25 of the Best Summer Hikes near Chilliwack
Table of Contents
Chilliwack is a small community in the grand scheme of SWBC, sitting right on the edge of the Northern Cascades mountain range. Thanks to its location Chilliwack, and much of the Fraser Valley, is an outdoor paradise, with recreationalists benefitting from a plethora of outdoor activities, whether it be hiking, backpacking, off-roading, dirt biking, ATV’ing, camping, fishing, mountain biking, kayaking or mountaineering. The list goes on and on.
With that said Chilliwack and the Fraser Valley as a whole makes for a hikers dream, with endless opportunities to get out and explore this rugged natural beauty. Many of the hikes in Chilliwack are maintained by a vibrant volunteer community and due to the rugged terrain and lack of BC Parks oversight in many areas, access is often a factor for hiking here, with an off-road vehicle a must for some of the best hikes. That being said there are plenty of 2WD friendly hikes as well, with Manning Park, Golden Ears and the Chilliwack River Valley offering a number of easily accessible options.
All of these hikes will be appropriate in the summer but many will not be winter appropriate once the snow has arrived. Follow the link for the specific hike for details on seasonality.
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Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8.40Km
Elevation Gain: 670m
Highest Elevation: 2,112m
Average Gradient: 15.95%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / Very High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 4.5 – 5.5 Hours
– Moderate: 3.5 – 4.5 Hours
– Fast: 2.5 – 3.5 Hours
Mount Cheam is a highly sought after prize in the local hiking community, drawing in hikers from far and wide thanks to its incredible views and relatively moderate difficulty. Visible throughout the Fraser Valley, Mount Cheam tends to be very high on every hiker’s list.
The biggest issue with Cheam is the access. Getting to the trailhead requires a high clearance vehicle (preferably 4×4), and a confident driver. The road is incredibly rough, narrow & with very deep cross ditches once you reach the upper forest service road.
Still, for those that can make it the reward will be well worth it. The views from beginning to end are absolutely staggering. More adventurous parties might want to tack on the nearby Lady Peak, which is far more challenging than Cheam, requiring some exposed scrambling.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8Km
Elevation Gain: 750m
Highest Elevation: 1,432m
Average Gradient: 18.75%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 4 – 5 Hours
– Moderate: 3 – 4 Hours
– Fast: 2 – 3 Hours
At just 8km and 750m elevation gain Elk Mountain is a very popular hike for most abilities. While steep, this is a short hike with a grand payoff for relatively minimal effort. Hikers can be at the top in under 2 hours, enjoying stunning views above the Fraser Valley. Optionally hikers can continue along the trail to Mount Thurston and even all the way to Mount Mercer, with constant views of some of the North Cascades finest peaks.
Elk Mountain is also one of the few year-round objectives near Chilliwack thanks to its lower elevation and groomed trail. While snowy/icy in the winter (note: take microspikes), summiting Elk is still a simple endeavor and in fact this might be the preferred time to visit if you want to avoid crowds.
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Distance: 18.5Km
Elevation Gain: 1,900m
Highest Elevation: 2,090m
Average Gradient: 20.54%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Very High / Very High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 9 – 11 Hours
– Moderate: 8 – 9 Hours
– Fast: 7 – 8 Hours
Mount MacFarlane is a very difficult hike in the Chilliwack River Valley, with a relentlessly steep grind to the summit. For those capable enough to make it you’ll be richly rewarded with stunning 360 degree views, as well as passing by two pristine turquoise lakes in Upper and Lower Pierce Lake.
This is one of the rare hikes in the valley that is accessible in any vehicle, and many people opt to overnight at one of the lakes, summiting the peak the next day. Still, it’s more than feasible as a day trip for fit parties, but make sure to bring poles as this one is a leg burner!
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Distance: 13Km
Elevation Gain: 1,400m
Highest Elevation: 1,953m
Average Gradient: 21.54%
Effort/Reward Ratio: High / Very High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 7 – 8 Hours
– Moderate: 6 – 7 Hours
– Fast: 5 – 6 Hours
Flora Peak is another stunning hike in the Chilliwack River Valley, again accessible in any vehicle. The hike is relentlessly steep, but the views once you break out of the treeline are exceptional, with beautiful views of Chilliwack Lake and the surrounding summits. There are also some alpine flowers to appreciate if you time this one right.
More adventurous parties can continue on to Flora Lake if they choose, even opting to complete the entire Flora Lake loop to include Lindeman Lake in the process, which would make for a long but fulfilling day.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.5Km
Elevation Gain: 240m
Highest Elevation: 840m
Average Gradient: 13.70%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Low / Moderate
Time Needed:
– Slow: 3 – 4 Hours
– Moderate: 2 – 3 Hours
– Fast: 1 – 2 Hours
Lindeman Lake is to Chilliwack what Garibaldi Lake is to the Sea to Sky. This is perhaps the most popular hike in the Fraser Valley thanks to its relative ease and simple accessibility. In under 2km of (steep) hiking you are able to reach a beautiful turquoise lake, offering impressive views for relatively little effort. Unfortunately due to the ease of access Lindeman Lake has become so popular it’s more of a tourist destination than a hike these days, with droves of people making the trip out every weekend, so much so that lines often form through any choke points on the climb.
If you want to make a longer day of it (and avoid the crowds) you can also continue along the trail to Greendrop Lake, and even more adventurous people can form a loop by hiking to Flora Lake as well. This would be a full day trip though.
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 16Km
Elevation Gain: 1,400m
Highest Elevation: 2,312m
Average Gradient: 17.50%
Effort/Reward Ratio: High / Very High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 8 – 10 Hours
– Moderate: 7 – 8 Hours
– Fast: 6 – 7 Hours
Despite sharing a name, Mount Lindeman doesn’t share the same access as Lindeman Lake and is in fact on the other side of the Chilliwack River Valley entirely. Mount Lindeman is typically only accessible for those with a high clearance vehicle thanks to the rugged drive along Center Creek FSR. Much of the trail is also very rough as it doesn’t receive the maintenance required for the terrain it goes through. Hikers will need to accept some overgrowth, mud, creeks and generally rough terrain before reaching the boulder field.
For those that make it though, the rewards are unquestionably some of the most scenic vistas anywhere near Chilliwack. It’s hard to imagine this region is so close to civilization when you’re on the hike, and the views of Upper Hanging Lake in particular are jaw dropping. The scramble up to the summit of Mount Lindeman is quite straightforward for most parties.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 9.50Km
Elevation Gain: 850m
Highest Elevation: 1,844m
Average Gradient: 17.90%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 5 – 6 Hours
– Moderate: 4 – 5 Hours
– Fast: 3 – 4 Hours
Hope Mountain is another hike that benefits from a high clearance vehicle thanks to its trailhead well up the Hope Mountain FSR, though SUV’s can often make it to the trailhead just fine. At just 9.50km and 850m elevation gain, Hope Mountain is a straightforward and short hike offering some incredible views above the community of Hope and of the surrounding peaks.
Hikers can also combine Hope Mountain with Well Peaks, another trail that begins from the same trailhead. Wells Peak is slightly shorter and steeper but also offers great views for a relatively short outing.
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Distance: 17Km
Elevation Gain: 1,725m
Highest Elevation: 2,123m
Average Gradient: 20.29%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Very High / Very High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 10 – 13 Hours
– Moderate: 8 – 10 Hours
– Fast: 6 – 8 Hours
Williams Peak is well regarded as one of the toughest hikes you can do down Chilliwack Lake Road, with a relentless 900m ascent right off the bat. After a saunter along the ridge you’ll find yourself at a huge boulder field to navigate, before a steep climb up a heather gully to the summit. Many people fail on their hike to Williams Peak due to a combination of heat, lack of water sources and slow pacing, with some parties taking upwards of 12 hours to complete.
Still, for those that are prepared, fit and able, Williams Peak offers some of the best views of any hike in the Chilliwack River Valley and makes for a fun, albeit challenging, hike.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 16Km
Elevation Gain: 1,050m
Highest Elevation: 1,570m
Average Gradient: 13.12%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 6 – 7 Hours
– Moderate: 5 – 6 Hours
– Fast: 4 – 5 Hours
Mount Slesse is one of the most iconic and immediately recognizable peaks near Chilliwack thanks to its dramatic, jagged and jet black appearance. While summiting Slesse is a mountaineering affair, hikers can get up close by following the Slesse Memorial Trail to the base of the imposing north face, which stands almost a full kilometer directly above you as you gawk up at it.
Slesse is steeped in history, notably due to a plane that crashed into its northeast face in 1956, killing all 62 passengers on board. As a result this has now been designated as a commemorative site, prohibiting any mining, logging or recreational activities in the area. The hike can be rugged at times but for the most part is simple, and while the road is rough to get in, most SUV’s can usually make it.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 12.50Km
Elevation Gain: 910m
Highest Elevation: 1,666m
Average Gradient: 14.56%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 5 – 6 Hours
– Moderate: 4 – 5 Hours
– Fast: 3 – 4 Hours
A relatively under the radar summit down Chilliwack Lake Road is Spencer Peak, which makes for a somewhat modest hike at around 12.50km and 910m elevation gain. The trail is often overgrown in spots and you’ll likely be self navigating once you depart the old logging road, but the hike is quite straightforward with a map to follow. The views from the ridge are impressive, especially of Tomyhoi Peak, the Border Peaks, Mount Larrabee and Mount McGuire.
Access to Spencer Peak requires a long drive down Tamihi Creek FSR. An SUV with decent clearance will usually be needed to make it all the way to the trailhead due to a number of cross ditches towards the end of the road.
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 14Km
Elevation Gain: 1,100m
Highest Elevation: 2,019m
Average Gradient: 15.71%
Effort/Reward Ratio: High / Very High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 7 – 8 Hours
– Moderate: 6 – 7 Hours
– Fast: 5 – 6 Hours
Visible from many areas in Chilliwack, Mount McGuire is iconic for its white limestone facade. Back in the day a hike to McGuire was a simpler affair when a 4×4 could take you much of the way, but unfortunately this easy access has long since deteriorated. Nowadays hikers will need to stop at a destroyed bridge on the Borden FSR, which in itself will require a high clearance vehicle to reach.
The hike itself can be rugged as well, with the final climb up a very steep ridge ramble. The last 50m or so is a scramble with some exposure that some parties may stop before. For those that can make it Mount McGuire offers stunning views from its summit and for much of the ridge, particularly of Tomyhoi, the Border Peaks, Mount Slesse and Mount Baker.
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 10.30Km
Elevation Gain: 820m
Highest Elevation: 2,090m
Average Gradient: 15.92%
Effort/Reward Ratio: High / Very High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 6 – 7 Hours
– Moderate: 5 – 6 Hours
– Fast: 4 – 5 Hours
Needle Peak is a very popular hike and scramble in the Coquihalla region, and for good reason. In just 5.5km you’ll find yourself on the summit, with stunning views of countless peaks on the horizon. The hike itself is steep and scenic, with the final climb up a short scramble that most parties can manage.
With easy, paved access Needle Peak is suitable for all vehicles. Hikers can optionally extend their hike to include the Flatiron, a simpler objective slightly west of Needle Peak. You can also camp in the area at a tarn below the Flatiron and make a full weekend of it.
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 22.5Km
Elevation Gain: 1,390m
Highest Elevation: 2,083m
Average Gradient: 12.36%
Effort/Reward Ratio: High/High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 8 – 10 Hours
– Moderate: 7 – 8 Hours
– Fast: 6 – 7 Hours
Another fantastic hike in the Coquihalla region is Zupjok, Llama and Alpaca Peak. At 22.5km this is a longer outing, but once you’ve reached the first peak (Zupjok) the views are never ending as the remainder of the hike follows an undulating ridge to the final peak (Alpaca). Hikers can stop anywhere along the ridge should they decide to and there’s no doubt they will still feel rewarded.
Like Needle Peak this hike is accessed from a paved road and is accessible to all vehicles. Some people even choose to camp along the ridge.
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 26Km
Elevation Gain: 1,780m
Highest Elevation: 1,716m
Average Gradient: 13.70%
Effort/Reward Ratio: High / Very High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 12 – 14 Hours
– Moderate: 10 – 12 Hours
– Fast: 8 – 10 Hours
Golden Ears Peak is the crown jewel of the namesake Golden Ears Provincial Park. At 26km and 1,780m, this is a long day trip that will take most parties over 10 hours to complete. Some people choose to make it an overnight hike, camping at either Alder Flats or Panorama Ridge to break it up.
Most of the hike to Golden Ears Peak is straightforward, but beyond the hut at Panorama Ridge the hike becomes a scramble, with some route finding required. The views from the peak are breathtaking and well worth the long day.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 8.20Km
Elevation Gain: 305m
Highest Elevation: 443m
Average Gradient: 7.44%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 3 – 4 Hours
– Moderate: 2 – 3 Hours
– Fast: 1.50 – 2 Hours
One hike that has blown up over the past few years has been Hunter Logging Road, which is a short, very simple hike to a beautiful viewpoint over Stave Lake. At just 8.20km over very simple terrain, hikers can feasibly be in and out in 2 hours, though most will take a little longer. The entire hike is along a fairly uninspired logging road, but the viewpoint at the end is extremely nice for a hike of such modest effort.
Parking has been an issue at Hunter Logging Road for a while due to a lack of parking at the trailhead and the District of Mission banning any parking along the road to get there. As such it’s advised to get there early to ensure parking is available. Going in winter may also be advisable to reduce crowds.
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 14.50Km
Elevation Gain: 1,215m
Highest Elevation: 1,575m
Average Gradient: 16.75%
Effort/Reward Ratio: High / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 8 – 10 Hours
– Moderate: 6 – 8 Hours
– Fast: 4 – 6 Hours
There aren’t too many hikes in the Harrison Lake area, but one noteworthy trail is the Slollicum Peak trail. This is a steep hike with an average gradient of 16.75%, but the views from the top are well worth the effort, with fantastic lookouts over Harrison Lake and Slollicum Lake, as well as the Cheam range, the Old Settler and Mount Baker.
While the drive to Slollicum Peak is along the East Harrison FSR, this is a very well groomed road suitable for all vehicles (at least up to the trailhead).
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 16.80Km
Elevation Gain: 910m
Highest Elevation: 910m
Average Gradient: 10.83%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / Moderate
Time Needed:
– Slow: 6 – 7 Hours
– Moderate: 5 – 6 Hours
– Fast: 4 – 5 Hours
A local favorite, Sumas Mountain sits between Chilliwack and Abbotsford and offers some nice views over the valley below from a lookout slightly east of the summit. This is a long hike at almost 17km, but the entire trail is easy to follow and mostly moderate throughout.
Hikers will also pass by the scenic Chadsey Lake on the way. Access to Sumas Mountain is from a number of trailheads, but the most popular seems to be from Sumas Mountain Road, which is accessible for all vehicles.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 10.50Km
Elevation Gain: 405m
Highest Elevation: 932m
Average Gradient: 7.71%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / Moderate
Time Needed:
– Slow: 4 – 5 Hours
– Moderate: 3 – 4 Hours
– Fast: 2 – 3 Hours
On the other side of the Chilliwack River to Sumas Mountain sits Vedder Mountain, another local favorite and an easier/shorter outing than Sumas. At just 10.50km hikers can be in and out in a few hours if they want. Vedder makes for a nice shoulder season hike when the taller giants are snowed over.
Access to Vedder is off of Vedder Mountain FSR, which is 2WD friendly. Those with a 4×4 can drive up a small spur road to make things a bit easier.
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Distance: 19.70Km
Elevation Gain: 1,820m
Highest Elevation: 2,461m
Average Gradient: 18.48%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Very High / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 9 – 11 Hours
– Moderate: 8 – 9 Hours
– Fast: 7 – 8 Hours
One of the great benefits of living in or near Chilliwack is the easy access to Manning Park, which offers a number of easily accessible, 2WD friendly hikes. Mount Outram is one of them, and while the stats for this hike are huge, the trail is so well maintained it goes by quite quickly.
Some parties choose to camp at a tarn below the summit, making this a two day affair, but it’s wholly unnecessary for fit parties wanting to get in and out quickly. Outram is one of the highest peaks in the region and offers stunning panoramic views from the summit.
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 22Km
Elevation Gain: 1,220m
Highest Elevation: 2,409m
Average Gradient: 11.10%
Effort/Reward Ratio: High / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 8 – 10 Hours
– Moderate: 6 – 7 Hours
– Fast: 5 – 6 Hours
Another Manning Park classic is Frosty Mountain, which tends to explode in popularity in the late summer/early fall when the larch trees turn golden. Hoards of outdoor enthusiasts descend upon Frosty Mountain in late September/early October as soon as these change color, and for good reason to be honest. If you can go on a weekday that is strongly advised, otherwise you might want to climb Frosty earlier in the summer when the crowds generally stay away.
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 23.20Km
Elevation Gain: 1,270m
Highest Elevation: 2,005m
Average Gradient: 10.95%
Effort/Reward Ratio: High / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 9 – 10 Hours
– Moderate: 7 – 9 Hours
– Fast: 6 – 7 Hours
Perhaps less known than some other Manning Park favorites, Lone Goat and Snow Camp Mountain are a fantastic duo of peaks making for a worthy outing, especially if you time it for wildflowers. The hike starts as a fairly steep forest grind before you find yourself meandering along a ridge just below the two peaks. Climbing up each of them is very simple and offers incredible views, especially of the nearby Hozomeen Mountain.
Trail runners tend to like this hike as the majority of it is runnable and scenic. Overnighters can continue along the Skyline trail all the way to Silver Skagit road, making this a through hikers dream.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 20.4Km
Elevation Gain: 830m
Highest Elevation: 2,272m
Average Gradient: 8.14%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Medium / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 7 – 9 Hours
– Moderate: 6 – 7 Hours
– Fast: 5 – 6 Hours
The final installment from Manning Park is Three Brothers Mountain, another very popular hike renowned for its wildflowers. Thanks to a very elevated trailhead (still 2WD accessible) the elevation gain on Three Brothers isn’t too challenging, with most of the hike a manageable gradient. Still, it’s a fairly long trip at over 20km, though the average gradient of just 8% says a lot.
The hike to Three Brothers Mountain follows the Heather Trail, a popular backpacking trail with several places to camp along the way. This trail goes much further into the park than Three Brothers Mountain
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 10.3Km
Elevation Gain: 925m
Highest Elevation: 1,120m
Average Gradient: 17.96%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / Moderate
Time Needed:
– Slow: 5 – 7 Hours
– Moderate: 4 – 5 Hours
– Fast: 3 – 4 Hours
At 10.30 km and 925m elevation gain Evans Peak is a short but steep hike in Golden Ears Provincial Park that is a popular objective for much of the year. While steep, this is a relatively short outing that can be completed in around 4 hours by fit parties.
The views from the summit are excellent despite the fairly lowly status of this summit, with exceptional views of Blanshard Needle, Alouette Mountain and Mount Robie Reid. It’s also possible to combine Evans Peak with Alouette Mountain for a longer outing.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.80Km
Elevation Gain: 445m
Highest Elevation: 481m
Average Gradient: 13.08%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Low / Low
Time Needed:
– Slow: 2 – 3 Hours
– Moderate: 1.50 – 2 Hours
– Fast: 1 – 1.50 Hours
A local favorite, Mount Thom is a popular hike for anybody looking for a short and quick outing with a reasonable view at the end. Mount Thom won’t win any awards for the best viewpoints, in fact they’re fairly lacking, but the trail is short, straightforward, gets the heart pumping and gets you out in nature.
This is a popular trail with families, dog walkers and trail runners, and likely won’t draw in many hikers from afar due to its muted views, but if you’re in the area and looking for a quick trip to fill a couple of hours, Mount Thom will fit the bill.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5.55Km
Elevation Gain: 245m
Highest Elevation: 360m
Average Gradient: 8.83%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Low / Low
Time Needed:
– Slow: 2 – 3 Hours
– Moderate: 1.5 – 2 Hours
– Fast: 1 – 1.5 Hours
Another local classic near Chilliwack is Teapot Hill, a short hike that will only take a couple of hours at a leisurely pace. Filled with cute teapots along the trail, this hike is a family favorite, with children enjoying the challenge of finding teapots along the trail. This is also popular with dog walkers.
Views are sparse along the trail, with a nominal viewpoint from the end and the odd peek-a-boo view here and there. Like Mount Thom, this hike won’t draw in crowds from afar, but it’s very popular with locals and the parking lot can fill up quickly on a sunny weekend.
While these are some of the best hikes that I’ve hand selected near Chilliwack, there are many, many more options I could have chosen. Feel free to take a look through the hiking database for inspiration on other hikes in SWBC that might tickle your fancy! You’ll also find some winter hike recommendations there if that’s what you’re looking for.