Hiking Trail Review: Watershed Park Trail, Delta, BC
Location: Watershed Park Trail
Public Transport: Take the 340 22nd Street Station bus to westbound Kitson Parkway at Summit Crescent station or 310 Ladner bus to southbound Scott Road at Sunwood Drive station. You will have to walk around 15 minutes either way.
Park Here: There are numerous parking areas. I parked at the parking lot off Kittson Parkway.
Hike Distance: 6.3 km loop
Hike Duration: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Elevation Gain/Loss: 101 m
Difficulty: Moderate
What makes it moderate? Though the trail is mostly level, the trail can be confusing to follow, and there are a few steep and narrow areas.
Park website: Click here.
For an energizing morning hike or a refreshing evening walk, this trail is a perfect blend of peaceful yet exciting. The constant presence of trees and greenery makes this a must-do hike for anyone living in or visiting the Lower Mainland who enjoys spending time in nature.
Finding the Trailhead
From the parking lot, you’ll see signage and a clear, level trail that leads straight to the trailhead within five minutes. Although this trail is not marked clearly throughout, follow the slightly worn path that emerges between the tall trees and you’ll reach the trailhead in no time. At the trailhead, you’ll see a map and a drinking water station. Make sure to take a photo of the map if you don’t have access to one already—trust me, you’ll need it!
The Hike Itself
From the trailhead, head straight towards the left, the clearest path you’ll see, called Water Tower Trail. The first leg of the trail is well-kept, open and level. You’ll go slightly downhill, shrouded by trees and blanketed by fresh air. There will be benches to rest on every few hundred metres of the way.
Then, you’ll reach the first fork of the trail, emerging into the sunlight. Take a right onto Lower Trail, which will be slightly muddy on wet days but straightforward. Here, you’ll encounter kind hikers who will wave you hello, bicycle riders, horseback riders and some squirrels foraging for food.
My hiking buddy and I decided to take the longer route and hiked all the way to the end of Lower Trail. There will be pathways that emerge on your left through which you can take a short cut back. For example, for a quicker hike, take the Upper – Lower Trail onto Gravity Bowl – Canyon Trail. As this is a loop, all trails will eventually lead you back to your starting point.
Once you reach the end of the Lower Trail, you’ll see Highway 10 in the distance. Go up the last trail that emerges on your left, a connector trail that will lead to Briarwood Trail. This trail will be narrow and slightly hard to follow due to the lack of signage. Just follow the worn path (and if you encounter any forks, take whichever you prefer since they all lead to Briarwood Trail). You’ll have to go up a steep hill for about a kilometre. Proper footwear is a must!
From here on out, you’ll be in a heavily forested area, surrounded by bushes, trees and greenery all around. You’ll see squirrels, and you’ll see bunnies in the warmer seasons. The trail will feature calming streams, bridges and stairs to ease out the climb. It’s easy to be confused by the various emerging paths that you’ll encounter but remember to look for the signs that will mark the colour of the trail you’re on, following the legend of the map you took a photo of at the trailhead!
Once you’ve hiked Briarwood Trail, you’ll walk on a narrow path by a cliff as the elevation begins to decline. You’ll find yourself on Upper – Lower Trail, which will be much easier to follow thanks to the open path, signage and fellow hikers who will help you find your way back to the trailhead.
Back at the trailhead, have a drink at the drinking water station and head back to the parking lot the same way you came!
Before You Go:
- Bring bug spray, especially in the summer!
- Wear sunscreen as you’ll be in direct sunlight at some areas of the trail
- Be mindful of bikers and horseback riders. This trail will contain shared-use pathways.
- Dogs are welcome but must be on leash.
Watch the Watershed Park hike vlog now!
