Hiking the 79 Grind Trail in Mission
Contents
79 Grind Hike Information
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.40Km
Elevation Gain: 555m
Highest Elevation: 711m
Average Gradient: 17.35%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / Moderate
Time Needed:
– Slow: 3 – 4 Hours
– Moderate: 2.5 – 3 Hours
– Fast: 2 – 2.5 Hours
Dogs Permitted?: Yes
Season: Year-Round
4×4 / High Clearance Required? No
Scrambling / Exposure: None
79 Grind Trail
Trailhead Coordinates: 49°16’53.0″N 122°21’53.3″W
79 Grind Overview
The 79 Grind trail is a recently opened (2022) trail in Mission, ascending steeply through the forest to Rockwell Knob Lookout, a scenic viewing platform situated above Stave Lake and its mountain backdrop. The lookout was covered in a previous post prior to the 79 Grind’s completion, when the nearby peak had unofficially been called “Rolley Peak”, with many hikers following a different route via old logging roads (a route that should still work if you prefer a longer but less steep option). It seems this peak has now also been renamed to Rockwell Knob.
The 79 Grind also benefits from passing by Fiddlehead Falls on the way up, a nice waterfall that is well worth the short detour. As the name implies, the trail is consistently steep and entirely in the forest until you reach the viewing platform at the top. The forest scenery is quite scenic at times, though the trail can be rugged, with plenty of roots, mud and rocks to work your way up.
Given its low elevation, the 79 Grind is a year-round hike, though it can see some snow/ice in the winter if the temperatures drop.
Parking for the 79 Grind is along Florence Lake Road, a rugged FSR full of deep potholes, but manageable for 2WD’s if you take your time and drive with care. There are no steep sections, jagged rocks or any cross ditches to navigate along the road. This is also a pet friendly hike and likely makes for a good option if you like quieter hikes to take your pup off leash.
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Is the 79 Grind worthwhile?
When I previously reviewed “Rolley Peak” I noted that I was surprised it wasn’t more popular (i.e. nobody went) as the view is very nice and the hike is short and not far from nearby cities. Since the opening of the 79 Grind route up to the newly named Rockwell Knob, this hike has become considerably more popular, with plenty of hikers enjoying the trail every weekend.
The trail is short but steep, and the forest itself is actually quite scenic on the way up. The view from the lookout at the top is as scenic as ever, offering a beautiful panoramic view of Stave Lake and the nearby mountains.
How difficult is the 79 Grind?
The 79 Grind trail is a steep affair with an average gradient of over 17%. That being said, this is a short hike that most parties can complete in under 3 hours round trip, so it’s perhaps a stretch to call it a difficult hike, at least compared with others on this site.
Technically speaking the trail is a rugged one, with plenty of roots, rocks and mud. There is no scrambling or exposure anywhere on the trail though.
79 Grind Route Information
The trailhead for this hike is a few kilometers down Florence Lake Road, which is a rugged, pothole riddled road but should still be manageable in a 2WD with some careful driving. Google Maps has the parking for the trailhead, so just follow the FSR until you reach the parking area, which is spacious enough for probably 15+ vehicles.
From the parking area the trail begins on the other side of the road. Once on the trail you’ll want to immediately turn left and hike up some rocks. Many people miss this immediate turn and begin heading straight into the forest, wondering where the actual trail is. Unfortunately it is not very clear, but once you’ve found the actual trail it’s easy to stick to it from then on.
After hiking in the forest for around 500m you’ll reach a junction with a sign for Fiddlehead Falls. There is a trail leading down to the falls, and despite adding a bit of a climb back up, it’s well worth dropping down to as the falls are scenic. Once you’re finished at the falls, head back up to the trail and continue along.
A few hundred meters ahead you’ll briefly exit the forest and join an FSR, which you’ll follow momentarily before re-entering the forest. After another short climb you’ll cross over this FSR once again.
The remainder of the trail is much of the same, though the last section is perhaps the steepest, climbing around 325m in under 2km. On the climb up you will pass by a couple of open cut blocks which may offer some minor viewpoints, but none compare to the viewing platform itself.
Eventually you’ll exit the forest at another logging road, and after following it briefly you’ll find yourself at the wonderful viewing platform. The view is now panoramic to the north, east and south, with stunning views of Stave Lake and its surrounding peaks, as well as many peaks on the horizon of the Fraser Valley, such as Slesse Mountain, the Border Peaks & Mount Baker. Unfortunately you cannot see the show stopping Mount Robie Reid or Mount Judge Howay as they are blocked by Mount Crickmer and the unnamed peaks around it.
After you’ve finished soaking in the views you simply return back to the trailhead the same way you came.
When should I hike the 79 Grind?
The 79 Grind is a year-round hike. Personally I would save this for a shoulder season or even winter outing as there are far better summer hikes to be doing than a forest grind, but to each their own.
Top Tip
If you like sunrise or sunset hikes, this is a good one as it’s short enough that you can be up and down quickly once it gets dark.
