Hiking the Cocobonk Trail
We have been doing a hike in the Lundbom Grasslands for decades. It is a favorite area for spring hiking, following tracks and trails through the hills when the grass is green, but not yet too tall, when the wildflowers are in bloom, and when wildlife can be spotted. On weekends it can be busier, so we try for a sunny weekday. We have hiked all the trails in the area, doing a different one each year. On this day, we hiked a 13 km loop route from Lundbom Lake on double tracks, then single tracks, bearing northwest. The Cocobonk Trail has some signage, but it is helpful to use a mapping app too (we mostly use Maps.me).
We first followed a double track which goes to Hamilton Lake, then we turned right (at N50 05.839 W120 37.367) bearing north.
The trail climbs steadily for 3.8 km. From the hills we have views to the North Cascades. Stoyama Mountain was still snowy (we have hiked to that summit).
The route turns off a double track at a fenceline and becomes a single track, winding past ponds.
The final section passes aspen groves and winds through dales on its way toward Lundbom Lake.
There are a number of combinations of trails that can be hiked. The Cocobonk Trail is a loop route, starting and finishing on double tracks.
The final section follows a backroad past a large pond right before the north campsite on Lundbom Lake.
There were many wildflowers in bloom, butterflies and pollinators active, deer on the hillsides, and birds along the whole route. There were no other hikers, mountain bikers, or motorized vehicles for the 4 hours of hiking in the Lundbom grasslands. We will be back to hike a different trail next year.
More Information:
- Lundbom Commonage (page)
- Lundbom Grasslands (Rec Sites and Trails BC)
- Merritt Mountain Biking Trails – Lundbom