I remember the first time I hit the Murrin Park Loop Trail—I was fresh-faced, over-caffeinated, and determined to prove my hiking prowess. I’ve learned to embrace the trail’s quirks, from its great views to the sneaky roots that seem to have a vendetta against my shoelaces.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a scenic stroll with a dash of challenge, Murrin Park Loop offers a bit of everything.
So lace up those boots and join me as I take you through one of my favorite trails—where every twist and turn is a new opportunity for a little laughter and a lot of awe.
- Best Time to Hike the Murrin Park Loop Trail
- Is the Murrin Park Loop Trail worth it?
- Can you hike the Murrin Loop Trail in winter?
- Hiking Murrin Loop at Sunset
- Overview of Murrin Park Loop Trail
- How to Get to Murrin Park Loop Trail
- Getting to the Murrin Loop Trailhead from the Carpark
- Tips for Hiking Murrin Park Loop
- Trail Highlights at the Murrin Park Loop
- Additional Activities at Murrin Provincial Park
- Apps to Download for a Trip to Murrin Park Loop Trail
Best Time to Hike the Murrin Park Loop Trail
The best time to hike the Murrin Park Loop is year-round. However, we find that the spring (April to June) and fall (October to December) seasons are particularly popular due to the milder temperatures and beautiful foliage.
Additionally, summer (July to September) can be a great time to hike early in the morning. However, it can be overcrowded, so it’s not the best time to fully enjoy the tranquillity of the park.
Is the Murrin Park Loop Trail worth it?

The Murrin Park Loop Trail is definitely worth it. This trail offers something for everyone with its diverse features, including climbing, scrambling, pathways, rock faces, lookout spots, and ladders.
Can you hike the Murrin Loop Trail in winter?

You can definitely hike the Murrin Loop in winter. Keep in mind, though, that trails and parking lots are not maintained during this season. The lake will be frozen, and you may encounter some snow on the trail, particularly as you ascend towards Jurassic Ridge.
Hiking Murrin Loop at Sunset

If you’re hiking the Murrin Park Loop Trail at sunset, remember the gates close at 11pm so ensure you leave enough time to complete the hike.This hike is ideal for watching the sunset from the top, giving you time to return to the car park before dark.
Hiking the Murrin Park Loop Trail at sunset offers a spectacular view of the sky and mountains bathed in golden light. If you plan to stay for sunset, be sure to bring a headlamp for safe navigation.
Overview of Murrin Park Loop Trail
Distance: 3.20 kilometers
Elevation Gain: 180 meters
Duration: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Parking: Parking is free, but the gates are open only from 7am to 11pm. The small lot fills up quickly, especially in summer.
Trail Conditions: The trail is rocky with wooden steps and dirt paths, including some scrambling. After a junction where you can choose to go clockwise or counterclockwise, the trail becomes rugged.
Fortunately, once you complete the short, steep section, most of the elevation gain is done, and the rest of the hike is relatively easy.
How to Get to Murrin Park Loop Trail
By car: from Vancouver, turn left onto W Georgia Street and take Marine Drive and stay alert for signs to Whistler. Then, turn right onto Taylor Way and then turn left. From there, keep driving until you reach BC-99 N and your destination will be on the right.
Unfortunately, there’s no public transport available to the Murrin Loop Trail from Vancouver. Hence, if you don’t have a car, it’s wise to download car-sharing service apps like Evo or Modo.
Getting to the Murrin Loop Trailhead from the Carpark
After parking your vehicle, walk past the pit toilets in the carpark—these are the only facilities available. Then, walk towards the lake and follow the curve to the left. Once you’ve reached a signpost, turn right and follow the trail markers all the way to the top.
Tips for Hiking Murrin Park Loop
• We highly recommend downloading the trail map before you head out—it’s easy to stray off course, especially with the rocky and root-filled terrain and occasional hard-to-spot markers.
• Be prepared for a mosquito invasion, so pack some bug spray to keep them at bay.
• The climb is STEEP, so sturdy, grippy footwear is a must—think of it as your best defense against slippery rocks and roots. Light layers are ideal, as packing extra layers might weigh you down.
• Avoid bringing hiking poles as you’ll need your hands free for the many scramble sections.
• For a more challenging hike, try the route clockwise. This way, you’ll tackle the rocky, scrambly terrain on the ascent rather than the descent.
• Make sure to keep an eye out for the orange and yellow blazes—they’re your best guide to staying on track, as the trail can be tricky to follow otherwise.
Trail Highlights at the Murrin Park Loop
Browning Lake
Media credit: siamak.saadatmand
The Murrin Park Loop Trail kicks off with a delightful wander around Browning Lake, which is a hotspot for picnics and swims right by the trailhead. Browning Lake isn’t just a pretty face—it’s perfect for a splash, a serene picnic, a bit of fishing, or a leisurely lakeside stroll.
This short but sweet trail offers a scenic loop around the lake. The surrounding woods provide trails of all difficulty levels, so you can easily get lost in exploration. The lake loop itself is a breeze—flat and simple—and is particularly enchanting at sunset.
Jurassic Ridge Extension
Media credit: michaelanthony333
A few hundred meters along the trail, you’ll come to a junction with a signpost. Take the right path to reach Jurassic Ridge. This section is a bit more rugged, with slippery rock faces, but the trail is well-marked, even if it’s less obvious.
Soon, you’ll arrive at a viewpoint offering a breathtaking view of the Sunshine Coast mountains to the west. Continue on, and you’ll discover multiple spots with spectacular vistas of Howe Sound, making this hike a visual feast.
Quercus Viewpoint
Media credit: vancouvertrails
To find the trail to Quercus Point, walk around the lake from the parking lot. The trails are situated in the back section, to the west of the lake. Quercus lookout offers stunning views over Howe Sound.
The turn-off for the viewpoint can be easy to miss, so keep an eye out. If you find yourself heading downhill and out of the woods, you’ve gone too far. Backtrack until you spot a post with an arrow pointing towards the viewpoint.
Additional Activities at Murrin Provincial Park
Go Rock Climbing
Media credit: darrenkc14
At Murrin Provincial Park, climbers of all abilities can tackle over 250 routes, from beginner to expert. Head to the southern end of the parking lot to check out the map showcasing top spots like Zoe, Commonwealth, and Petrifying Wall.
The climbing variety here is exceptional, featuring everything from easy slabs and fantastic trad routes of all grades to dramatic overhangs, lengthy vertical sport routes, and challenging cracks.
Have Fun at Browning Lake
Media credit: aimeelaurenbuck
There’s lots of activities to do at Browning Lake. It may be small, but it’s quite deep so swimming is a great idea! You’ll find cozy spots around the lake for a refreshing dip or enjoy the two sandy beaches on the north side, near the parking lot.
You can also bring inflatable toys, canoe, or kayak. It’s also stocked with fish, so you might reel in a catch if you’re lucky.
Have a Picnic
Media credit: the_black_lover110
Murrin Provincial Park has plenty of picnic tables on the small beach area across the lake from the highway, where you can relax and enjoy your meal with a lovely view. It’s an ideal spot to spend an afternoon enjoying a picnic, just a short drive from Vancouver.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Murrin Park Loop Trail
AllTrails: custom route planning app with fitness activity tracker and reviews from fellow hikers to help you plan your outdoor adventures.
Gaia GPS: paid hiking navigation app, road trip planner, and backcountry navigator
Relive.cc: a free tracking app that records a video of your route and waypoints, as well as showing the elevation profile and stats.
Maps.me: detailed, offline maps with turn-by-turn navigation for driving, hiking, or biking to a selected location.