Dakota Ridge is an upcoming park gem in a development phase of its life. This does not mean that the area is not still explored by outdoor adventurers year round - oh no, because it is. What is does mean... is that the region is going to get better and better in the years leading up to the 2010 Olympics, as it aims to attract a world class audience.

Still there are many who travel the logging roads today, to access the ridge or the bowl area of Dakota Ridge to navigate, explore the vast network of trails and off-shoot trails covering the area.

The summer seasons attract the mountain bike, off road (ATV and motorbikes) and hiking enthusiasts to the Dakota Ridge area. The trails are vastly interconnected throughout the region and many are centrally located so it is possible to access and explore a few different trails in one day. It is best to ask the local mountain bike and cross country ski stores for trail directions and suggestions on various routes. Or, if you are experienced in the backwoods then set out with your compass or GPS and explore.

The winter season (tends to be busier) attracts an abundant amount of snowshoers and cross country skiers to the area because of the vast network of trails slicing through forests, leading out to open plateaus with magnificent views of the Sunshine Coast and the surrounding lands and mountain ranges.

A local association, the Dakota Ridge Winter Recreation Society, is in the process of developing the park into a world class winter recreation destination. The initial phase of the Dakota Ridge development will include, in the near future, improved logging road access, parking facilities, warming huts and washroom facilities.

Access to Dakota Ridge: best accessed from the Sechelt Chapman Forest Service Road from Wilson Creek's Field Road, there is a fork in the logging road that points to Dakota Ridge or to the Dakota Bowl. This portion to the Dakota Ridge is more difficult for 2.5 km. There is a gate. park and go.