Are you looking to learn more about Malcolm Knapp Research Forest so you can head out and plan your own hike in the woods?
As a family who loves the outdoors, Malcolm Knapp Research Forest is a great place for explorers of all abilities and fitness levels. With 13 different trails ranging from 2 km to 24 km, there’s enough variety in the park to have you returning to explore new trails each time. As my kids age, we’ve been able to go for longer visits and discover new trails, making a familiar park new again!
The little hikers in your group will love the well-marked trails that make navigating easy for everyone and allows them to play “follow the leader” all while you can be sure they aren’t getting lost. So take a deep dive into this article to learn about the forest and start planning your trip to Malcolm Knapp Forest today.
Disclaimer: While I share my own thoughts and stories about these experiences, should you click on the affiliate links, I may receive a small commission on that sale which helps fund Adventure Awaits.
How to Explore Malcolm Knapp Research Forest: A Step-by-Step Trail Guide
Hidden away in the coastal mountains of British Columbia, visitors can find the magnificent Malcolm Knapp Research Forest. Spanning over 5,000 hectares, this breathtaking forest is the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
With a variety of hiking trails ranging from casual strolls to advanced treks, the forest offers visitors the opportunity to explore its diverse ecosystem including towering trees, sparkling streams, and abundant wildlife. While strolling through the forest, visitors may encounter researchers in the area carrying out important, innovative research projects that help to better understand the complexities of forest ecosystems, or children hopping among the logs, reminding us about the importance of protecting our forests for generations to come.
Where is Malcolm Knapp Research Forest Located?
This enchanting forest is located in Maple Ridge with the main entrance being located at 14500 Silver Valley Rd, Maple Ridge, BC V4R 2R3. As a research forest and facility, Malcolm Knapp Research Forest is managed by the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Forestry and is dedicated to advancing forest and wildlife research.
How big is Malcolm Knapp Research Forest?
The UBC Forest in Maple Ridge is approximately 5157 hectares (or 12,740 acres) and invites you to explore 13 different trails. It measures 13 kilometres from east to west and 4 kilometres from south to north. The forest is home to trees that are over 400 years old, although the average tree is 70-120 years old. From the 1800s to 1931, the region was heavily logged, but in 1949 the land became protected when it was established as the UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest. Today it is an active site for research and education and a popular destination for hikers and day trip explorers.
12 Trails at the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest – From Easiest to Hardest
Malcolm Knapp Research Forest Red Trail
Level: Easy
Distance: 1.8 Km
Time: 30 minutes
Stroller Friendly: No
Dogs allowed: No
If you’re new to this park and looking to see how the kids do, the Red Trail is a great starting point. At only 1.8 km in length, it’ll take approximately 30 minutes to complete. The nice thing about this trail is that it intersects with a lot of the other trails, allowing you to continue adventuring and exploring other areas of the park.
UBC Malcolm Knapp Red and Green Trail
Level: Easy
Distance: 3 km
Time: 44 Minutes
Stroller Friendly: No
Dogs allowed: No
The red and green trails are well-marked loops in the MKRF. Kids will love the large stumps to crawl on, potentially slowing down your walking speed, but allowing them to safely explore the magic of the forest at their own pace. Be sure to teach kids about the research happening in the forest and the importance of not disturbing any active work happening in the park.
Mom Tip: Mosquitos can ruin a good hiking trip! Click here to order family-friendly bug spray!
UBC Malcolm Knapp Red and Yellow Loop Trail
Level: Easy
Distance: 4.3 Km
Time: 1 Hour
Stroller Friendly: No
Dogs allowed: No
Probably one of the most popular loops in the UBC Research Forest, this one-hour trail is the perfect lap for those looking for a quick but beautiful stroll in the forest. This trail is very family friendly too, with a wider walking path and lots of room for the kids to run around. Hikers will enjoy a collection of Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, and Western Hemlock trees.
UBC Malcolm Knapp M, F30, C, and A10 Loop
Level: Easy
Distance: 5.8 Km
Time: 3.5 Hours
Stroller Friendly: No
Dogs allowed: No
This set of trails is for those who are looking to traverse through a variety of ecosystems that lead up to a beautiful lookout. Based on recent reviews, some say the trail is well-marked whereas others have said they got turned around. So be sure to be well prepared and have a map (physical, all trails app, backup copy on your phone) to help you navigate. Expect to see forested regions, mushrooms, flowers, and blackberry bushes in season.
UBC Malcolm Knapp Blue Trail, A10, Red Trail, and C Loop
Level: Moderate
Distance: 7.6 Km
Time: 2.5 Hours
Stroller Friendly: No
Dogs allowed: No
If you combine all of these hiking trails together you’ll have a moderate 7.6 km hike to explore. Recent hikers have stated that it’s a great and easy hike that winds through a variety of scenic areas, leading to a lookout (to be spotted only on nice days). The full 7.6 km hike takes approximately 2 hours and 21 minutes to complete. Be sure to take a map (available at the office) to help you navigate the connecting trails.
Stump House Interpretative Trail
Level: Moderate
Distance: 8.2 Km * (the Stump House Trail is 3.6 Km but access to the trail is via the main gate and a 2.3 Km hike)
Time: 2.5 Hours
Stroller Friendly: No
Dogs allowed: No
Accessible after your hike from the main trail, the Stump House Interpretative Trail is a self-guided education tour showcasing 13 informational stops with signage. A less popular trail, you’re unlikely to encounter other people making it perfect for birding. The stars of the trail are the creative stump houses, where gigantic tree trunks have been transformed with a roof into stump houses for you to explore. This is a longer hike from the beginning but one with some fun points of interest along the way, making for a fun day of exploring.
Jacob’s Lake, Malcolm Knapp Research Forest
Level: Moderate
Distance: 12.6 Km
Time: 3.5 Hours
Stroller Friendly: No
Dogs allowed: No
The walk to Jacob’s Lake leads you along an old forestry road, up to a gated area and then through to the lake. This is quite different than the other more traditional hiking trails found in MKRF, where you’re walking in the forest on a trail. This hike has you on a logging road the whole time, which some visitors love, while others prefer to be within the trees. The reward for this longer hike is Jacob’s Lake, which thaws in the Spring and offers beautiful views over the lake.
Gwendoline Lake Trail
Level: Moderate
Distance: 18 km
Time: 4.45 Hours
Stroller Friendly: No
Dogs allowed: No
Another trail that will have you walking along an old forestry road, the hike to Gwendoline Lake Trail is 17.9 km, out and back trek. This typically takes hikers 4.45 hours to complete, although on all trails many recent visitors have said that they have veered off and explored other trails within the park, leading to other destinations or lakes. Do your research and decide what’s best for your hiking style.
Katherine Lake Trail
Level: Moderate
Distance: 23.7 Km
Time: 6.25 Hours
Stroller Friendly: No
Dogs allowed: No
A longer hike along the forestry road, hiking on nice weather days will afford you scenic views out into the distance, and Katherine Lake at the end as a reward. This hike takes just over 6 hours to complete, so be sure to pack the ten essentials of hiking along with extra food and water. Don’t forget bug spray as hikers have said they are known to come and visit when you stop moving.
10 Malcolm Knapp Research Forest Photos
What is the History of Malcolm Knapp Research Forest?
Malcolm Knapp Research Forest is named after a UBC professor of forestry, Malcolm Knapp. He had a vision of having a large and vast forest for UBC and in 1949 the university took over the management of the park. Malcolm Knapp was a professor for 41 years and in 1963 the forest was renamed from the UBC Research Forest to the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest. He passed away a year later.
According to Wikipedia, there are currently 84 research projects underway in the forest, “All related to riparian management, silviculture, wildlife, hydrology, ecology, and other applied science fields. Research in the forest for the past decade has seen a shift from projects looking at maximizing growth and yields in managed forests to the ecological impacts different forestry practices has on the forest.”
Malcolm Knapp Research Forest FAQs
What are the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest Hours?
April 1 to October 31 – Open 7 am to 8 pm
November 1 to March 31 – Open 7 am to 5 pm
The office is open from 8 am to 4 pm and you are welcome to go inside and pick up a physical copy of the park maps if you are interested.
Are Dogs allowed at Malcolm Knapp Research Forest?
The primary purpose of the research forest is that of study, so the environment and the wildlife must not be disturbed. Because of this, no dogs, horses, or bikes are allowed at Malcolm Knapp Research Forest.
How many trails are in UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest?
There are 13 official trails in UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest however most visitors combine the trails and make up their own loops to allow them to explore multiple areas of the park.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest?
The Katherine Lake Trail has the most elevation gain, with 1935 feet or 589 meters in gain.
Can non students visit UBC Forest in Maple Ridge?
Absolutely, the research forest is open to the public and everyone is welcome to come and explore the region.
Final Thoughts:
Malcolm Knapp Research Forest is one of those places that you can visit ten times and have a different experience every time, depending on the trail you seek out as well as the time of year you go. From enjoying the magic of the Spring and all the new life that starts flourishing to hiking up through the snow and looking for animal tracks along the way, MKRF is a park that is meant to be explored again and again.
