For decades, the Eagle Mountain trail (aka Cypress Lake FSR) has been a popular off-roading route in the middle of an urban area, with challenging obstacles and a spectacular view at the end. In 2002, vehicle access to Eagle Mountain was closed by the Province. In 2009, the 4WDABC helped to negotiate a key program managed by the City of Coquitlam, whereby wheelers could pay a deposit and receive a key to the lock. In 2018, that changed to a Bluetooth lock that allowed the city to track and more readily control access.

Today, Eagle represents the only wheeling to be had between Squamish and Stave Lake.

Below, you’ll find a bit of the the history of the 4WDABC’s work to retain four-wheelers’ access to the Eagle Mountain trails.

November 8, 2023 - Collaboration and Synergy

Eagle Mountain News

Posted by Morgan McMillan, 4WDABC Eagle Mountain Liaison

Kim Reeves and I hosted the DFO (Department of Fisheries and Oceans) rep and Hatcheries (Noons and Moosom) rep to service the Cypress Lake dam on the top of Eagle today. We closed the dam valves for the year, reviewed the trail creek crossings and caught up on the latest fish issues.
 
Overall, the trail and creek crossing are holding up very well after the decommissioning work done in 2018. The crossings are well-hardened, and runoff does not negatively impact the trail. We identified upcoming maintenance issues and confirmed previous maintenance issues were successful.
 
The last few years have been relatively dry, pushing the lake’s reserves to the limits to supply enough timely cool water to the hatchery. We plan to install a publicly visible water level gauge in the lake to get more frequent metrics on lake water reserves; we will then ask members to send in info to help record the data when they reach the lake. This will likely be installed next summer when the lake level is low.
 
This collaboration between the hatcheries and the association in this area has been very synergetic. The Association has made short work of numerous maintenance tasks that would have typically been much more difficult. We have access to this sensitive area, knowing our members deserve it.
 
Huge thanks to the keyholders, maintenance volunteers, contractors and sponsors who support the Association’s work on this area.
Eagle Volunteer
April 17,2021 - Applications Open To Members

EAGLE FOR (almost) ALL: Key applications open today for all members who meet requirements!

Remember a few months ago when we said “this is the news you’ve all been waiting for”?  Well, it wasn’t quite… but maybe THIS is!

We’re extremely pleased to announce that the Four Wheel Drive Association of BC has now signed a Section 57 agreement with Recreation Sites and Trails BC for the ongoing care and maintenance of the Eagle Mountain road network in Coquitlam, one of the last bastions of urban wheeling in the Lower Mainland region.

So what does this mean? Well, right off the top, we have two maintenance projects approved: to replace the barrier logs alongside the gatekeeper and to improve the hardening of the Noons Creek road crossing to keep the impact of stream crossings to a minimum, continuing our track record of working with stakeholders to address their concerns.

Oh, and there’s one other minor thing, almost not worth mentioning: it means we can now open up Eagle key applications to everyone! Yes, Phase 2 is finally here!

Keep in mind that, under our agreement with RSTBC, there are a few requirements we need to enforce:

  • {because this information may be updated, we’ve removed it here to avoid needing to update it twice; the full, current text is at 4wdabc.ca/eagle}

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS AN INTERMEDIATE-LEVEL TRAIL AND NOT SUITABLE FOR NEW WHEELERS. IF YOU ARE NOT EXPERIENCED, TURN BACK NOW.

For more details, visit the Eagle Key Program page and complete the application (you must be logged in with your active membership account to see this form).

Please allow up to a week for applications to be processed. Once your application is approved, you’ll be sent an invoice for the maintenance fee, and once that’s paid, we’ll send the invitation. You can download the Master Lock Vault app to your phone in advance.

Special thanks to:

And these three, who tend to shun the spotlight but deserve massive recognition for all the time and effort spent to make and keep this a reality:

  • Morgan McMillan
  • David King
  • Kim Reeves

January 21, 2021 - Applications Open To Previous Keyholders

NOW OPEN: Applications for EXISTING BLUETOOTH KEYHOLDERS for Eagle Mountain (updated Jan. 21, 2021).

We’re still in the process of finalizing an agreement with Recreation Sites and Trails BC for 4WDABC management of the Eagle Mountain Key Program that is expected to open applications up to new keyholders.

In the meantime, we have been authorized to start renewing subscriptions for EXISTING Bluetooth keyholders ONLY. Under the requirements set forth by RSTBC, users under this new key program MUST also be 4WDABC members.

If you have had the Eagle Bluetooth key previously (NOT the old metal key), you may now complete the application to have your key renewed. YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE PROOF.

For more details and a link to the application, please log in to your membership account at www.4wdabc.ca, then find the Eagle Mountain Application link under the PROJECTS menu on the website (this will ONLY appear if you’re logged in with your active membership account!)

Please remember, we will be renewing ONLY EXISTING BLUETOOTH KEYS at this time. If you cannot provide proof of this (instructions on how to do so on the application page), your application will be rejected. If you’re not an active Association member, your application will be rejected.

These are the restrictions we’re required to enforce for the time being, for the continuation of this program.

January 12, 2021 - Agreement Reached to Re-Open Eagle

Key Program Update for January 12, 2021

THIS IS THE ANNOUNCEMENT YOU’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR:

After 11 years of managing the Eagle Mountain Key Program, the City of Coquitlam is passing the torch for maintenance and stewardship of this area to the Four Wheel Drive Association of BC! Under the direction of Recreation Sites and Trails BC, the 4WDABC will be managing the Eagle Mountain trail network for the foreseeable future.

PHASE ONE ACCESS WILL BE OPENED SOON FOR GRANDFATHERED BLUETOOTH KEYHOLDERS ONLY. If you have held an Eagle Bluetooth key in the past, watch for the announcement!

PHASE TWO EXPANDED ACCESS FOR NEW KEYHOLDERS IS STILL UNDER NEGOTIATION. PLEASE BE PATIENT AS WE HAMMER OUT THE FINAL DETAILS.

These trails are part of a sensitive ecological area whose stakeholders include the Cities of Coquitlam and Port Moody, three hatcheries (Noons, Mossom, and Hoy/Scott Creek), Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Recreation Sites & Trails BC, BC Hydro, BC Parks, TORCA Moutain Bike Club, Eagle Mountain Moto Club, and Metro Vancouver Water Services – suffice to say, a lot of different groups have an interest in the wellbeing of the area.

In exchange for continued access, stakeholders have asked 4×4 user volume be restricted. In order to keep traffic manageable, and minimize impact to the surrounding environment, RSTBC has approved access for 4WDABC members, with a $53/year fee per keyholder. 100% of these funds will go toward the ongoing care of the area, including infrastructure repair and upgrades, runoff mitigation, trail maintenance, equipment operation, and management of the key program itself.

In accordance with these goals, RSTBC has agreed to the following requirements for keyholders:

  • Applicants must have a minimum 33” tire size or 12″ ground clearance.
  • All gate accesses will be logged and tracked via the Bluetooth key.
  • Keyholders are required to re-lock the gate after passing through.
  • Keyholders may take guests along but will be responsible for their conduct.
  • Surveillance cameras are in use to monitor traffic levels.

THIS IS THE PERFECT TIME TO ENSURE YOUR MEMBERSHIP IS UP TO DATE! If you’re a current or past member, please login to your account at www.4wdabc.ca to make sure you’re current. If you’re not already a member, what are you waiting for? Sign up now at www.4wdabc.ca/how-to-join

This is a major achievement for the 4WDABC as it goes several steps beyond the typical rec site maintenance agreement and is a prime opportunity for wheelers to show multiple levels of government the positive impact we can have in the backcountry, right here in an urban setting. Taking on the key program itself gives us an avenue to potentially gain access to other currently-gated areas as well.

January 7, 2021 - Coquitlam Ceases Key Program

Key Program Update for January 7, 2021

Folks, we have some good news and some bad news regarding Eagle Mountain access…

First the bad news: the Eagle lock is dead and the City of Coquitlam has placed a padlock on it as they don’t want to manage the program going forward. Our thanks to them for the time and effort they put into a system for the benefit of wheelers!

Now the good news: the 4WDABC is close to an agreement to take on the management of the lock, the trails, and the infrastructure. Nothing for sure yet, but if it goes ahead, it should mean long-term access to Eagle Mountain for wheelers and the chance to show just what we’re capable of when it comes to land stewardship. And yes, that means new people will be able to apply for the key!

That’s all we can tell you for now, but we hope to have more very soon.

Until then Eagle will be inaccessible. Please support our efforts for ongoing access by respecting the gate for now.

Thanks for your patience!

October 3, 2020 - Final Days of the Coquitlam Key Program

Key Program Update for October 3, 2020

Posted by Morgan McMillan, 4WDABC Eagle Mountain Liaison

The lock is reinstalled at Eagle. The previous users should all see the new lock with the Device ID A2J9D8, Model Number 4401DLH.

We’re still working with all the shareholders to come up with a long-term plan to open up access again. Hopefully, this gets resolved soon. Obviously, it’s not fair that only grandfathered users have access, but it’s a sensitive area and they want a solid plan to manage access responsibility moving forward.

June 24, 2020 - RSTBC Seeks Input From Eagle Users

Eagle Mountain Access, Input requested by District Recreation Office

Some back story;

Eagle Mountain has been used for four-wheel drive recreation for decades since Cyprus Lake Forest Service Road appeared. For the last several decades, this road had deteriorated to the point where it was a punishing trail for all but the better built 4×4’s with experienced drivers. Personally, I classified it as an ‘intermediate 4×4 trail’, which placed it among the more difficult official trails in the entire district and certainly the most central being located in the middle of the lower mainland.

In 2001, legitimate access to this high-value 4×4 recreation was lost when a gate was installed. Access to the mountain from then to 2009 was spotty until an agreement was completed for the key access program run by the City of Coquitlam. This agreement included input from the City of Coquitlam, Rec Sites and Trails BC (FLNRO), BC Parks, Metro Vancouver, BC Hydro, Fortis BC, Executive Golf Course owners and the Four Wheel Drive Association of BC.

With the decommissioning of this road in 2018, the original gatekeeper obstacle was jack hammered and filled which opens the trail to potentially much more traffic once the key access is resumed. More traffic means more erosion potential. Where usually we would see a dozen or two vehicles in a week, it is possible that a resumed key access program would see hundreds of vehicles.
It has long been our position to support the reconstruction of a significant gatekeeper obstacle that only allowed well-built vehicles with experienced drivers. When we achieve a partnership agreement with the Ministry, we will be responsible for trail repair and working with the government on water flow management and making certain that flows stay in the current areas and off of the road.

Kim Reeves, President of the Four Wheel Drive Association of BC received the following request for input from the Chilliwack District Recreation Office on Eagle Mountain Trail;

********************
from: Recreation Office, Chilliwack Forest District.

Recreational 4x4ing on the Cypress Forest Service Road (FSR) has been occurring for decades. Since 2009, the City of Coquitlam has managed access to the road by issuing keys at the bottom of the road, and more recently, Coquitlam has managed access by providing access to a Bluetooth lock. The deteriorated roadway made for a high value and challenging 4×4 experience, however, the road unsustainable and uneconomical to manage by FSR standards.

In Fall 2018 the Engineering Department of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operation, and Rural Development decommissioned Cypress FSR. This work aimed at making drainage sustainable with as little maintenance as possible to keep water off the road bed. This was achieved by digging in large armored waterbars along the entire road way. These waterbars were placed to keep water the natural drainage instead of spilling down the road.

After this work was completed the FSR status was removed from the road and was no longer included in Engineering Department’s inventory. With the FSR status removed, the old road way is currently classified as vacant crown land that has a known recreation trail (which currently has no legal establishment). Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC) has asked the City of Coquitlam to put a temporary freeze on issuing new users access to the Bluetooth lock at the bottom of the trail and current access is limited to approx. 100 people. RSTBC has been monitoring the condition of this trail since Dec 2018 to determine if the trail surface is sustainable for continued 4×4 use.

During this monitoring period the trail surface has deteriorated somewhat, however, the large armored waterbars are stable and appear to be diverting water correctly. However, some spots could use some maintenance to ensure water is kept on track. Additionally, if 4×4 use was to continue in the area it would be important to block access to the neighbouring METRO Vancouver watershed and BC Parks Boundaries.

(What is being proposed)

Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC) is looking for feedback on some options to inform the District Recreation Officer’s (DRO) decision on how best to manage the recreational 4x4ing in this area. The DRO is considering the following options:

  • Continue with the historical management structure of providing access to the trail via the Bluetooth lock that is managed by the City of Coquitlam.
  • Classify the trail a non-motorized which would remove the access by recreational 4x4s
  • Legally establish the trail under Section 56 of the Forest and Range Practices Act and Partner with the 4WDABC which would allow for trail maintenance to standards authorized by RSTBC. This option would still require the Bluetooth key program managed by the City of Coquitlam.
  • Allow seasonal 4×4 use, For Example, if increased sedimentation of stream occurs in a certain time period each year, 4×4 use could be seasonally restricted using the Bluetooth lock system

What you can do:

Send written input about what this trail means to you to president@4wdabc.ca and regions@4wdabc.ca

December 17. 2018 - Follow-up on Roadwork

Eagle Mountain Access for 2019

Posted by Kim Reeves, December 17, 2018

We received an email today that elaborated on the road works that were recently undertaken on Eagle Mountain in Coquitlam and gave some new info about monitoring road conditions while expressing concern about traffic.

“The new works on Cypress FSR have removed the rock feature known as the gatekeeper and has added many large swales and water bars to allow proper drainage with minimal maintenance. This work greatly reduces some of the barriers that required the high clearance vehicle specifications in order to access Cypress Lake and the lookout. Many of the new water bars are quite soft and increased use of the trail could compromise the drainage of the trail substantially.”

“The DRO requests the City of Coquitlam to not allow any additional users to access the Bluetooth lock for the time being. RSTBC would like to monitor the impact on the new trail with Coquitlam’s current list of 4×4 users for approx 6-16 months in order to allow the trail surface to settle and firm up. “

The above quotes outline the concerns of the District Recreation Office. I am following up with the Rec Officer tomorrow to confirm exactly what all of this means as well as exploring the idea of installing a ‘gatekeeper’ obstacle to help keep traffic at predictable levels.

So, those with Bluetooth keys active in 2018 will be able to renew keys with the City of Coquitlam beginning January 3rd at their works yard on Service Center Road.

For those who do not have Bluetooth keys that have been active in 2018 will NOT be able to get keys in 2019, or until the ministry is satisfied with the stability of their road works. What this really means is you need to make some friends. 🙂

Please remember, the City of Coquitlam manage the key program and have done so for almost 9 years. This program has been for the primary benefit of the four wheel drive community. Last January, a Bluetooth lock replaced the conventional key lock which improved access and monitoring immensely, to the 4×4 community’s benefit. Please keep in mind that the City of Coquitlam has respected our community every step of the way in working with us to continue access to this crown land. In this situation, they are simply complying with the gate owner’s (province of BC) requirements. Please respect the City of Coquitlam and it’s employees who have treated us so well.

Kim.

December 16, 2018 - Re-de-commissioning Eagle

Eagle Mountain and the result of ministry work re-commissioning and decommissioning the FSR.

Posted by Kim Reeves, December 16, 2018

Eagle Mountain Decommissioning – debrief

As many of you know, the ministry contracted the above work to be done on Cypress Lake FSR, aka Eagle Ridge trail. This work had to be done once the ministry became fully aware that this road had not been decommissioned after the last logging took place in the late 70’s/early 80’s.

Serious discussions began about this work in the summer of 2018 and actual work on the road began in late September and completed this past week.

The Four Wheel Drive Association of BC has been actively and extensively involved in trying to influence the end result of this work. We worked with the primary consulting company and the company doing the actual heavy equipment work over the last 3 months.

While the result is not what we had hoped for, we did manage to get the company to spend 1 day to build a handful of obstacles that will challenge our rigs and provide some more difficult lines. The 4WDABC invested about $1200 to make this happen so we were not left with a simple decommissioned road with drainage ditches.

This is our first experience working so closely with companies engaged in decommissioning and we learned a lot, particularly around how many obstacles there are to truly achieve high-value recreational obstacles while working with government.

Seriously, if you like difficult obstacles where you have to try multiple lines to achieve success, join me in the advocacy arena!

On the much brighter side, Eagle sees a TON of rain and the erosion will take place and old obstacles will re-expose themselves in due course. A little shovel work here and there (gatekeeper) wouldn’t hurt either.

For the more difficult stuff, take the first right going up the main FSR, branch 1 offers a few challenges.

Anyway, that is the news. We did our best and learned a lot. It was nice to have some influence for a change and I think this bodes well for the future.

Enjoy,

Kim.

September 5, 2018 - Temporary Restricted Access

Eagle Mountain: Temporary Restricted Access

Posted by Kim Reeves, September 5, 2018

I met with Ministry of Forests representatives along with the City of Coquitlam, road construction companies, and Metro Van reps on August 22 to discuss the contract for road re-commissioning and decommissioning of Cypress Lake FSR, aka Eagle Mountain, that was placed on BC Bid last month. The contractor who is awarded this project will begin Sept 10 and complete by Oct 20, 2018. Expect no access to Eagle Mountain during this time.

The scope of work is limited to re-commissioning the road from the beginning of gravel all the way to Cypress Lake. Once the road is re-commissioned, all water culverts will be pulled and armoured water bars will be constructed. Department of Fisheries and Oceans WILL NOT be decommissioning the dam at Cypress Lake at this time. Rogers WILL NOT be installing a 60 meter tower at this time.

The water bar construction and armouring is to accommodate 4 wheel drive vehicles traversing them without damage so that was a nod in our favour to continued access.

The gatekeeper obstacle and all obstacles that currently exist will not be blasted or destroyed, rather, the will be filled over. The gatekeeper will be re-exposed upon completion of the decommissioning. Other obstacles will show themselves in the coming years as erosion takes its natural course.

The 4WDABC intends to work with the contractor who is awarded this project to build some new obstacles to make the trail interesting in the short term while the system returns to what we have come to be used to.

We will also be pursuing a partnership agreement once the road is decommissioned and taken off the ministry books as an FSR so that we can maintain continued access to this high-value 4×4 recreation trail.

Kim.

August 17, 2018 - Re-commissioning Cypress Lake FSR

Access Changes at Eagle Mountain

Posted by Kim Reeves, August 17, 2018

Eagle Mountain update:

On August 16th, an Invitation to Tender document was posted on BC Bid stating the desire to reactivate and deactivate the road system on Eagle Mountain.

The following is my own supposition and not based on firm facts at this time. I have calls in to the Ministry of Forest Lands and Natural Resource Operations to clarify the facts so that I can then share them with the wheeling community.

I infer this work to mean reactivating and deactivating Cypress Lake FSR from the start of gravel all the way to the Cypress Lake Dam. I assume from the many conversations and meetings that we have had with Ministry of Forests, Rec Sites and Trails, City of Coquitlam, Rogers Communications, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, etc, that this will include DFO decommissioning the Dam at Cypress Lake. I also have heard that Rogers has put a tenure request and build request in for a 60 meter cellular tower to be built on Eagle Mountain.

The tenure document states that the road will be closed from September 10th to October 19th, 2018 and all works have to take place within that window. If this is accurate, I read that to mean no wheeling will be allowed during this time frame.

What happens after this time frame is unknown. The 4WDABC has been in constant communications about this project and what may happen during decommissioning. It is our desire to have input into the decommissioning to build Eagle back to the difficult terrain that we see today, or perhaps even better.

Wish us luck!

Kim Reeves,
President, 4WDABC.ca

June 15, 2018 - Showing Stakeholders Around

Eagle Mountain Progress: Showing Them How We Wheel

Posted by Kim Reeves, June 15, 2018

(Posted to Facebook, June 6, 2018)

Eagle Mountain assistance required.

We have an opportunity to assist the fish hatcheries and DFO, and perhaps some local Forestry folks, by driving them up to Cypress Lake above Coquitlam. Some tools and equipment need to be transported as well as 6 – 8 people.

I figure 3 trucks would be perfect to come along with me. I would prefer 3 experienced drivers in fairly presentable rigs to assist to allow us to put our best foot forward.

A weekday would be preferable, like a Thursday. Would anyone be available to assist on Thursday June 14? Count on this being a full day with 9 am meet to run up the mountain and a late afternoon exit from the mountain.

Note that this trail is somewhat nasty and the gatekeeper is very gnarly. Not stock friendly at all!

Please contact me directly via PM or email at president@4wdabc.ca

Thank you,

Kim.

 

(Posted to Facebook, June 14, 2018)

What a great day today was!

Four of us wheeled Eagle Mountain and ferried folks from Noons Creek Hatchery, Mossom Creek Hatchery and some government folks up to Cypress Lake.

They had some work to do at the dam, perform some assessments, move some water and take some measurements.

The trip up and down was relatively uneventful thanks to the excellent driving and spotting from our volunteers.

I want to thank Jim, Dusty and Ron for taking the day off work and accompanying me up the mountain and also for carrying passengers and gear.

The 6 passengers we carried up the mountain will not soon forget their first wheeling experience as Eagle is a hell of a place to begin.

We did ourselves a huge favour today and I thank you for making this happen!

Kim.

July 13, 2017 - Investigating the Future of Eagle

Eagle Mountain Access

Posted by Kim Reeves, July 13, 2017

On June 20th, 2017, Rec Sites and Trails BC advised me that the Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO) under the direction of the District Engineering Officer, would be closing the Cypress Lake Forest Service Road to 4×4 and ATV as of June 30th, citing unrestricted access and existing potential public safety concerns at the Cypress Lake Dam as the main concerns, thus removing legitimate access to the Eagle Mountain wheeling trails.

June 25th, I arranged a meeting for July 11th with the District Manager and engineering staff to assess the situation and determine if a solution could be reached for continued access to this favourite wheeling destination, arranging for a “stay of execution” until that time.

After representatives of the Four Wheel Drive Association of BC met with the Ministry of Forest Lands and Natural Resource Operations, the City of Coquitlam, Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Mossom Creek Hatchery, it was agreed that Cypress Lake Forest Service Road (AKA Eagle Mountain) will remain open. The parties mentioned above will be working together to address environmental concerns, hydrology issues as well as some safety issues.

To secure the long term future of Cypress Lake Forest Service Road, we will need to enter into a road maintenance agreement (RMA) with the Ministry. This agreement will need to address a number of things.

The reason for the RMA is that the government is trying to reduce it’s liability exposure so without this agreement, the road would be completely decommissioned. What does it mean to take over the liability of this road with an RMA? This is what we will be exploring.

We will be required to make a maintenance plan for the road which will require us to address the following;

– Environmental concerns, including hydrology plan to direct water flow to Noons Creek and Mossom Creek
– Some consideration of public safety, while considering the difficulty of the road is what we wish to maintain.
– Safety of our volunteers and workers during maintenance

In essence, we would become the designated maintainer of this road.

In the short term, the ministry will be installing lock blocks on the northeast side of the paved road, just past the gate to stop vehicular traffic from dropping down into the hydro easement. We, working with the Ministry, will also be exploring the idea of our volunteers removing any existing culverts on the road and water barring with the goal of maximizing the water into Noons Creek and Mossom Creek.

We will also be working with the city of Coquitlam to set new requirements to get a key and then a change of the lock on the gate. This will require everyone who has a key and wishes to get a new key to come to the office and do a swap, following the new requirements.

It is of utmost importance that we respect this area and stay on the roads, stay off the forest floor, be super careful around the creeks, and lock the gate religiously! Also, PLEASE avoid using the “back door” route. If we’re going to be responsible for this, we as a group of wheelers need to BEHAVE responsibly.

We will be working with the City of Coquitlam to develop a new requirements list for those wishing to get a key. Once we have this, a new lock will go up and new keys will be available. This should be a straight trade for the keys we have, but those details are still being worked out.

To do this, we will require the services of a Registered Professional Forester, a road builder/engineer or a geotechnical engineer. If you are one or know one who wheels, please have them contact president@4wdabc.ca – we would love to hear from them and hopefully engage them in this project.

Happy Wheeling,

Kim.

April 8, 2015 - The Eagle Mountain Key Program

Eagle Mountain and the Key Program

Posted by Kim Reeves, April 8, 2015

Eagle Mountain, or Eagle Ridge as it is also known, is an old, deactivated forest road system north of Westwood Plateau, or as many would remember, north of Westwood Raceway. This area has been an active wheeling area since the ‘50’s.

Access to this area by 4wheelers was officially closed and gated in 2002. This closure marked the end to wheeling west of Stave Lake. This marked the end to weeknight wheeling as well where a small group could go for an hours drive, have some fun and enjoy a nice view of the city.

Our community didn’t give up, people kept speaking up, writing letters to the city, attending meetings with the city, BC Hydro, the golf course and the Ministry of whomever it was that day.

Finally, in 2009, our efforts were rewarded with a key access program hosted by the City of Coquitlam. This was the culmination of work and many meetings between the City, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, BC Hydro, the golf course, the Four Wheel Drive Association and other wheelers.

In April 2010, the program was up and running. People could go to the City maintenance yard, show their ID and registration papers and receive a key.

This program has been immensely popular and the issues that have been faced by the trail system have been few. A few locks for the gate have disappeared, some people have been driving in out of bounds areas just north of the hydro lines but other than that, all sides are pleased with the results. The city has tethered the lock to the gate so it cannot be lost or taken. All parties will work to keep people in bounds as well. In addition, the keys will change and the City is changing the key program to now include a deposit for the key to offset costs.

The Four Wheel Drive Association of BC is very proud to have been part of this effort to reopen access to Eagle Mountain and we consider it a terrific precedent and an excellent model for re-accessing other areas that have been lost.

Eagle Photo Gallery

Flood Repairs

The rains of November 2021 caused some damage to the creeks up Eagle, including the log protecting the bank of the stream crossing at the exit of “the hard way.” After flooding concerns had subsided, a crew of members took an evening jaunt up in December to move the log back into place and secure it until a more permanent solution could be achieved. This helps reduce bank erosion and the introduction of debris from vehicles crossing the creek, which helps keep the hatcheries downstream happy.