Pinecone Burke Park
About this Park
Pinecone Burke Park covers about 38,000 hectares of British Columbia’s Lower Mainland. The park extends from the southwest corner of Garibaldi Park to west of Pitt Lake and the Pitt River. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife and supports the lifecycles of all five Pacific Salmon species.
This park attracts outdoor adventurers year-round. It includes Burke Mountain in Coquitlam, and Pinecone Peak. Standing at 2,027 m tall, Pinecone Peak is the park’s highest point. An alpine ridge known as the Five Fingers is popular with mountain climbers.
Currently, park operations are at a minimum and information about recreational opportunities is limited. For the latest updates, please see the advisories section.
Location notes
Pinecone Burke Park is south of Garibaldi Park, west of Pitt Lake and the Pitt River. It includes Burke Mountain in Coquitlam. Nearby communities include Coquitlam and Maple Ridge.
To access the park by car from Port Coquitlam, drive north on Coast Meridian Road. Turn east on Harper Road and follow this road for 2 km. Park near the District Hunting and Fishing Club at the end of Harper Road.
To access Munro Lake via the Munro Trail from Port Coquitlam, drive north on Coast Meridian Road. Turn right on Victoria Drive, which becomes Quarry Road, and drive for 7 km. West Pitt Lake, including DeBeck Valley, is accessible by boat.
Widgeon Slough and Widgeon Valley are accessible by boat. Launch canoes or kayaks at Grant Narrows at the south end of Pitt Lake and paddle through Widgeon Slough.
Activities
- 9508:Hiking There are hiking opportunities in Pinecone Burke Park. However, much of the hiking infrastructure is in poor condition and the signage is incomplete. Use caution when travelling over creek crossings, as the bridges and boardwalks are in particularly poor condition.We do not recommend using the old Widgeon Falls Trail, which has many slippery footbridges and rickety wooden stairs. If you are travelling to the falls, we encourage you to use the old road instead. For a map with details of hiking trails, see the maps and location section.
- 9508:Canoeing Pinecone Burke Park includes two day-use areas that can only be accessed by boat: Widgeon Creek and Defrauder Falls. These are popular destinations with canoeists and kayakers.Widgeon Creek also has a backcountry campground. For information, see marine-accessible camping. Defrauder Falls day-use area is on the west shore of Pitt Lake and has no facilities.
- 9508:Kayaking Pinecone Burke Park includes two day-use areas that can only be accessed by boat: Widgeon Creek and Defrauder Falls. These are popular destinations with canoeists and kayakers.Widgeon Creek also has a backcountry campground. For information, see marine-accessible camping. Defrauder Falls day-use area is on the west shore of Pitt Lake and has no facilities.
- 9508:Fishing Pitt Lake is well known for excellent cutthroat trout fishing. Several species of salmon pass through the lake in the fall.
- 9508:Wildlife viewing Widgeon Slough provides unique waterfowl habitat. You may see a large variety of migratory birds, depending on the time of year. Blue herons are common on the banks of the slough and lake.For information on how to stay safe when viewing wildlife, please visit our wildlife safety page.
- 9508:Pets on leash Dogs and other domestic animals are welcome but must be leashed and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You must always be in control of your pets and dispose of their waste appropriately. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to the potential for conflict with bears.
- 9508:Cycling Pinecone Burke Park is a popular destination for mountain bikers. However, there is no formal infrastructure or separated trails. Take extra care when mountain biking in this park and always be on the lookout for hikers and wildlife.All bicycles must stay on park roads and designated trails. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia. For information on bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes), see the E-Biking section.
- 9508:E-Biking Bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are allowed on signed or designated trails. They must conform to the e-bike rules and classifications outlined on the cycling page.
- 9508:Climbing Pinecone Burke Park includes an alpine ridge known as the Five Fingers, which is popular with mountain climbers.
- 9508:Hunting The discharge and carrying of firearms is permitted in this park for the purposes of hunting during open season. Please consult the BC Government Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information. Contact BC Parks at parkinfo@gov.bc.ca with any specific questions. Hunters in this park may also need a Fraser Valley Special Area Hunting Licence [PDF]. It is effectively impossible to hunt or trap legally in the Widgeon Valley. To access the Widgeon Valley, you must travel through the Widgeon National Wildlife Area. Under federal regulations, there is no hunting or trapping in this area. And carrying hunting or trapping equipment through the area is not allowed either.
- 9508:Winter recreation You can explore the backcountry of Burke Mountain in the winter on touring skis or snowshoes. No winter trails are marked and there are no winter facilities. Snowmobiles and other off-road motor vehicles are prohibited in Pinecone Burke Park.
Facilities
- 9508:Picnic areas Pinecone Burke Park includes two day-use and picnicking areas that can only be accessed by boat: Widgeon Creek and Defrauder Falls. Widgeon Creek also has a backcountry campground, which includes pit toilets. Defrauder Falls is on the west shore of Pitt Lake and has no facilities.
- 9508:Pit or flush toilets Pit toilets are available at Widgeon Creek Campground.
Location
49.52616, -122.72116 · Vancouver
