Hiking the Hope Lookout Trail in Hope
Contents
Hope Lookout Hike Information
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.50Km
Elevation Gain: 480m
Highest Elevation: 530m
Average Gradient: 21.33%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / Moderate
Time Needed:
– Slow: 3 – 4 Hours
– Moderate: 2 – 3 Hours
– Fast: 1.5 – 2 Hours
Dogs Permitted?: Yes
Season: Year-Round
4×4 / High Clearance Required? No
Scrambling / Exposure: None
Hope Lookout Trail
Trailhead Coordinates: 49°22’21.3″N 121°26’30.5″W
Hope Lookout Overview
Hope Lookout is a viewpoint situated on the northwest slopes of Hope Mountain, offering a rewarding viewpoint over the town of Hope and the Fraser River down below.
Easily accessed from the town itself, the Hope Lookout trail is a year-round, well maintained hike suitable for most abilities. In the winter, microspikes and hiking poles are strongly recommended as the trail can be steep and slippery, especially on the descent. Sturdy boots are also advised given the rocky terrain.
This hike is short but steep, ascending to around 530m on the northwest slopes of the mountain, with Hope Mountain standing at a full 1,844m elevation. In the summer, more adventurous parties may want to consider hiking to the actual summit of Hope Mountain (from a different trailhead), where the views are undoubtedly significantly better, though of course the hike is more demanding.
Hope Lookout is sometimes referred to as Hope’s Grouse Grind thanks to its steep, fairly relentless uphill climb. The majority of the hike is spent in the shade of the forest, making for a good option if you’re looking to avoid the summer sun. Hope Lookout is a pet friendly hike.
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Is Hope Lookout worthwhile?
If you’re looking for a quick outing to a nice viewpoint, Hope Lookout might fit the bill quite nicely. Other than the one directional viewpoint at the end there isn’t really anything to see throughout the hike, so most people would consider this a quick rip up to soak in the view before heading back down. Given its short stats, the majority of people who hike this are likely local to the area or passing through anyway, perhaps camping in Hope or somewhere nearby. I wouldn’t advise this hike to those that need to drive a long way, such as from Vancouver, as the payoff isn’t really worth the long drive out.
How difficult is the hike to Hope Lookout?
With an average gradient of over 21% this is a bit of a grind the entire time. That being said, it’s a short hike, with most parties likely to be up and down between 2 – 3 hours, so it would be a stretch to call it difficult.
Technically the hike is quite straightforward, mostly zigzagging steeply up through the forest. There is one section with a chain for assistance, and a few fenced sections where the trail is narrow, traversing a steep embankment. Overall though it’s a technically simple hike.
Hope Lookout Route Information
The trailhead for Hope Lookout is from the end of a small road off of Old Hope-Princeton Way (see coordinates), and is accessible for all vehicles.
From the end of this road, follow the signage directing up a winding gravel road before reaching more signage indicating to hike up a hill into the forest. Once in the forest you will remain there until you reach the viewpoint.
The first kilometer of the hike climbs fairly moderately in the forest, and after around 700m you’ll reach a junction with the Joan Greenwood Loop trail. There will be obvious signage for the Hope Lookout trail, so just follow that, but you can always do the Joan Greenwood Loop if you prefer (it won’t add much). A few hundred meters ahead you’ll reach a steep spot with a staircase and a chain to assist you up, and soon enough you’ll be at the first “viewpoint”. It’s a bit of a stretch to call this a viewpoint as it’s so overgrown, but it’s a good place for a quick rest.
The climb up to here has been fairly moderate, but from now on the gradient picks up significantly. Over the next kilometer you will ascend around 330m, the majority of the gain on this hike, providing an average gradient of 33%.
There is not a lot to say about this stretch of the trail, it’s just a case of getting on with it. Thankfully the trail is well maintained and there are several benches scattered throughout the hike if you need to stop for a break at any point. Still, it’s not very long and soon enough you’ll reach the base of a rockslide. This is when you know you’re nearing the end.
The climb up to here has been fairly moderate, but from now on the gradient picks up significantly. Over the next kilometer you will ascend around 330m, the majority of the gain on this hike, providing an average gradient of 33%.
There is not a lot to say about this stretch of the trail, it’s just a case of getting on with it. Thankfully the trail is well maintained and there are several benches scattered throughout the hike if you need to stop for a break at any point. Still, it’s not very long and soon enough you’ll reach the base of a rockslide. This is when you know you’re nearing the end.
When should I hike Hope Lookout?
Hope Lookout is a year-round hike, though in the winter you will want microspikes and hiking poles as the trail can be slippery. Anytime works in reality so just go whenever you please. As noted I wouldn’t make a special trip to Hope for this hike, but if you live nearby or you’re passing through anyway it’s not a bad little stop.
Top Tip
For a fuller day you could combine Hope Lookout with another nearby hike like the Dragon’s Back trail or Othello Tunnels. Alternatively Hope Mountain is a much more fulfilling hike in the right conditions.
