Malcom Knapp Research Forest - Maple Ridge, BC
Stanley Park may be the best known forest in BC to have been hit hard by the rash of winter storms in the Lower Mainland but it wasn't the only one. The Malcom Knapp Research Forest lost over 800 trees due to the storms.
The UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest was established by a Crown Grant to the University of British Columbia in 1949, as a facility for research, demonstration, and education in the field of forestry and allied sciences. To fulfill this mandate, the forest is managed by staff from the Faculty of Forestry at UBC to provide the best environment possible for these three aspects of forestry. We also manage a small area of the forest for recreational purposes for the local community, who use our trail system for hiking, jogging, or just enjoying the forest.
You can come to go on one of four different recreational hikes but between April 1st - September 30th it is always best to check out their website before you come to ensure there is not a fire risk in which case the trails will be closed. Normally the trails are open every day of the year from dawn until dusk.
The trail lengths range from 1.4 KM (45 minutes) to 6.5 KM (3 hours), you can pick up a colour-coded map at the main entrance to the forest or print your own copy at the website.
As always, before you embark on any hike be sure to plan ahead and bring appropriate supplies. Here is an excerpt from bcadventure.com on hiking safety in British Columbia:
