Chilliwack River Valley Hikes
Walks | Easy Hikes | Moderate Hikes | Difficult Hikes | Very Difficult Hikes
Cultus Lake Area | Chilliwack River Valley | Fraser Valley South/West | Bridal Falls Area | Harrison Lake Area | Harrison West | Hope Area
Slesse Memorial Trail |
Level: Moderate Hike | Return Distance: 8km | Time: 3hrs | Elevation Gain: 460m | Highest Point: 1100m
In November of 1956 a TCA flight from Vancouver to Calgary crashed into Mt. Slesse killing all 62 aboard. In 1995 a plaque was erected to honour those who lost their lives, and the area was declared a Commemorative site. The route is mainly out in the open when you’re following the old road and takes you not only to the plaque but to a breathtaking vista of Mt. Slesse and its neighbours. Note: The trail does continue along the road to its end, where a rough trail leads you up a ridge to the base of Slesse’s rock slopes (another 3 hrs. return).
Directions: From Highway 1 Exit 119A (Sardis-Vedder) travel south 5.4 km on Vedder Road to the Vedder Bridge. Do not cross. Turn left on Chilliwack Lake Rd. and set your odometer to “0”. At 31 km you will see the second entrance to the Riverside Recreation Site. Turn right, and reset odometer to “0” again. A bridge immediately crosses the Chilliwack River and you are on the Chilliwack South Forest Service Road. 400m further turn right again and follow this road (Nesakwatch Creek on your right) for 5.6km. Look to the right for a signpost and clearing. Park roadside. Now its time to dust off your trail-finding faculties since recent logging and weather have combined to eliminate the old bridge and trailhead and a great group have rerouted the lower part of the trail to access the rest. So…do not turn right at the signpost but continue up the road for 1200m, keeping sharp eyes out for flagging on the right. Shout ‘Hallelujah’ when you find this brand new trail which takes advantage of a fallen log to get you across the creek and leads you upward through the fine forest until you meet the old road. Turn left on it and continue to your destination filing a mental note of where you have to leave the road on the way back. Maintained by the Valley Outdoor Association.
Lindeman Lake & Greendrop Lake |
(Lindeman Lake) Level: Moderate Hike | Return Distance: 3.4km | Time: 3hrs | Elevation Gain: 215m | Highest Point: 825m
(Greendrop Lake) Level: Moderate Hike | Return Distance: 10.4km | Time: 6hrs | Elevation Gain: 365m | Highest Point: 1010m
The crown jewel of Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park, Lindeman is #1 with kids and adults alike! Greendrop is almost as precious but not quite as pretty.
Directions: From Highway 1 Exit 119A (Sardis-Vedder) travel south 5.4 km on Vedder Road to the Vedder Bridge. Do not cross. Turn left on Chilliwack Lake Rd. and set your odometer to “0”. 40 km from bridge watch for a signpost on the right and yellow gate on the left. Park roadside and walk in 200m to the trail on the right, following the creek. Orange squares mark the route. After reaching Lindeman the trail follows its shore to the far end, crossing some talus (big rock) slopes along the way. The trail crosses Post Creek to its right side, continues up the valley crossing many more talus slopes, re-crosses to the left side of the creek, and the next right fork takes you to the near end of Greendrop Lake. Note: If you choose the left fork, it follows the old Centennial Trail to the far end of the lake and Greendrop Bluffs, with a fine view and picnic spot. (add 2 hrs. return if you go to the Bluffs).
Mt. Cheam |
Level: Moderate Hike | Return Distance: 9.5km | Time: 4hrs | Elevation Gain: 665m | Highest Point: 2112m
A peak experience—on top of the world! The dominant peak at the eastern end of the Fraser Valley is now accessible from its back side. Out in the open the whole time, the trail zig-zags its way up and through lush meadows to the gravelly terrain near the top. Unsurpassed views all round. Caution: There are sheer drops near the top. Take care up there!
Directions: From Highway 1 Exit 119A (Sardis-Vedder) travel south 5.4 km on Vedder Road to the Vedder Bridge. Do not cross. Turn left on Chilliwack Lake Rd. and set your odometer to “0”. At 28 km turn left on Foley Forest Service Rd.“0” odometer again and drive 2km, cross bridge over Foley Creek, turn left at T-junction. 2 km further cross Chipmunk Creek Bridge, take next right uphill (passing gravel pit on your left) on Chipmunk Creek Forest Service Rd. This is a rough road with many cross ditches, but not too steep for the first 7 km. Keep right after crossing Chipmunk Creek. The road is rougher and steeper (4×4 recommended) for the final 4 km to the parking area. Orange squares mark the route.
Ford Mountain |
Level: Difficult Hike | Return Distance: 14.6km (with 4×4 = 8.6km less) | Time:5hrs | Elevation Gain: 1005m | Highest Point: 1410m
360 degree view from the top at an old Forest Service fire lookout site. Trail continues along the ridge to join Williams Ridge trail (Hike #13) and on to Williams Peak.
Directions: See Chilliwack River Valley directions. At 28.4 km watch for Ford Mountain Forest Service Road and signpost on the left. 4×4’s can travel the 4.3 km of rough, steep road (2WD can only make it 2km). At around 4 km follow the old road on your left to the trailhead Orange squares mark the route. Note: The trail continues beyond the lookout area along the ridge to Williams Peak, with Williams Ridge trail (Hike #13) rising steeply to join it 5 km along. From the junction of the trails it is another 4 km of ridge hiking to the open area below the conical peak itself, a good place to turn around unless you’re equipped for rock-scrambling.
Radium Lake |
Level: Difficult Hike | Return Distance: 15km | Time:6hrs | Elevation Gain: 910m | Highest Point: 1460m
Plenty of trees, bridges, and some wide open spaces are all yours to enjoy on your hike to this small lake nestled in a meadow at the base of Mt. Webb and Mt. Macdonald (2 km further). An old cabin, magnificent peaks and a glacier to view too!
Directions: See Chilliwack River Valley directions. Drive 42 km to Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park and turn right at the Gatehouse. Park in the Day Use parking lot and walk back towards the sani-dump, turning
left and passing the Info Board on your way down the campground road to the TC Trail Radium Lake sign. This will take you to the footbridge over the Chilliwack River where you cross, turn right and follow the TC Trail downstream for 1km. Watch for the Radium Lake signpost on the left. If hiking beyond the lake be sure to turn left just past the cabin. If staying overnight please let park staff know. Note: If the park gate is closed park roadside and follow the TC Trail signs in.
Pierce Lake & Mt. MacFarlane |
Level: Very Difficult Hike
(Pierce Lake) Return Distance: 16km | Time: 7hrs | Elevation Gain: 1040m | Highest Point: 1375m
(Mt. MacFarlane) Return Distance: 21km | Time: 10hrs | Elevation Gain: 1760m | Highest Point: 2100m
If you like your hikes long and steep, then this is it! Glorious forests lead to Pierce Lake and the meadows beyond, and the beautiful apline lake before the summit of Mt. MacFarlane makes it all worthwhile. Caution: This is a long haul, with difficult sections both ways. A good overnighter.
Directions: From Highway 1 Exit 119A (Sardis-Vedder) travel south 5.4 km on Vedder Road to the Vedder Bridge. Do not cross. Turn left on Chilliwack Lake Rd. and set your odometer to “0”. At 22km (past Fish Hatchery), Pierce Trail marker is on the right. A short stretch of gravel leads to the parking area. Watch for orange squares on the trees marking the trail. Beyond Pierce Lake is an open area. Stay left of creek and. heading uphill again, watch for “Inukshuks” (man-made stone stacks) marking your way to the unnamed lake and Mt. MacFarlane above.
Williams Ridge |
Level: Very Difficult Hike | Return Distance: 11km | Time: 8hrs | Elevation Gain: 1435m | Highest Point: 1880m
Chilliwack’s answer to the Grouse Grind! The trail rises sharply from the valley floor to gain 1000m in 1.7km.
Directions: From Highway 1 exit 119A (Sardis-Vedder) and follow signs for Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park and set your odometer at “0” at the Vedder Bridge. At 32km watch for a trailhead signpost on the left side of the road. Park and walk 100m into bush on an old road, keeping a sharp eye out for the directional marker guiding you left. A bit more of flat going until the base of the mountain and the vertical begins. Orange squares mark the route. Upon reaching the ridge (lots of orange markers on tree) you can choose to go right and onto the open meadows and Williams Peak (4km one way), or go left for 5km following the ridge trail to Ford Mtn. If you do choose the easier descent via Ford Mtn. be aware that your vehicle awaits you 3.4km to your left when you reach the valley floor.
Share