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Mt. Cheam

Mt. Cheam near Chilliwack, BC

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This trail was given a rating of 5 out of 5 stars

9 kms
4hours
moderate
Hiking
Summer
Chilliwack, BC

Tourism Chilliwack

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A peak experience--on top of the world! The dominant peak at the eastern end of the Fraser Valley is now accessible from its back side. Out in the open the whole time, the trail zig-zags its way up and through lush meadows to the gravelly terrain near the top. Unsurpassed views all round.

Cheam is 9.5 KM round trip, High point is 2112 m (6929 ft) Elevation gain 665 m (2175 ft).

Caution: There are sheer drops near the top. Take care up there!

There is GPS data attached to this trail (see "download GPS"), which if loaded into your GPS can help you find route points.

Directions:

Highway 1 Exit 119A (Sardis/Vedder). South on Vedder Rd. until you reach the Vedder Bridge. Turn left onto Chilliwack Lake Rd. Set your odometer to "0" at the Vedder Bridge. At 28km, turn left on Foley Forest Service Rd. Zero your odometer again and drive 2 km, cross the bridge over Foley Creek and turn left at the T-junction. 2km further cross Chipmunk Creek Bridge and take the next right uphill (passing the gravel pit on your left) on Chipmunk Creek Forest Service Rd. This is a rough road with many cross ditches, but not too steep for the first 7km. Keep right after crossing Chipmunk Creek. The road is rougher and steeper (4x4 recommended) for the final 4km to the parking area. Orange squares mark the route.

Download Gps

By Posted By: Courteney - Tue Mar 02 11:48:38 EST 2010 Not Rated Question Hiking in MarchDoes anyone know if it's too early or not in the year to hike up Mt.Cheam??

By Posted By: fnxtr - Fri Jan 22 14:32:30 EST 2010 Not Rated Upside Glorious view Downside long walk Comment We did it way back in the 80's, from the Bridal Falls side. At one point there was a semi-accessible road up to a parking lot in the hanging valley to the SW of the peak (still on the N side of the ridge, though), it was still a 4-hour hike from there. That road may be impassable now, none of the hiking blogs seem to mention it. It's a steep climb up to the ridge (we did it in sneakers!) but once you're there it's an easy stroll. From the base in Popkum it's more like 7 hours. You can see Vancouver from the peak.

By Posted By: Wreglesworth - Wed Sep 23 11:31:26 EDT 2009 Not Rated Question Cheam - Friday September 25thDoes anyone that hikes Mt Cheam want to car pool?
I have 2 friends (3 total) that want to hike and paraglide down.
So we need a ride to the trail head - we typically land at Bridal falls.
Super happy to pay for gas.

By Posted By: Wreglesworth - Wed Sep 23 11:31:19 EDT 2009 Not Rated Question Cheam - Friday September 25thDoes anyone that hikes Mt Cheam want to car pool?
I have 2 friends (3 total) that want to hike and paraglide down.
So we need a ride to the trail head - we typically land at Bridal falls.
Super happy to pay for gas.

By Posted By: Wreglesworth - Wed Sep 23 11:30:15 EDT 2009 Not Rated Question Cheam - Friday September 25thDoes anyone that hikes Mt Cheam want to car pool?
I have 2 friends (3 total) that want to hike and paraglide down.
So we need a ride to the trail head - we typically land at Bridal falls.
Super happy to pay for gas.

By Posted By: norin radd - Wed Sep 02 21:50:23 EDT 2009 Not Rated Comment what the hell is with the route!!!. i clicked get directions and it was a completle different route from what the sites directions say. so i had to turn around and drive back 30 kms. then when i got there i was driving up the road and there is a fork. NO orange squares. but a little sign on the ground that said gravel pit 4km. seeing as how the gravel parking lot is 4km i assumed this was it. it was definitly much harder to drive up. it was about 4 feet wide and my new truck got scratched to shit! completley ruined. thats the least of my worries. the suspension is shot to shit! lucky i didnt pop a tire.

this website should be more descriptive on the directions. can someone tell me a bit better directions so i can actually go up here!

By Posted By: ubc - Mon Aug 24 18:51:29 EDT 2009 Not Rated Upside view of the meadows were great but i did not hold my breath for clear skies Downside rout to the parking lot could have been marked with signs because i got lost twice on the way their. Comment being of Staulo decent Mt Cheam has always had a deep meaning to me i spent my childhood growing up next to Mt Cheam Its broad early morning shadow can be seen moving slowly across the valley floor as if the mountain were craddleing the valley residence.

By Posted By: Adam+Laura - Fri Aug 07 13:21:08 EDT 2009 Upside Awesome hike, we loved it.
We saw some small dogs doing this hike and realized that small dogs can do big hikes too.
Fantatastic views Downside Long logging road to get in, I think you might make it without a 4by4 but if your truck or car isnt in good shape it is about an hour off the main road so i would be careful. Comment Very steep cliff at the top, you dont have to go near it if you dont want too.

By Posted By: tompy - Sat Jul 25 20:52:53 EDT 2009 Not Rated Upside this was an awsome hike. i did elk mountain last month, it was really nice , but cheam offered a lot more views and it was a easier hike. i would deffinatly doe it again. Downside a lot of bugs, i was really getting pissed off. i had strong bug repelent but they were hungry. a storm also blew in when it was supose to be 35 degrees so we only spent 15 min. at the top

By Posted By: DeepCoveMike - Fri Jul 24 00:04:48 EDT 2009 Not Rated Comment We spent a great night in the meadows on the 11July. For those concerned about the road.
Don't be. It's fine.
Four wheel drive is not really needed. Clearance is the bigger issue. We came up in a Subaru Forester with only a couple of rock knocks on the bottom. We had no worries about the road at all.

Enjoy the drive and walk.

By Posted By: Heatherblue25 - Wed Jul 08 11:18:38 EDT 2009 Not Rated Question Hiking Mt. Cheam on Saturday July 11,2009Does anyone know how the roads are going up to Mt. Cheam? I do have a 4x4 so no worries, but at the highest point just before you reach the area before you park your car gives me worries....with the drop off....Is the road washed out up at that area...bring the kids just want to make sure....as well as to make sure no snow...
Anyone wanting to come is welcome....just give me a call 604-807-3133.
or email me heatherblue25@yahoo.ca

By Posted By: kapnjoe - Sun Jun 28 16:18:17 EDT 2009 Not Rated Upside The summit was GLORIOUS. it was amazing the abrupt dropoffs and the views of the surrounding mountains and the fraser valley. Downside It was difficult to find the trail sometimes in the snow but generally you just point yourself up and you shouldn't have too many troubles. Comment The road there was bad but i made it up in a small 2wd mazda b2200, bring a 4x4 or a vehicle you don't care about. 100% worth it.

By Posted By: sandee_80 - Sat Jun 27 13:24:25 EDT 2009 Not Rated Question roadIs the road washed out getting to Mount Cheam....I hard it is...I want to do it July 4

By Posted By: caro89 - Sat Jun 06 00:30:42 EDT 2009 Not Rated Upside Totally I do want to go! Where are you when? call me anytime 604 316 8674...that'd be amazing! Hope to hear from you (I'm up early

By Posted By: Peakclimber52 - Fri Jun 05 17:57:02 EDT 2009 Not Rated Upside Hey! I'm planning on doing mt. cheam tomorrow too. Let me know if you still need a ride there

By Posted By: caro89 - Sun May 31 23:43:03 EDT 2009 Not Rated Question Mt Cheam on Saturday...Hi everyone! Me and a friend want to do the mount cheam hike next saturday (june 6). Does anyone wnat to go up there too? We don't have a vehicle to get there yet, we would be very thankful for a ride.

hoping for answers

By Posted By: HannahP. - Mon Sep 15 22:03:24 EDT 2008 Not Rated Comment The directions above are slightly off. You will need to set your odometer to 0 at the vedder bridge before you turn left on Chilliwack, at 27 km is the entrance to Foley Forest Service Rd. There just so happens to be another forest service rd. at 28 km. Myself and two other vehicles ended up there with these same instructions!

By Posted By: Akele - Sun Jul 20 11:41:19 EDT 2008 Upside Beautiful hike Downside Forestry road is in bad shape and has been for a while 4x4 is needed no matter what season. We dirt bike in that are a lot and most of the roads are like this. Comment Our first time hiking Mt. Cheam and it was worth it, the more clear the day the better as the view increase with having no cloud coverage. Evening is supposed to be the best view before sunset as the breeze can blow away the majority of the clouds.

By Posted By: rvank - Tue Jun 24 22:19:14 EDT 2008

By Posted By: gabhan - Tue Oct 30 16:14:21 EDT 2007 Upside Superb views, decent workout especially when the mountain is covered with snow. Not too busy. Downside The logging road is in terrible state. 4WD only - this drive is not for the faint of heart. Comment Hiked this on October 27th. The snow started at the car park and the lakes were frozen or partially frozen. Superb clear day and the view to the south to Mt Baker was superb! Tough getting up to Spoon Lake without wearing crampons. Spoon Lake was frozen solid. Getting to the summit was very hard as we kept falling and sliding down 2 metres at a time before getting back up on our feet. Should have worn crampons!!

The top gave superb views in all directions. Was very cold but nothing the right gear can't keep out. Got buzzed by a tourist plane as it circled the summit taking photos of me!

On the way down, slid down the hillside on our backs to Spoon Lake. Terrifc fun! It took 45 minutes to hike from Spoon Lake to the summit but only about 3 to get back down (be careful though as sliding into rocks hurts as my wife can testify to!)

Overall - fantastic!! If going in late Oct/Nov, take crampons and maybe an ice axe. Access road is 4WD only. It is a very hard and long drive; large potholes, ditches and steep climbs. Thankfully I took my Jeep Cherokee as it coped better than I did!

By Posted By: Adam+Laura - Tue Sep 04 20:29:54 EDT 2007 Upside Outstanding view
Good work out
Very rewarding on clear day, especially veiw of Mt.Baker
Fantastic apline meadows Downside Very hard to get up to trail head, "do not try with out 4wheel drive as of Sept 1 2007, very steep, lots of washouts"

It is very steep at top, I would not bring children, but lots of people did.

The peek is very scary if you are afraid of heights. "But" you don't have to go all the way to the top to make it worth the trip. Comment It took an hour from White Rock to drive to FSR, then it took about an hour to drive up the road to the trail head. The FSR is cool on its own.

Worth going if you are an average to good hiker with a 4wheel drive truck.

By Posted By: rideyerbikeok - Wed Aug 22 02:03:12 EDT 2007 Not Rated Comment Hey, does anyone have advice on climbing this mountain from the Bridal Falls side? Thanks.

By Posted By: JaredC - Tue Aug 07 23:36:34 EDT 2007 Upside Excellent trail, easy to follow etc. Views you wouldn't expect to experience this close to the lower mainland! Downside The road is getting pretty rough. Even the 2WD pickups were abandoned a few km's before the trailhead. Comment Just a heads up, it's about an hour to the trailhead once you turn onto the Foley FSR. We camped up a side road a few hundred metres from the trailhead... the bugs were only bad during daylight. The stars were bright and the bugs were nowhere to be seen after dark! This was a great hike and I'll be going back again.

By Posted By: mrpalerider - Mon Jul 30 15:33:27 EDT 2007 Not Rated Upside Still an amazing mountain so close to the valley Downside The roads are now in horrible shape. Because of our bis storms we had this past winter there are now lots of larger washouts and some trees. I had to lock my hubs and use 4x4 is some sections, that used to never be the case. Be prepared to turn around if you don't have a vehicle that can do some 4x4'ing Comment Now's the perfect time of year with all the wild flowers

By Posted By: Alys - Mon Sep 11 01:51:14 EDT 2006 Not Rated Upside Absolutely awesome and we didn't even have a view at the top as it was totally covered with cloud. We loved it, the meadow and spoon lake were beautiful. We can't wait to do the trek in nice sunny weather. The top was eerie due to the fact we had no view and were surrounded by cloud but we loved it. Our pictures look like we were at the top of Everest. LOL. Downside Not much, just cold and windy because of the cool day. Comment Loved it !!!

By Posted By: wayne170747 - Tue Sep 05 22:29:33 EDT 2006 Not Rated Upside Excellent view. Downside Way to many bugs at the summit, bring STRONG chemicals. Comment I was up today. There seems a big debate about whether you need a 4 wheel drive to reach the parking lot. You don't. What you need is a vehicle with good clearance. There are some large rocks that need to be straddled or wheeled over about 2k from the parking lot. A front wheel drive Suzuki pretend 4X4 can make it and any normal pickup

By Posted By: Firefightra - Sat Sep 02 20:07:21 EDT 2006 Upside Short enough for anyone to sumit. We took a friend on her first mountain summit and she was amazed. Downside The last 4 km of the logging road are really steep. Taking a vehicle, other than a 4x4, will leave you stranded around the last 3 km. We parked our tired car and walked the 3 km to the parking lot. Didn't see any cars in the lot...just trucks and SUV's. Comment This is a bit of a deceiving peak as just when you think you're nearing the top, it keeps on going! Spoon lake at the base of the trail is a fabulous place to have lunch and a swim; but, beware of the bugs. We did this in late August and they were annoying. Even if you don't think you can summit the peak, the lake and surrounding scenery are great for a picnic. Views at the top were fabulous...we didn't have any problems with bugs at the top. Beware of bad knees coming down...use trekking poles or your knees will hate you. There are blueberry patches throughout the hike and we found one that had absolutely sweet and huge blueberries. I gorged and was completely satisfied! Great for a day hike! We added an extra 3 km to the hike (car wouldn't make it) and spent some time at the lake and had enough time to make a full day out of it.

By Posted By: westons - Tue Aug 01 17:12:41 EDT 2006 Upside Mount Cheam has stupendous scenery...and a few mountain goats in the valley near Lady Peak. Downside Tough initial journey that requires a 4x4 vehicle, and it is almost 15 km of dusty potholes before hitting the parking lot. Comment I climb to the peak about once a year, and this time it was 1 hour and 40 minutes going up...and 1 hour and 10 minutes coming down. ( That's not including a half hour break at the peak to swat flies and eat lunch ).

By Posted By: bueffix - Sat Jun 10 02:59:06 EDT 2006 Not Rated Comment Researching into Chilliwack area hikes, I was surprised at the last comment about the access directions. Get yourself a topo map if you are unsure. The one for the area is 92 H/4 (Chilliwack) and you can easily follow the route on the map exactly as described.

By Posted By: tbeerejo - Sat May 20 18:40:24 EDT 2006 Not Rated Comment Well if the directions to get here were good, we would have been able to find the trail. First, there is no exit 119A. Second, there is no foley service road at 28 kms left of the vedder bridge. Flukely enough, we ended up on the ford mt trail, which was good, but certainly never found this trail!!!

By Posted By: westons - Sat Mar 05 17:48:28 EST 2005 Upside Fantastic views. If going at a fast pace it can be done in 2 and a half hours. Downside Short but sweet. The drive up to the parking area is a little hazardous. Extremely busy during the summer. Comment Magnificent view of the Fraser Valley.

By Posted By: Derrick - Sun Jan 02 22:36:02 EST 2005 Upside A good trail that allows everyone the opportunity to stand on top of a mountain. Downside Not much, other than short. Comment You can make it longer by coming in from Bridal Falls side. WAY LONGER!

By Posted By: Kmarshall - Mon Sep 27 01:41:04 EDT 2004 Upside Awesome scenery Downside no real downside Comment very important tip get trekking poles. This hike like most hikes will hurt your knees hips. Trust me when I say this get them and they will save you the pain will be less and they will save your knees. Go to mountian co-op and get some pay the money look in the sale bins. You will be so happy that you did. Also taking dogs leash them when you get to the summit drops are well you will see when you get there. I am not trying to discourage just adding a few tips. I am the most inexperienced hiker on the face of the planet and I don't take chances. But this hike you can do it. I saw kids as young as 10 hiking it and as mature as 45yrs so any one can do this. Also when traveling to the parking lot please slow down honk your horn when on comming atv's and motorcyles can hear you coming trust me this saved us and the oncoming bikers. Drive slow take your time. Please and remember what you pack in pack out. I hope that helps. It is worth doing you will not be disappointed. Do it. Trust us. Also wear suntan lotion as I got sun a whole lot and it is the end of september. ENJOY

By Posted By: Kmarshall - Mon Sep 27 01:18:39 EDT 2004 Upside WOW the view the mountains the waterfalls the meadow so lush and green and warm,lots to see so little time. Jagged mountains they just seem to go on forever. A spectacular view of Chilliwack and the surrounding water and lakes. This is the most amazing hike we have ever done. We went September 26th it was so worth it Downside NO real downside. Comment The most amazing mountain yet that we have climbed and we have done 7 mountains so far and this is rated as a 10. pack lots of water and some food. Take the dogs they will love you forever. It is steep in places and you are exposed to the elements so be prepared bring a hat and bug spray and suntain lotion. It is a must. There is a lake to swim in and the dogs loved it. The meadows are lush and full of life. The mountain air is intoxicating and the scenery is breathless this will blow your mind. Take a camera or you will be disappointed. 21/2 hrs up and 11/2 hours done you can do it in 4 to 5 hours. Take your time have fun and enjoy we certainly did. We took a million pics and it was worth it. When you see the trail marker keep driving you are not there yet. Go all the way until you can go no further stay on the road follow the directions at the top.But don't stop where the marker is keep going other wise add on another 2 hrs to get to the begining of the trail. FXF is definetly recommended we have F 150 and it was awesome. Have fun we did and so did the dogs it was worth taking them.

By Posted By: philsera - Tue Jul 20 01:58:13 EDT 2004 Upside cool hike. easy access to alpine. great views. easy trail. Downside lots of people. bad, long logging road travel with lots of dirt bikes. Comment the turnoff is actually at 26km past vedder bridge and the sign has been spray painted, so its easy to miss.

By Posted By: anwon - Mon Apr 12 17:33:07 EDT 2004 Not Rated Upside Seldom used trail. Spectacular view from the ridge. Downside A short class 3 scramble with moderate exposure. Some route finding required. Not for beginners or those averse to heights. Comment As a challenging variation for experienced hikers or scramblers, you can ascend using the old west ridge trail. (Note: Do not attempt this route if it is wet or if you are uncomfortable with moderate exposure and/or heights.) From the parking lot, walk west on the road about 100m until you reach the first spur on the right (north). At the end of it, bash up the cutblock (about 10 minutes). At the top of the cutblock is a small meadow (lovely in July and August). Continue up steep slopes for 30-45 minutes to the west ridge. You'll find an old trail there. Follow the trail east. There is some flagging. About 40 minutes below summit, you'll reach the crux of the route--a 10m class 3 scramble. This section has moderate exposure with loose rock. There is no way around it so if you can't safely or comfortably climb it, you'll have to retrace your steps back to the parking lot. There is some easy and enjoyable class 2 scrambling afterwards, but route is straightforward to summit. Descend via standard route to Spoon Lake. Should take about 7 hours.

By Posted By: Sleddogsam - Sat Apr 10 19:55:07 EDT 2004 Upside This trail provides breathtaking views of both backcountry wilderness from the trail, and the populated Fraser Valley from the summit. The Meadow halfway up the trail can even be a beautiful no-trace camping site for those wanting to learn on a short (but challenging with a pack) trail. Downside Some garbage at the trailhead and on the trail. Comment What a great hike. Watch your kids/pets at the summit. The drop-offs are unforgiving. Please pack out what you bring in.

By Posted By: MJDJ - Wed Oct 29 03:01:25 EST 2003 Upside Breathtaking views. Absolutely dizzying heights. Magnificent alpine meadows, this hike has it ALL! Downside The last 4kms of de-activated road is in BAD shape after the September rains. Someone needs to bring a bulldozer up there to level it out and fill in the gaping crevices! Comment Plan on spending the ENTIRE DAY up here, it is THAT gorgeous!
Pick up your garbage and please respect this beautiful area!

By Posted By: Corrie - Sat Sep 27 19:38:31 EDT 2003 Not Rated Upside You can see forever. On top of the world, lots of photo opts.Good work out. Downside May be difficult if bad knees, but worth the workout. Comment One of the best hikes I have been on. Reminds me of Gros Morn in NFL

By Posted By: toad - Sun Jul 20 00:27:34 EDT 2003 Not Rated Upside Awsome veiws, beautiful meadows, great trail, nice swim at Spoon Lake Downside lots of weird bugs on the summit Comment Wonderful hike, it was hard to think of any downside!!

Mt. Cheam

Mt. Cheam near Chilliwack, BC

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