Silverthorne Lake Loop

3.10 km
58m gain
1.00 hours
Level 3.0/5
3.0/5
Difficulty
Moderate
3.10
Distance
kilometres
58
Elevation Gain
metres
1.00
Est. Time
hours

About This Trail

Silverthorne Lake Loop is an easy 1.9-mile (3km) loop trail at Silverthorne (Erickson) Lake within the Morice Mountain Nordic Ski area, rated 4.4 stars and one of the most popular short trails near Houston. Taking approximately 45–60 minutes, the trail circles the lake on a well-maintained path featuring three wide 6-foot boardwalks, a gravel trail surface, and stunning views of Morice Mountain reflected in the lake. The loop starts at the Silverthorne campground and rejoins the main trail network. In winter the broader Morice Mountain Nordic Ski area offers 30km of groomed cross-country ski trails and the Silverthorne Lake Snowshoe Trails, created in 2015, provide additional winter recreation. The Houston Community Forest encompasses 4,000 hectares of forest centred on this lake. Suitable for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and horseback riding year-round. Dogs welcome. Located on the unceded traditional territory of the Wet'suwet'en people.

Leave No Trace

Please follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out all waste, stay on designated trails, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors.

Interactive Trail Map

Elevation Profile

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Getting There

Directions

From Houston, turn left (south) off Highway 16 onto Buck Flats Road, just west of town. Follow Buck Flats Road for 8km until you reach a large parking area on the right — this is the Morice Mountain Nordic Ski area and Silverthorne Lake trailhead. The Silverthorne Lake Loop begins from the Silverthorne campground area just past the main parking lot.

Parking

 A large parking area is located at the 8km mark on Buck Flats Road — free and open year-round. The Morice Mountain Nordic Ski area facilities including a day lodge are available during winter ski season. In summer the area is open for hiking and other recreation. No day-use fees for summer use. Check the Morice Mountain Nordic Ski Society for current winter grooming conditions and ski area hours.

Safety & Preparation

The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow — suitable for all ages and abilities. Boardwalk sections can be slippery when wet or frosty — take care in wet weather. In winter, be aware that the trails are primarily groomed for cross-country skiing; keep to the sides and avoid damaging ski tracks. Bears are present in the Houston area — carry bear spray on all trails. Keep dogs leashed and under control. The loop is short and close to town, making it a low-risk outing, but standard wilderness precautions still apply.

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