4.9
(7678)
13,779
hikers
01:26
5.55km
30m
Hiking
The Rice Lake Loop Trail offers an easy hike through lush Pacific Northwest scenery. You'll follow a well-maintained gravel path that meanders through old-growth rainforest, providing a peaceful escape. Keep an eye out for reflections of the towering trees on the tranquil surface of Rice Lake, a key visual landmark along the way. This route is a gentle 3.4 miles (5.6 km) with a minimal elevation gain of 86 feet (26 metres), making it an ideal choice for a relaxed outing. Most hikers complete the loop in about 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Planning your visit to the Rice Lake Loop Trail is straightforward. Parking is usually available right at the trailhead, making access convenient for most visitors. You'll find useful amenities like benches, washrooms, and water fountains spaced along the path, ensuring a comfortable experience. This trail is popular and suitable for hiking year-round, so you can enjoy its natural beauty in any season.
This trail stands out as a serene escape, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural ambiance of the region. The predominantly flat terrain and well-kept gravel path make it particularly welcoming for beginners and families looking for an accessible outdoor experience. While hiking, you might even spot local wildlife, adding to the peaceful charm of this loop.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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3.32 km
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
5.55 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
5.39 km
162 m
Surfaces
5.42 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Today
Sunday 17 May
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10°C
94 %
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Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
The loop around Rice Lake is approximately 3 km (1.9 miles) long and typically takes about an hour to complete at a leisurely pace.
Yes, the Rice Lake Loop Trail is remarkably easy and suitable for nearly all ages and abilities, making it ideal for beginners and families. It's predominantly flat with minimal elevation gain.
The trail features a predominantly flat, well-maintained gravel path. While generally stroller-friendly, be aware that some sections may have rocky patches. It winds through lush greenery and old-growth rainforest.
Along the trail, you'll find benches, washrooms, water fountains (for both humans and dogs), a gazebo, and informative plaques. There's also a floating walkway at Rice Lake offering great photo opportunities.
The trail is enjoyable throughout the year. Its shaded forest setting makes it a pleasant walk even on warmer days, and it's a great option for less ambitious outdoor activity on rainy days.
Yes, the trail is dog-friendly. You'll even find water fountains specifically for dogs along the route.
No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the Rice Lake Loop Trail.
The Rice Lake Loop Trail is located within the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve. Parking is available at the main entrance to the reserve, which provides direct access to the trailhead.
You can potentially spot local wildlife amidst the lush greenery and old-growth rainforest. Rice Lake is also annually restocked with 5,000 Rainbow Trout, making it a popular fishing spot.
Yes, the Rice Lake Loop Trail can be easily integrated with the more adventurous routes of Lynn Canyon Park, allowing you to extend your journey to highlights like the Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge and the 30 Foot Pool. The route also passes through sections of the Shadow Creek Link and the Medicine Lake Regional Trail.
The tranquil Rice Lake itself is a picturesque focal point, offering stunning reflections of the surrounding trees. A floating walkway on the lake provides an excellent vantage point for photos, and there is also a gazebo.
This is hike #42 on our virtual hiking tour of The Thames Path, which you can follow at https://www.komoot.com/collection/2457863/-virtual-hiking-tour-of-the-thames-path. Here is a link to our komoot collection of all the Virtual Hikes we have completed so far: https://www.komoot.com/collection/1791712/-collection-of-virtual-hiking-tours.