Hiking Goat Ridge in Chilliwack
Contents
Goat Ridge Hike Information
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Distance: 6.80Km
Elevation Gain: 1,040m
Highest Elevation: 1,660m
Average Gradient: 30.60%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Very High / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 6 – 7 Hours
– Moderate: 4.5 – 6 Hours
– Fast: 4 – 4.5 Hours
Dogs Permitted?: Yes
Season: ~June to October
4×4 / High Clearance Required? No
Scrambling / Exposure: Minimal scrambling, some steep ropes to climb and descend.
Goat Ridge Trail
Trailhead Coordinates: 49°05’53.5″N 121°27’41.7″W
Goat Ridge Overview
Goat Ridge is a popular hike on the fringes of Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park that has steadily grown in popularity over the years thanks to a couple of famous Instagram spots above Lindeman Lake that people like to take photos from around half way up the trail. Some parties actually stop here as that is all they are interested in, but the official hike ends at the first prominent bump along the ridge. This hike should not be confused with Goat Ridge in Squamish, which is entirely different and a much more committed outing.
It is actually possible to continue along the ridge all the way to Goat Mountain, however this is typically only attempted by experienced and capable parties as it requires considerably more effort than Goat Ridge itself (which itself isn’t easy by any means), with lots of self navigation and some scrambling required.
Goat Ridge offers numerous viewpoints of Lindeman Lake and Flora Peak behind, and if you do continue all the way to the end you will be richly rewarded with stunning 360 degree views including Chilliwack Lake and the usual backdrop of peaks in the Chilliwack Valley.
While most people will agree that the views along this trail are rewarding, many will also say it’s a hike they don’t intend to return to. The entire trail up is incredibly steep, and most of it is on slippery dirt. There are several stretches with ropes that are necessary to climb, and you will be utilizing hands for large portions of the climb and descent back down to prevent slipping. Descending is just as hard as ascending as you are constantly trying to avoid slipping on the loose terrain. You will definitely end this hike a filthy mess from trying to avoid falling, and you may want to consider cleaning off in Post Creek at the end of the hike. If you don’t enjoy involved trails that require frequent use of hands, at times pulling yourself up and lowering yourself down ropes, this is not the hike for you.
The season for Goat Ridge is primarily the summer once the snow has fully melted. This is not a hike you would want to try with snow on the trail due to the steepness of it. That being said, June to October is likely the peak season.
Parking for Goat Ridge is 2WD accessible along Chilliwack Lake Road, it’s also possible to use the Lindeman Lake parking lot if you wish. As always when hiking down Chilliwack Lake Road, leave your vehicle empty to reduce the risk of break-ins.
Dogs are welcome on this hike, but it’s so dusty you should be prepared for them to get messy. They may also inhale dust/dirt at times as they’re low to the ground. You may need to assist furry friends on some of the roped sections.
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Is Goat Ridge worthwhile?
The worthiness of this hike is probably a polarizing question. Some people do return to this hike despite the challenging terrain as they think the payoff is worth it, but for many it’s a once and done experience. The views are definitely very nice at the top, so I do think this is worth visiting at least once, just bring some patience and determination as you will need it.
How difficult is the hike to Goat Ridge?
With an average gradient of over 30% this is one of the steepest hikes on this website, almost as steep as the Grouse Grind and with more elevation gain. When you consider the first 300m of the hike is a flat trail, the average gradient actually increases even more to over 33%. Suffice it to say this is a very physically demanding hike that is relentlessly steep the entire time. The only solace is that it’s fairly short lived at a smidge under 7km.
Technically speaking this hike has several challenges as well. The steepness combined with the loose dirt makes for very tedious and careful travel, especially when descending. There are several roped sections on terrain which would likely not be possible to climb without, due to the looseness of the dirt on top of rock beneath your feet. The worst sections are towards the start of the hike, so if you can get past them the remainder of the hike will be easier. Nearer the summit you will have to ascend a boulder field or two and there will be some simple, unexposed scrambling along the ridge to reach the end.
Goat Ridge Route Information
The trailhead from Goat Ridge is from the side of Chilliwack Lake Road, just before the Lindeman Lake parking area. You can park on the side of the road or you can park at Lindeman Lake and hike over. As usual down Chilliwack Lake Road, don’t leave items in your car to reduce the likelihood of break-ins.
The trail begins by running adjacent to Post Creek, which will probably come in useful at the end for washing yourself off as you will be filthy after this hike. Pro-tip: Leave some beverages securely in the ice cold waters of Post Creek to enjoy when you return from the hike.
The initial 300m or so of the hike are basically flat, you’ll reach a junction where you’ll want to turn right and begin ascending in the forest. Almost immediately you will notice how dusty this trail is, especially at the beginning of the hike. The gradient is immediately steep as well, and after a brief climb you’ll reach an easy rope section where the rope isn’t really that necessary.
Shortly ahead you will reach another rope section, this time a double rope, and absolutely necessary. The terrain is steep dusty rock that you would almost certainly slip off without the rope, and you’ll need some upper body strength to pull yourself up it. Footing is plentiful but slick, so you’re somewhat reliant on the rope. This is by far the trickiest part of the ascent, so don’t get into the mindset of thinking it will be like this the whole way up as it won’t.
Beyond this rope section it is mostly just steep, dusty hiking. Ascending this isn’t the worst, but coming down is tedious, tiring and slow. At around the 1,060m mark, or 450m higher than when you began ascending, you’ll reach the first views of the day. You’ll note a small trail leading off the main trail to the right. Follow it briefly and you’ll reach a small bluff overlooking Lindeman Lake. This is by no means the best view of the lake, but it’s a good place for a break from the relentless climb.
Back on the trail, unsurprisingly it’s up, up, up. Thankfully the views are starting to show now, so you’ll have more opportunity to stop and catch your breath. The famous Instagram spot will be at around 1,200m, with a rocky outcropping pointing out over Lindeman Lake. Some parties are actually only aiming to get to this point, which is just 1.6km into the hike, but they’re missing out on the best views (by far) if they stop here.
Continuing along, while still steep, the gradient actually eases off a little now. The trail stays close to the ridge edge, offering multiple viewpoints of Lindeman Lake and Flora Peak behind as you continue ascending. At around the 1,400m elevation mark you’ll reach another viewpoint, this time it’s starting to open up and include Chilliwack Lake as well. There’s a point along the trail where you can actually see both Lindeman and Chilliwack Lake together, which isn’t common.
As you continue climbing, more and more parties will likely begin turning back, perhaps not knowing where the trail actually ends, or potentially because they’re happy with the views they’ve had and they don’t see the extra effort of climbing further being worthwhile. The trees start to thin out now, and you’ll soon reach a boulder field that you’ll need to navigate. The route should be obvious, with a well worn footpath through it. You may need to use your hands in some spots, but it won’t be for long.
At around 1,600m elevation you’ll gain the ridge proper, where the views will now be panoramic, with fantastic views of Williams Peak, Slesse Mountain, Mount Baker, Mount Webb, MacDonald Peak, Mount Lindeman and the other usual summits around the Chilliwack Valley. Following the ridge along there will be some simple ridge hiking with minimal exposure, if any. Soon enough you will top out at 1,660m, where the Goat Ridge trail ends. It may not be obvious where this is as there is no signage, but it’s the point where if you continue any further you’ll actually start descending.
Goat Mountain proper will be visible in the distance next to Williams Peak, and as noted experienced and fit parties can continue all the way to the true summit. This is a very difficult hike though, so it’s not a decision you should make on the fly. It’ll take approximately an additional 4 – 5 hours round trip from the end of the Goat Ridge trail to summit Goat Mountain.
Once you’ve finished at Goat Ridge, you simply return back the way you came. As noted the descent can be just as tough as the ascent on this hike thanks to the loose and steep terrain, so take it slowly.
When should I hike Goat Ridge?
As noted this is a summer only hike due to the steepness of the trail. You will not want to try this with snow lingering, so realistically June to October is the time to go.
Top Tip
Poles will be very useful on this hike to provide balance when descending the slippery, dusty terrain.
You will be filthy at the end of the hike, so maybe plan ahead to clean yourself off in Post Creek at the end. You could also leave some drinks in the creek (make sure they don’t get sent down the creek as garbage) for when you get back, as they will certainly stay cold in the icy water.
Some people may want to bring gloves for the ropes as pulling yourself up/lowering yourself down can give you rope burn if you’re not careful.
