Hike Mount Cheam

Even at the parking lot, there is a stunning view of Lady Peak and Mount Cheam. Walk towards the big pile of logs and towards the old logging road. You will also see an outhouse – this will be your one and only time to use a toilet, so go now. The road continues for about 15 min. before reaching the first leg of the hike.

The trail descends about 50 m (164 ft) down, passing through a stunning green valley with 180-degree views of Lady Peak, Mount Cheam, and mountains as far as the USA, including a rarely seen angle of Mount Baker. There are two little camping spots beside Spoon Lake – please make SURE what you pack in you pack out. No fires are allowed, either. Also, be aware that some say that you are not supposed to camp here.

From this point on, the trail steepens as you start your ascent up the face of Lady Peak. After about 40 min. of zig-zagging, you will reach a somewhat level section of the trail. Make sure to stop to rest and take in the views of the valley and mountain ranges. Depending on the time of year, there may be a small lake as well.

The next leg of the journey will follow a goat trail with many switchbacks as it cuts into the mountainside, visible from below. At the base of the mountain, you will notice a small side trail leading towards Lady Peak, on your right. Take this short 5 min. walk for a stunning view of Jones Lake, below. Double pack on the same path, and you will begin another set of steep, rocky switchbacks that will take you 30-40 min. up to the ridge of Cheam.

At the ridge, you will have a stunning view of the entire Fraser Valley, and an 180-degree view of Lady Peak and the mountains below. If you look closely, you will see the route you took up, as well as the old logging road to the right. You can opt to stop hiking at the ridge, and rest on the bench or in the little rock hut, or you can continue to climb the next 100 m (328 ft) along the shale to the peak. The trail to the peak can be shady in some sections, and please use extreme caution not to get too close to the edge – there is a reason it's called Angel's Bowl.

After enjoying the view—and the little ground squirrels that call the summit home—it's time to head back down the mountain and take a long, bumpy ride down to the main road.

This trail can be done in spring, summer, and autumn, but you should be prepared to encounter snow. In June 2015 there was barely any snow on the trail, but that is not common for the time of year – this has been a warmer, drier year for Southern BC.

Getting there: Before the hike even begins, you are in for a long drive to get here. Note that you will need a 4x4 vehicle to make it up the decommissioned logging road. This road is VERY bumpy, with heaps of potholes and water wells. There is quite a steep incline for the entire 8 km (5 mi), so make sure you are in a vehicle with high clearance. The main access point is located along Chilliwack Lake Road. Get there early as the parking lot is small and fills up quickly.

From Vancouver, take Highway #1 (Trans Canada Highway) east and get off at Exit #119 Sardis. Turn right and follow Vedder Road southbound until you reach a 3-way intersection at Chilliwack Lake Road (there will be a bridge there). Turn left and follow the road for approximately 26 km (16 mi) and you will see a service road on the left, Foley Creek Forestry Service Road (signed). Follow this road for 2 km (1.2 mi) after crossing the bridge, then turn left at the junction. Drive another 2 km (1.2 mi) and turn right onto the Chipmunk Creek Forest Service Road (there is a gravel pit at this location). Continue for the next 8 km (5 mi) as the road becomes very rough and steep, and you will arrive at the parking area. There are a few turns offs along the last section of the road, but if you stick to the beaten path there shouldn't be an issue, just watch for people coming down the mountain.