Hiking Vedder Mountain in Chilliwack
Contents
Vedder Mountain Hike Information
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
Dogs Permitted?: Yes
Season: Year-Round
4×4 / High Clearance Required? No – But it would make it easier
Scrambling / Exposure: A simple rope climb at the end, no exposure.
Vedder Mountain Trail
Trailhead Coordinates: 49°04’15.8″N 122°00’35.5″W
Vedder Mountain Overview
Vedder Mountain is a partially forested summit located west of Cultus Lake in Chilliwack, and is a well trafficked hike that is a favorite with the Fraser Valley locals looking for a quick, simple outing to a pleasant viewpoint.
The majority of the hike to Vedder Mountain follows the mellow northeast ridge, with undulating terrain throughout. There aren’t many views for the majority of the hike, rather it’s a scenic forest stroll that is rarely very challenging. The final climb up to the summit is steep, passing over some rocky bluffs in the process. Ropes have been set up to aid with the final climb, though in dry conditions they’re normally not necessary.
Vedder Mountain is particularly popular with dog walkers, who like to take advantage of the trails off leash status, but it’s also common to see hikers and trail runners benefitting from the simple terrain. I’ve no doubt this is also popular with families thanks to the overall ease of the hike.
Due to its fairly low summit, Vedder Mountain is a year-round option, though in the winter you can expect to encounter snow. Most of the time microspikes will be sufficient in the winter, though after recent snowfall hikers might need snowshoes. Some sections of the trail are narrow and traverse above steep embankments, so hiking poles might be beneficial, especially if there is snow/ice.
The views from the summit look primarily to the northwest over the Fraser Valley farms, with Sumas Mountain plopped in the middle. You can also see Mount Robie Reid, Judge Howay and the Golden Ears range on a clear day. There are also some views to the south and east, with the Cheam range and Mount Baker visible in the distance.
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Is Vedder Mountain worthwhile?
Vedder Mountain is a very straightforward hike that is a good place to take someone that is just starting their hiking journey, or for a quick spritz to some nice views. It’s likely more of a locals hike than somewhere people will drive a long way for, but it’s certainly worth it if you’re not looking for anything too challenging. Also dog walkers, trail runners and families will most likely enjoy this hike, but experienced hikers probably won’t have it high on their to-do list.
How difficult is the hike to Vedder Mountain?
This hike is probably on the easier end of moderate, with most of the hike just an undulating stroll through the forest. There are a couple of steep(ish) staircases, and the final climb up to the summit is steep, though aided by ropes and chains.
Technically the hike is pretty simple, there are some sections of narrow trail above a fairly steep embankment, and of course the roped section at the end, but almost everyone should be absolutely fine with all of the hike, even in snow and ice.
Vedder Mountain Route Information
The trailhead for Vedder Mountain is from a spur road off of Vedder Mountain Forest Service Road. This service road is well maintained and 2WD friendly, but the spur road you turn onto for the last 800m or so is only suitable for high clearance vehicles. Many people park where the spur road meets the forest service road and hike from there, which will add ~1.5km (30 mins) round trip to the stats above. Note that Vedder Mountain FSR is extremely popular with dirt bikes and ATV’s, so take care when driving around as they can often come flying around corners.
For those that parked lower down your hike will simply begin with an 800m walk up the spur road to the actual trailhead. From here the road ends and the trailhead is signposted Vedder Mountain Ridge. The trail will now follow a mostly flat, defunct ATV trail for a few hundred meters before following a switchback up into the forest where it will continue climbing for another 500m before another switchback.
Continuing along the ridge, the treeline to your left (east) starts to thin out, and if you’re hiking in the morning the sunlight will pour through the sparse trees and offer a welcome respite from the dense forest. The views through the trees are pleasant but at no point do you really get a clear view of your surroundings, so just keep plodding along. This forest is actually quite scenic if you stop and appreciate it.
As you continue along the ridgeline the terrain remains very mellow with a fairly gradual climb throughout. After around 1.5km you’ll reach a junction in the trail leading to your right towards a small viewpoint overlooking the Fraser Valley. It’s a nice little place to stop and your first real view of the day. Shortly ahead you’ll reach a staircase down into the forest before it runs parallel to a small pond for a brief period. This was actually fairly scenic in the winter with the frozen water. Soon enough though you’ll climb back up to the ridge where the trail narrows and traverses across a fairly steep embankment to your right.
At around the 4km mark the trail will descend a few switchbacks towards a small lake and shortly after you will cross a bridge over a creek coming from said lake. A couple of hundred meters ahead you will see a signpost for Vedder Mountain, with a warning to follow it at your own risk. No need to fret, it’s very manageable.
The trail now transitions from forest floor to rocky bluff, starting with a short chained section before two roped sections. All of these are perfectly manageable, but the last roped section is a little trickier, especially on the descent. In winter with snow or ice on the rocks you will likely need the ropes but in the summer you could probably manage without.
After the last roped section you will have your first viewpoint looking out towards the Cheam range. Shortly ahead you will see another trail leading off to the west, and if you follow it you will reach a point with a great viewpoint above the Fraser Valley, with Mount Robie Reid, Judge Howay and the Golden Ears range visible in the distance. Sumas Mountain is the forested ridge in the foreground.
Heading back to the trail it continues slightly further until you reach the highpoint. The actual summit doesn’t boast the best views, but there is another viewpoint looking east towards Mount Baker.
After resting up at the summit you simply return the same way, taking care on the roped descent.
When should I hike Vedder Mountain?
Vedder Mountain is a year-round hike thanks to its lower elevation. Only after recent snowfall will this hike require snowshoes, and for the most part microspikes will be sufficient in winter thanks to its high traffic. Personally I would suggest the shoulder seasons for Vedder Mountain as there are more interesting peaks in the summer, but any sunny day of the year should be fine. I’ve also read that the hike can get very buggy in the late spring / early summer, which I can believe is accurate given the amount of ponds and creeks throughout.
Top Tip
Hiking poles might be beneficial for the narrow traverse, but two poles will just get in the way on the roped climb at the end. I took one hiking pole and found that was helpful, leaving one hand free for the ropes.
Snow and ice can stick around here for a while so it might be wise to throw spikes into your pack in the spring just in case. You likely won’t need them but they’re useful to have if you do.
