Evans Peak

Steep and ugly.  There is no other way to describe this trail.  At an average incline of 23.7% over 4 kilometers you are guaranteed a workout.  Rarely does one see a view which makes the trek almost bearable.

 Even tho this trail is almost completely in the shade due to the forest the trail in summer is dusty which creates poor footing in parts of the trail.  This is also the shortcut trail to Allouette Mountain.  Approximately at the 900 meter mark the trail "Y's" with the right trail going to Evans and the left to Allouette.  As one nears the peak there is a section where a rope is used to help you climb.  Without a doubt this is a challenge when one hikes with a dog.  You will need to lift him up and then catch him on a jump on the way down. This trail will cover 4 kilometers with an elevation gain of 950 meters.

Despite my negative comments about this trail, the views from the peak does put it on the list of those to do once.

To find this trail drive to Golden Ears Park near Maple Ridge BC.  When in the park look for the West Canyon Trail.  This is the same trail used to access the Golden Ears and Alder Flats.  After about 10 minutes on this trail there will be a trail going off to the left (View Point Trail).  After about 30 minutes look for the sign for Evans Peak on your right.

Eaton Lake

On a hot day this is one trail which helps one escape the heat.  Although the trail is steep (23%) since most of the trail is shaded and follows a cascading creek it does remain cool.  In two places the trail uses log bridges to cross over the creek.  Along the trail there are enough waterfalls to keep the waterfallologists enthused.

When one reaches closer to the lake the endless climb eases as one walks immediately beside the creek.  Shortly after this one reaches Eaton Lake.  Keep in mind that this has been a 925 meter climb over 4.2 kilometers.  On hot days the lake provides a great cool down.

For those so inclined the lake provides opportunities to try some fly fishing.  Numerous trout in the range from 6 to 12 inches were seen surfacing.

To find this trail drive on the Highway #1 (Trans-Canada Highway) towards Hope taking exit #168. Follow this road to a flashing amber light and turn right on to Silver Skagit Road. Zero your odometer and head south on this road. At the "Y" take the left and follow signs for Ross Lake.
Shortly after the 16 km point turn left on to a side road marked with a sign for the Eaton Lake Trail. Follow the road a short distance to the campsite area. Do not park in any of the campsites.

Arduum Guns and Rotors/Mastadon

If you want a work out this is it.  Going up the Arduum Guns and Rotors trail takes you straight up Red Mountain.  You climb 350 meters in just over 1 kilometer....and keep in mind that there are some flat sections.  This is steep. It would be worth waiting to witness a bike rider go flying over this 25 foot drop.

This entire trail is in the forest so it would be a good choice on hot summer days.  When one reaches the top take a right turn and the trail turns into the Mastodon trail.  Although this trail is much longer, 3.6 kilometers, taking this trail down is much easier on the knees. Another bonus is that most of this trail is simply just a really beautiful trail.

Early in Spring this trail has numerous Trilliums in bloom.

To get to this trail in Mission BC drive north on Dewdney Trunk Road past the small lake at the base of Bear Mountain, past the Mission Gun Club and turn right onto the next turnout on the west side of the road.  Walk past the closed gate up the logging road keeping to the left.  Soon the trail head sign post will be evident on your left. On the return you rejoin this logging road just 100 meters further up the road.

Mt Slesse

On December 9, 1956 Trans-Canada Airlines Flight 810 crashed into the mountain while on it's way to Calgary killing all 62 aboard.  This was one of the worst air traffic tragedies to that time.  Because of the remote area where the plane crashed, and the difficult terrain, the wreckage was not found until the following May.  On board the plane were 5 professional football players returning home from the East-West All-star game in Vancouver.  The remains are in a difficult to access area and are protected by government designation.

Mt Slesse as seen from the Memorial site

The first 15-30 minutes of this hike are completely enjoyable.  When one leaves the logging road one drops slightly down to where Slesse Creek cuts through the valley.  Crossing the creek is by climbing over a fallen tree which has fallen conveniently so it can be used as a bridge.  After the crossing one follows the tree through rain forest like conditions which gives arise to an abundance of mushrooms in late summer and early fall.However, one soon reaches the ridge where the trail begins to follow an over grown logging road.  From this point until one reaches the Memorial site the trek is simply "boring."  There are few views other than small trees one keeps hit in the face as your companion in front walks through.

Slesse Creek

Buddy crossing Slesse Creek

At a leisurely pace one reaches the Memorial site within 2 hours.  The view of Mt Slesse leaves one in awe.

After a short break one again returns to the logging road.  This is follow until it is left and the trail is actually a trail as it climbs the ridge to the east of the Memorial site.  Within a short time the open meadows below the Propeller Cairn are reached.  In July through September the area is in bloom with many wild flowers.  After the last push one reaches the plateau and the Cairn.

To find the trail head drive up Chilliwack Lake Road for 31 km and right after the Riverside Forest Service Recreation area turn right. Cross over the Chilliwack River and in 400 meters turn right onto Nesakwatch Creek Road. Drive 6.4 kms and you will see the flagging, and maybe a sign, on the right.  Park beside the road.

For more photographs visit:  Mt Slesse photos

Williams Ridge

So you want tough??  Are you sure?  This makes the Grouse Grind appear like a Sunday afternoon stroll.  This hike is so tough that:  1.  When you trip and fall, while hiking up, the fall is actually only 1 foot;  2.  You look up to find the horizon and it is at 80 degrees above you; 3.  You struggle on what you think is a flat stretch only to look back and realize that it is at least a 25% grade; 4.  Your faithful companion Buddy, who usually runs 50 yards ahead and sits and waits for you to catch up, has fallen asleep by the time you get there.  Do you get the idea?  This is steep.....you gain over 1400 meters in about 2 kilometers.  You will probably have some choice words to say as you work your way back down...it is brutal on the knees.

When one reaches the ridge the views are spectacular.  From the ridge you can continue on to Williams Peak itself.

The start of this trail is, well, disappointing.  You need to work your way through a clear cut to the bottom of the ridge.  When you reach the tree line you go straight up....you do not ease into this trek.  And it does not let up until you near the ridge. About 3/4 of the way up you cross an area where streams run just under the surface with the occasional opening and visible stream.  However, if you are on your way back to the parking lot a clear cut never looked so good.

To find this trail travel east on the Chilliwack River Road for 34 kilometers.  Just past the closed (300 meters) you will see the sign post for the trail on your left (north).  Drive up the lane for about 100 meters and park.  Follow this lane to a "T" and walk to the right.  You will see a faint trail to your right within 40 meters and the path through the clear cut.

Flora Lake trail

This trail is part of a loop which will cover 20 kilometers with an elevation gain of 1345 meters.  If you wish a slightly shorter day you can stop at the ridge and turn north and climb Flora Peak and its 1952 meters.  The first half of the trail to the ridge is in heavy forest with many switchbacks on the trail.  When one breaks into the open the views are to the mountains across the valley.  Shortly after this you enter the meadows near the peak.

Trail near the ridge

View back down the trail across the valley

View up the trail in the meadows

Panorama from near the ridge

This trail is a challenge for those who are not in shape.  Be prepared to be on the trail for up to 10 hours if you are doing the loop. 

To find this trail drive 40 kilometers east on Chilliwack River Road to the gates of Chilliwack Lake Park.  There is now a large off road parking area at the trail head. 

For more photographs visit http://www.motioninsports.com/HiddenGemsBC/Flora-Lake-Trail

Mt St Benidict

Mt St Benidict rises from the east side of Stave Lake and provides views to the west back to Mount Crickmer.  The first 20 minutes of this hike are absolutely gorgeous as the trail winds up through old growth mossy forest.  One exists this forest into the scene for which Mission BC is becoming famous.....the clear cut. Another logging operation completed without any regard for the recreation activities around.

   One continues along this new clear cut until the trail (?) veers off onto an older logging road.  It is along this road that one encounters a waterfall.

Once past this waterfall the road deteriorates into boulder climbing as one experiences an example of what happens when a logging road is not decommissioned properly.  The road becomes a new stream bed and all fine material are washed away leaving just the boulders.  One continues on this road until the trail veers off into new growth forest in which one can find remnants of previous logging operations.  One shortly reaches a small lake below the peak.  From here it is a short hike up the ridge to Mt St Benidict.

To reach the trail head drive east on the Lougheed Highway past Mission.  Turn left on Sylvester Road staying the course as it changes into a gravel road.  Follow for 18.5 kilometers until Murdo Creek is crossed.  There is a lot of parking on the north west side of the bridge.  To find the trail walk back across the bridge and the trail can be seen on the left.

 

Mission's Dewdney Grind

Just east of Mission BC Dewdney Peak is visible on the north side of the Lougheed Highway.  There are two trails which meet up near the cabin which is the goal for many.  The south trail is referred to as the Dewdney Grind.  In under 2 kilometers you climb 575 meters....an average grade of 33%.  After reaching the cabin one can continue for another kilometer and a climb of 275 meters one reaches the summit.  For those wanting to get into shape this is the place to go.  Unfortunately, as this trail is near Mission, it too is under severe stress from logging operations.  At the time of this post the north trail has been obliterated in sections by clear cut logging.  The south trail has been surveyed and marked for the same fate.   For more information of the logging plans you can visit the Facebook page at:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/141663919310211/ 

the cabin 

A section of the south trail

a place to dry and rest

To find this trail follow Highway #7 (Lougheed Highway) East of Mission. Turn onto Hawkins Pickle Road just before the highway crosses the railroad tracks.  Follow this road for 2.8 kilometers and on a corner stay straight going on to a gravel road.  This is the Norrish Forest Service Road. Keep your eyes peeled to the left looking for an indication of a trail.  You can park on the right-hand side of the road near a corner  It can be difficult to see unless you know where to look.

Hidden Gems along the Sea to Sky

For far to long whenever I have driven the Sea to Sky Highway it was with the sole intention of arriving at Whistler as quickly as I could.  I have, however, begun to take a more leisurely approach and have started to enjoy so much of what I missed before. The Highway improvements have also made this a far more enjoyable drive. 

Hidden Gems at the Ruskin Picnic Site

For bird watchers in November and December the Ruskin Picnic area is "bird de jour."  On this sunny November afternoon there were more than 50 eagles, double that number of hawks, and at least 20 Herons which were all within a 10 minute walk.

This morning the only company I had besides the birds were the half dozen fishers who were concentrating at their task.  The day-to-day the water flow in this area can change dramatically as BC Hydro alters the flow out of Hayward Lake.  I was able to watch a heron settle a dispute with a hawk only to fly off in pursuit of some unknown shiny thing. If you decide to hike in this area you must be prepared for the strong aroma of decaying salmon.  On some days it is overwhelming. As the water level does flucuate it is important to wear water proof shoes.

To reach this area turn up Wilson Road from the Lougheed Highway near Mission.  When you reach the dam make a right turn over the dam when it is safe to do so.  After about half a kilometer on the right you will see the entrance for the Ruskin Picnic Area.

More photographs can be viewed at: http://bit.ly/s4cTPE

Please note:  This area is scheduled to be closed to the public as BC Hydro makes substantial upgrades to the Ruskin Dam.

Harrison River

If you enjoy watching Eagles this is the place to go.  From early November until late January the Eagles can be watched as they gorge themselves on spawning salmon.

 Along side the Harrison River is one of the under used golf gems in the Fraser Valley; Sandpiper Golf Resort   and Rowenas Inn (a must for bed and breakfasts).  One can casually walk along side the river taking in the views and dodge errant golf balls at the same time.

From Sandpiper Golf Course one can depart on fishing or site seeing excursions.  During the annual Bald Eagle Festival, Eagle watching boat tours can be accessed from near the Kilby Historical site.

Additional photographs can be viewed here:  http://bit.ly/scQ0iz Come back often as photographs are constantly being added.

The Harrison River can be accessed by driving east from Mission BC along the Lougheed Highway.  When you reach the Sasquatch Inn you have arrived.  A mere 200 meters further is the bridge over the Harrison River.

Ellwood Park - Abbotsford

One of Abbotsford's gems.  This park features natural waterways which are crossed with bridges and wildlife viewing platforms.  The walkway circles the ponds providing views from every imaginable angle.  This is one of the must see in Fall to experience the full Fall colours which this region has to offer.  The walkways are hard surface and wheel chair accesable.

Location of this park is at Old Yale Road & Maclure Road in Abbotsford.


For more pictures visit:http://bit.ly/v3OEaf

Hidden Gems on Mount Cheam

One of the most spectacular views in the Fraser Valley is from the peak of Mount Cheam.  From its summit one has views of the Fraser River and Valley, the mountains to the north and east and Mount Baker to the south.  To reach the parking lot where the hike begins one does need a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Climb over the logs at the end of the parking lot and head up the remainder of the logging road.  After about 15 minutes the trail leaves the logging road and heads into the meadows.  Within a few minutes one passes a small lake (pond) and the climb begins.  When on the ridge take care not to venture to close to the edge and the rocks are loose and one can easily loose their footing.

 Directions are as follows: 
Follow Highway #1 (Trans-Canada Highway) to Chilliwack, taking Exit #119 South. Follow Vedder Road until a three-way stop just before a bridge over the Vedder River. Zero your odometer here and turn left at the stop sign onto Chilliwack Lake Road. At the 28 km mark and immediately after one of the Vedder River bridge crossings, turn left onto Chilliwack-Foley Forest Service Road. Zero your odometer again here.
Follow the forest service road for 2.0 km, turning left at the T-junction after the bridge over Foley Creek. Travel west for another two kilometers, turning right on to Chipmunk Creek Forest Service Road next to a large gravel pit. Continue to the parking area at the Mount Cheam trailhead, ignoring all of the branch roads and following the most obvious track the entire way.

Additional photographs can be viewed here:  http://bit.ly/rpRjSM

Kanaka Creek Regional Park

Kanaka Creek Regional Park is a linear park that stretches almost 11 kilometers from the Fraser River. For those who wish to explore the park by canoe or kayak park near the boat launch in a section of the park located near where Kanaka Creek and the Fraser’s meet. To reach this park take Highway 7 (Lougheed Hwy) a short distance east of Maple Ridge where the Bypass reconnects with the Lougheed Highway. A green GVRD sign indicates the way to Kanaka Creek Regional Park’s Riverfront entrance. The park gets its name from the Hawaiians who were employed by the Hudson's Bay Company from 1827 until the 1850,s. The park uses many of the dikes along the Fraser River and as a result there are many level areas for easy walks.  Throughout the year, many many migratory birds can be seen visiting the park.


Additional photographs can be viewed at:  http://bit.ly/ogqZ9f 

Willband Creek Park

Willbank Creek Park is located at the corner of the Mission Abbotsford Highway (Highway 11) and Bateman Road in the Sumas Flats.  The center point of this park are the ponds and lakes.  Throughout the year one can watch many of the migratory birds as they walk the level 2.6 kilometer path.   Despite the shortage of trees, Fall colours do exist in the many varieties of grasses along the lake edge.  There are two drawbacks to this park.  First is that many parts of the paths are inundated with "landmines (doggy dew)".  Try to keep one eye on the path as you enjoy the scenery.  Second. there is no escaping from the traffic and local construction noise.  Despite this, as this park matures it will surely be a "gem" that Abbotsford can be proud.

Additional photographs can be viewed at http://bit.ly/nWuDMU

Westminster Abby - Mission BC

Up on the hill overlooking the valley is the bell tower with which Mission has become associated.  Some of the best views in Mission can be seen from his location.  One can relax while walking along the paths which meander throughout the grounds of the Abby.  The bell tower was completed in 1957 with the remainder of the Abby being completed in 1982.  More information can be fond here:  http://www.westminsterabbey.ca/   Whenever out of town friends drop in for a visit this is one of the "must see" places where I take them. 

More pictures can be viewed here:  http://bit.ly/q6a26t

Hidden Gems at Cheam Lake

You can find this hidden "gem" by driving the #1 Highway towards Hope.  The Park is located on the north side of the Freewya around 15 kilometers east of Chilliwack near Minter Gardens.  Take the exit which leads you to Highway #9.  In the Round-about turn east onto Yale Road and proceed to Elgey Road.  At this point follow the signs.  More information can be found here:  http://bit.ly/qTEv9N

This nature reserve has an abundance of wildlife.  From the Rabbit to an unlimited number and varieties of birds.  These include the Blue Heron and in Fall every duck and Goose imaginable.  There is an easy walking trail which provide numerous views of the Lake.

More pictures can be viewed here:  http://bit.ly/pt0sLC

Hidden Gems on the Hayward Lake Trails, Mission

Hayward Lake offers scenic hikes which meander around the lake. There are two trails; the Railway Trail on the west side and the Reservoir Trail on the east side. It is possible to do both trails as part of a loop.  Even on the hottest summer days the Reservoir Trail provides relief.  Highlights on the Reservoir Trail include Steelehead Falls and the many bridges which cross the many small streams.  Besides the numerous short glimpses of the Lake the other highlights include the floating bridge and the moss covered trees.  This is truly a rain forest.  Highlights of the Railway Trail include the beaver pond and the long abandoned railway trestles which still stand up from the lake.  The main parking lot, which is the start point for the Railway Trail, has fully operational washrooms and a beach.  Keep in mind that the water is always cold.  More information can be found here:  http://bit.ly/bthump

 

Additional photographs taken from around Hayward Lake can be viewed at:  http://bit.ly/qpOzSt

Hidden Gems at Nicomen Slough

Located along the Lougheed Highway just east of Mission this waterway becomes the stop over for many of the migrating birds as they head both north and south.  During October through November this one of the premiere spots to view Bald Eagles as they look over the slough from the tree tops.

As this is a stop over for migrating birds this is also the place to go to view Canadian Geese, White Swans, and every species of Ducks that there are.  In addition to the birds the scenery is unbeatable.  On the one side of the Highway is the meandering slough and on the other are mile after mile of dairy farms.  As one drives further out into the Valley the foothills become part of the scenery.

More pictures can be viewed at http://bit.ly/oZBKAf

Hidden Gem - Bridal Veil Falls

This hidden gem is located on the #1 Highway between Chilliwack and Hope.  More information can be found here:  http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/bridalveil_falls/

The waterfalls are an easy 15 minute walk from the parking lot.  This is a great activity for those hot summer days as the sun rarely breaks through the canopy of the trees.  As you walk along the path you will realize that we really do live in the west coast rain forest as evidenced with all the moss hanging from the tree limbs.  Along the short walk are a number of small bridges which are crossed giving views of the small creeks underneath.

Additional photographs can be viewed at:  http://bit.ly/qzf0eV