Hiking Mystery Lake - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Mystery Lake: trails, map and practical info

Vancouver Coast Mountains • British Columbia

4.4 Appreciated by 27 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2013 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
5 km
Elevation
462 ft
Duration
2h15
Max altitude
1,449 ft

Tucked in British Columbia's Vancouver Coast Mountains, Mystery Lake delivers alpine scenery on a 5 km easy hike with just 250 m elevation gain. Reach crystal-clear waters reflecting surrounding peaks in under 2 hours—genuine mountain terrain without the full-day commitment, located 26 km east of Princeton.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Mystery Lake? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

The route to Mystery Lake covers 5 kilometers with 250 meters of elevation gain. Web sources report varying completion times: some indicate as little as 30-60 minutes, while others suggest around 1 hour 7 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes depending on pace and terrain conditions. The difficulty is rated easy, which makes it a solid choice for families, newer hikers, or anyone looking for a quality outing without a brutal climb. That said, "easy" in the Coast Mountains still means rocky sections, rooted terrain, and surfaces that get slippery fast when wet — so footwear with real grip matters.

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Mystery Lake, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L3, Canada
GPS coordinates
49.374712, -122.9418095
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The start of the trails at the mystery lake in British Columbia can be accessed by driving east on Highway 3 from Princeton, BC. The trailhead is located approximately 26 km from Princeton.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
49.374712, -122.9418095
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.4
11 Reviews
M
Michael
Nov 22, 2025
This moderate hike through the Coast Mountains offers incredible lake views that make every step worthwhile. The trail is well-maintained throughout the 5km route, making it ideal for a half-day adventure. Be sure to budget for parking and access fees, but the crystal-clear waters and peaceful setting of Mystery Lake justify the cost.
D
David
Oct 3, 2025
Pleasant forest hike with a nice lake destination, though the paid parking and access fees add up quickly. The trail itself is in good condition and the 5km distance is reasonable for most hikers. Weekend crowds can detract from the experience, so I'd definitely recommend visiting on weekdays for a more peaceful atmosphere.
S
Sarah
Sep 15, 2025
The autumn foliage along this trail was absolutely breathtaking, with vibrant reds and golds creating a stunning backdrop. The 5km distance felt perfect for a morning workout, challenging enough to feel accomplished but not overwhelming. When we reached Mystery Lake, the water was completely still, creating perfect mirror reflections of the surrounding mountains.
E
Emma
Jul 8, 2025
Started this hike at dawn and had Mystery Lake almost entirely to myself for the first hour. The 250m elevation gain is steady and manageable, building gradually through beautiful forest terrain. The water reflections were absolutely incredible in the early morning light, creating a magical atmosphere that made the effort completely worthwhile.
J
Jessica
Jun 14, 2025
The wildflowers were in full bloom during our spring visit, adding bursts of color throughout the forest sections. This trail strikes the perfect balance with its moderate difficulty level, making it accessible while still providing a good workout. Packing lunch to enjoy beside the pristine lake waters was the highlight of our Coast Mountains adventure.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
462.00 m
1449.00 m
2h15
No
No
The Mystery Lake trail typically takes 3 to 4 hours to complete. This duration accounts for the 5 km distance and 250 m elevation gain at a moderate hiking pace.
Mystery Lake trail is 5 km in distance with an elevation gain of 250 meters. This makes it a moderate day hike suitable for most fitness levels.
No, dogs are not permitted on the Mystery Lake trail. Plan accordingly if you typically hike with your canine companion.
To reach the Mystery Lake trailhead, drive east on Highway 3 from Princeton, BC for approximately 26 km. The trailhead will be located along this route in the Vancouver Coast Mountains.
The Mystery Lake trail is accessible from sunrise to sunset. Plan your hike accordingly to ensure you complete the 3-4 hour trek within daylight hours.
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Update : June 2026