gently slopes downwards towards the marsh. This is the perfect spot for birders to see fowl in their natural habitat or even find beavers floating in the water. Depending on the season, the marsh is also home to a wide variety of frogs that like to hangout along the edges of the marsh.
Walk across the dyke, a thick wall that prevents flooding and splits the marshland, while taking in the scenery.
From here, prepare for a short, but steep ascent, then follow the trail as it winds downwards again towards a small creek.
1.3 km into the hike, the path will split for either the High Knoll or the Low Knoll. Follow the signs for the Low Knoll, as it’s a quick detour from here. Take the first trail on your right, and do the small climb to the Low Knoll lookout. The views are partially obstructed here, but still pretty. Double back towards where the path split and this time, go in the direction of High Knoll.
After 15 minutes, the road splits once more. Head right and continue up a steep hill to the summit of High Knoll. .
Soon, you will reach the expansive view looking south. From the High Knoll summit, you can see the park’s marsh, Minnekhada Lodge, the Pitt River, the Pitt-Addington Marsh, and the surrounding farmlands. Take a rest here or perhaps enjoy a light lunch before retracing your route back to the parking lot.
Insider Hints for High Knoll
- If you want to see the Minnekhada Lodge, from the Low Knoll trail, keep walking along the Fern Trail, until it connects to the Minnekhada Lodge and the Lodge Trail.
- A word of caution. It is common to find bears within Minnekhada Regional Park, so be alert, aware and prepared.
Getting to the High Knoll Trailhead
Head north on Coast Meridian Road in Port Coquitlam. Turn right onto Victoria Drive. Go left where Victoria Drive forks. You’ll see a sign that says welcome to Coquitlam. Follow Victoria Drive, which will turn into Quarry Road. You’ll see a sign on the right-hand side of the road that says ‘Minnekhada – Quarry Trailhead’. Turn right into the parking lot.Route Information
When to do:
Any season
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Family friendly:
Older Children only
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
High Knoll Elevation Graph
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