Just minutes from Downtown, the UBC Malcolm Knapp Research Forest is a working forest that offers peaceful trails, quiet reflection, and immersive forest experiences. It’s also home to Loon Lake Lodge and Wild & Immersive, a nature education group hosting saunas, foraging walks, and forest events.
The Research Forest offers a variety of trails, suitable for day hikers of all skill levels. As a natural area, it may present hazards for the unprepared. Stay aware of your surroundings and be ready for changing conditions and wildlife encounters. Please obey all signs, and stay on marked trails.
The forest is open to the public from 8am-8pm or dusk, whichever is earlier. Cellular service is generally available only at the Forest entrance.
Download the Recreational User Guide & Map. Copies can also be picked up at the Forest office during business hours (M-F 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM). Four colour-coded trails – Red, Yellow, Green and Blue – begin and end near the Research Forest gate. Each trail varies in length and difficulty.
Due to the sensitivity of some research projects, and to maintain the integrity of the research conducted, visitors must adhere to the Forest Guidelines
- Please stay on the trails! Travelling off the trails can disturb study sites and disrupt years of research.
- Dogs, horses, and bicycles are not permitted.
- Smoking, vaping, alcohol, and other drug use is not permitted.
- Campfires and other fires are prohibited.
- Overnight camping is not permitted.
- Unauthorized vehicles on forest roads and trails are prohibited.
- Do not construct, maintain, or alter trails without the permission of the Research Forest.
- Removal of plants and other forest products (e.g., mushrooms) is strictly prohibited.