Eagle Bluff Viewpoint is a relatively short side hike from the Halvor Lunden Trail above Buntzen Lake. It provides views over Buntzen Lake and toward the surrounding ridges without requiring the much longer climb to Polytrichum Lookout or Lindsay Lake.
This is the Eagle Bluff near Buntzen Lake, not the similarly named Eagle Bluffs hike in Cypress Provincial Park. For that hike, see my Eagle Bluffs, Cypress Provincial Park post.
The route begins on the Halvor Lunden Trail before branching onto a smaller trail toward the bluff. The side trail is quieter and less obvious than the main route, but the viewpoint makes a worthwhile short destination.
Trail Stats
These statistics are based on my original GPS recording.
- Distance: approximately 4.1 km return
- Recorded elapsed time: approximately 1 hour 35 minutes
- Low point: approximately 115 m
- High point: approximately 385 m
- Net elevation gain: approximately 270 m
- Cumulative elevation gain: approximately 250 to 290 m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Route: Out and back with a short side trail from the Halvor Lunden Trail
The route is considerably shorter and easier than continuing farther up Eagle Ridge, but there is still enough climbing to make it a worthwhile short hike or workout.
Interesting Facts
- Eagle Ridge: Eagle Bluff sits on the western side of Eagle Ridge above Buntzen Lake. The higher Halvor Lunden Trail continues toward Polytrichum Lookout, El Paso Junction, Lindsay Lake, Mount Beautiful, and the Dilly Dally ridge.
- Buntzen Lake views: The bluff provides an elevated view over Buntzen Lake and the ridge on the opposite side of the reservoir.
- Logging history: Old logging relics can still be found in the forests around Buntzen Lake and Eagle Ridge, reminders of the area’s industrial past.
- Biogeoclimatic zone: This route lies within the Coastal Western Hemlock biogeoclimatic zone, characterized by western hemlock, western redcedar, Douglas-fir, mosses, ferns, and other moisture-loving coastal forest vegetation.
- Not the Cypress hike: Eagle Bluff at Buntzen Lake is a completely different destination from Eagle Bluffs in Cypress Provincial Park.
The Route
The interactive map below shows my actual GPS route from the Buntzen Lake recreation area to Eagle Bluff Viewpoint and back. Use the layer control in the upper-right corner to switch between the regular map and satellite imagery.
Halvor Lunden Trail
The hike initially follows the lower Halvor Lunden Trail on the east side of Buntzen Lake. This is the same approach used for Polytrichum Lookout and the longer Eagle Ridge hikes.
After gaining elevation through the forest, a smaller side trail branches toward Eagle Bluff. The turnoff is easy to miss if you are concentrating only on the main Halvor Lunden route.
Eagle Bluff Viewpoint
The viewpoint is an open rocky area above Buntzen Lake. The views are not as expansive as those from the higher Eagle Ridge viewpoints, but they are impressive considering the relatively short distance and modest elevation gain.
View of Eagle Bluff from Buntzen Lake
The bluff can also be seen from near the east end of the Buntzen Lake floating bridge.
Along the Trail
Logging Relic
An old logging relic sits near the viewpoint, one of several reminders of the historic logging activity in the forests surrounding Buntzen Lake.
High Point on the Bluff
Leave No Trace
Please follow Leave No Trace principles on this route. Stay on established trails, pack out everything you bring in, avoid damaging vegetation around the bluff, and leave historic relics where you find them.
Before You Go
Check current Buntzen Lake access, gate hours, parking requirements, and trail conditions before heading out. Even on this shorter route, wet rock, mud, fallen trees, snow, or ice can make the trail more difficult.
