Hiking Trail Review: Lost Lake Loop, Grande Prairie, AB
Location: County of Grande Prairie No. 1
Park here: Evergreen Ridge Recreation Area
Public Transport: N/A
Hike Distance: 9.5 km roundtrip
Elevation Gain/Loss: Approx. 160 m
Hike Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
What makes it moderate? Undulating hills on a partially sandy, long trail
Trail website: Click here
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Lost Lake Loop is a multi-use trail near Grande Prairie, Alberta, that travels through mixed forest, swamps and boardwalks to offer a pleasant view of Lost Lake. Popular with locals as a cycling and hiking trail, it is at times muddy, rooty and steep. This trail begins wide and sandy before narrowing to hard-packed single track. It’s a great trail that offers diverse terrain and natural views, allowing hikers to get out of town without going too far.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Finding the Trailhead
Drive towards Evergreen on Township Road 710 and turn left onto Range Road 55. Park for free at the dirt lot on your right. There is a portable toilet and a trail sign here.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Pick up your feet to trot over the horse stile gate and onto the trail, following the power lines. Make sure you have bear spray, bug spray and a map. (AllTrails worked for me.)
Alison Karlene Hodgins
The Hike Itself
On the first stretch of the trail, you might encounter some swampy areas. Look for side trails branching off to your left to manoeuvre around the wet sections. If you’re in the right season, you’ll pass ripe saskatoon berries, which make for a juicy snack as you walk. Wildflowers, such as fireweed, wild aster and prairie-fire, might bloom alongside the trail.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
After a short walk under the power lines, you will approach a blue sign that announces you are leaving Evergreen Ridge Recreation Area and entering Crown Land.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Now the loop begins. We headed to the left. For the most part, the trail is wide enough to walk side-by-side.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Continue following the wide, relatively flat trail until you reach a fork in the road. Go right! From here, you’ll follow small, white, diamond-shape markers on the trees—and, hopefully, the map you brought!
Alison Karlene Hodgins Alison Karlene Hodgins
This is a popular trail with cyclists, and you’re likely to see some proof of horses and dogs enjoying the outdoors here, too.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Surprised by the steepness of some of the climbs and descents, I started working up a sweat in the mid-morning sunshine.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Finally, we saw the first (and only) “Lost Lake Loop” trail marker.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
The trail transitions to hard-packed dirt dusted with pine needles and interspersed with gnarled roots prone to tripping unlucky hikers.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
As you tackle the elevation gains and losses, the trail slips into the forest. Surrounded by tall trees, you’ll want to douse yourself in bug spray, as the mosquitos have been waiting for you.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Eventually, you will reach a muddy area rife with cattails, and it’s here you can spot Lost Lake: a small blue pond rising from an ocean of tall grass.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Keep walking, as you’ll find a couple of better viewpoints along the edge of the loop. One even has a nice picnic table, where you can sit and have a snack.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
A fresh-smelling breeze greeted us as we trudged up and down some final hills and muddy areas, completing the loop, before reconnecting with the power line-laced trail back to the parking lot.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Before You Go:
- Be prepared for anything out here. Bring a first-aid kit, sunscreen, bug spray, bear spray, extra layers, extra water and extra food.
- In the wet areas, you might spot a frog.
- It’s called Lost Lake for a reason—check your map as you go.
More Alberta-based Adventures:
10 of the Best Hikes Near Grande Prairie, Alberta
10 Cozy Cabins, Yurts and Lodges to Stay at in Alberta This Winter
Making Nature More Accessible: Alberta Parks’ Push to Open Nature Program