Hiking Mount Cheam, Fraser Valley, B.C

This mountain has been on my bucket list forever  and I was finally able to cross it off. Climbing Mount Cheam…it was truly everything I had expected it to be. Amazing. Breathtaking. Beautiful. And doing it with my 13-year-old daughter? That was the icing on the cake.

The Drive Up

From the main road (Chilliwack Lake Rd), you’ll turn onto a FSR called Foley Creek Service Rd. From there, it’s approximately 1 hour to the trailhead parking lot and you will want a truck for this drive. The cross-ditches are absolutely relentless. Deep, constant, and never-ending. Can you make it in a regular SUV without great clearance? Sure , but how much do you like your SUV? You’re likely going to bottom out and scrape. I was in full sized truck and hit twice, this was takking the cross ditches at an angle. 

I hated the drive up and honestly don’t want to do it again unless someone else is driving. Yes, I am a big baby. Others might find the challenge fun. I did not. That said , the hike makes it 1000% worth it, so there’s always that.

The Trailhead & The Climb

Once I calmed down from the drive, I was immediately in awe of the scenery. Honestly, as you get close to the parking lot, the views will already have your jaw dropping  and you won’t even be out of your vehicle yet. There’s an outhouse at the trailhead, so take advantage of it before the climb if needed.

In total, it took us about 2 hours to reach the top with plenty of breaks and a relaxed pace. Most people make it up in just over an hour to an hour and a half. I’m not in shape for hiking and slow. 

The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. After the first kilometre or so, just past Little Spoon Lake, the real climb begins. From there, it’s a steady, consistent ascent with no real flattening until you reach the little pond after the first big push, a perfect spot to rest and soak in the views. And the views? Did I mention how beautiful this hike is? We stopped constantly, not just to catch our breath, but to genuinely take it all in.

Near the top, on the left side of the trail, you’ll spot a rocky outcropping. It’s a fantastic photo spot and reminiscent of those famous “hanging over the edge” photos, except here you really are hanging over the edge. (not really, but it does look cool) We skipped it because we came for the peak, but it’s a great stop, and you can even see Chilliwack in the background.

The Peak

The summit views are absolutely incredible, and honestly, it was hard to tear ourselves away. There’s a bench near the top, and just to the right of it sits the true peak. We waited a few minutes for others to finish their photos before making our way up. Little chipmunks were scurrying around us, pretty adorable company.

We spent about 20 minutes at the top with no one waiting behind us, just completely soaking it all in. Surreal doesn’t even begin to cover it. This is a mountain I see every single day and one that greets me each morning with her beauty and radiates an energy that genuinely lifts my spirit. And there I was, standing at her literal peak. Amazing.

It was disappointing to see garbage and leftover orange peels along with sandwiches and things at the peak. Remember, leave no trace and that includes anything food related. . 

Trail Traffic

The trail is moderately busy and  popular for good reason! We passed around 20 other people along the way, all ages. Honestly, the rough access road probably acts as a natural crowd filter. Without it, I imagine there’d be triple the people up there at any given time.

The Hike Down

Heading down took about an hour at a relaxed pace. No rush, but we were still eager to get back. Absolutely gorgeous from start to finish, I can’t recommend this hike enough. I’m already hoping to go back next summer. 🏔️