Porcupine Loop

Burns Lake, British Columbia, Canada

2.30 km
61m gain
1.00 hours
Level 2.0/5
2.0/5
Difficulty
Easy
2.30
Distance
kilometres
61
Elevation Gain
metres
1.00
Est. Time
hours

About This Trail

Porcupine Loop is a short, easy forest trail within the Boer Mountain Recreation Site near Burns Lake. The approximately 2.3 km loop is suitable for multiple recreational uses and is especially popular with mountain bikers. Its convenient location within the larger Boer Mountain trail network makes it a good option for riders and visitors looking for a shorter, less demanding route.

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

No photos available yet

Community

Photos shared by fellow hikers — moderated before going live.

Community Photos

of

Have you been here?

Share a photo with the community. All submissions are reviewed before going live.

Getting There

Directions

Porcupine Loop is located within the Boer Mountain Recreation Site. Access to the Boer Mountain/Kager Lake area is generally via Gowan Road and Boer Mountain Lookout Road from Burns Lake.

A practical route is:

  1. From Burns Lake, take 5th Avenue from Highway 16.
  2. Continue to Gowan Road.
  3. Follow Gowan Road toward Boer Mountain Lookout Road.
  4. Turn onto Boer Mountain Lookout Road.
  5. Continue toward the Boer Mountain Recreation Site.
  6. Porcupine Loop begins from a small parking area along the forest access road.

Because Porcupine is part of a larger trail network and its trailhead is described relative to the forest access road rather than a conventional street address, I recommend providing a map pin/GPS navigation link on your website rather than relying only on written directions.

Parking

A small parking area is available near the Porcupine Loop trailhead along the forest access road. Additional parking is available at the nearby Kager Lake/Boer Mountain recreation area. Visitors should park only in designated areas and follow current site signage.

Safety & Preparation

⚠️ Mountain-bike traffic

Porcupine Loop is within a major mountain-bike recreation area. Hikers should remain alert for cyclists, particularly around junctions and sections shared with the wider network. 

⚠️ Trail difficulty

Although Porcupine Loop is rated Easy, nearby Boer Mountain trails can be considerably more difficult. Visitors should make sure they are following the correct trail and choosing routes appropriate to their ability.

⚠️ Weather and trail conditions

Rain, snowmelt, and freezing temperatures can make the trail muddy, slippery, or icy.

⚠️ Wildlife

Black bears are common in the Burns Lake region. The Village of Burns Lake advises visitors to stay alert, make noise while hiking, and carry bear spray.

⚠️ Remote forest environment

The trail is accessed through a forest-road network rather than a developed urban trailhead. Carry sufficient water, food, navigation equipment, and basic emergency supplies.

⚠️ Trail changes

The Boer Mountain network contains numerous interconnected trails, and conditions can change due to maintenance, weather, fallen trees, or other natural events. Check current trail reports before visiting.

Seasonal Conditions

☀️

Summer

Recommended
Trail Conditions

Generally the most favorable period for hiking and mountain biking, although rain can make sections wet or slippery.

Notes

Summer provides the best opportunity to combine Porcupine Loop with the surrounding Boer Mountain trails.

Highlights

Mountain biking, Hiking, Forest scenery

Accessibility

Generally the easiest season for accessing the trail.

🍂

Fall

Recommended
Trail Conditions

Cooler temperatures, fallen leaves, and rain can make sections damp or slippery. Early snowfall is possible later in the season.

Notes

Bring appropriate layers and allow additional time if riding later in the season when daylight becomes shorter.

Highlights

Fall colours, Forest scenery, Cooler riding temperatures, Lower trail traffic

Accessibility

Wet weather and early snow can make portions of the route more difficult to navigate.

GPX downloaded