Mount Cheam Hiking Trail, Chilliwack, BC

Brandon from Sask writes:

Did the hike Oct. 23, lower part of the trail was good. Some snow close to the peak but still manageable in hiking boots. Several groups said they had seen bears in the high sections of the meadows, but I never ended up seeing any.

Road up was a rough FSR, but I made it to the top in my VW Golf (did some undercarriage scrapping though)so anything higher should easily make it up if you take your time on the washouts.

Posted: October 30, 2011 08:15:41 PM PST

Pat from Vancouver writes:

I am happy to report that Pat did the right thing and he returned my bike to us this evening. :)

Posted: September 20, 2011 10:04:15 PM PST

Pat from Vancouver writes:

Regarding "Pat from Chilliwack" Careful if you go with "Pat" He/She stole my families bikes a day ago and is now selling them on craigslist. I have multiple pictures of myself and kids on our bikes so can verify 100% that these are our bikes. I contacted him and he is in a huge hurry to sell them and gave me his phone number which is the same one on here. I did file a police report. So please stay cautious, be very careful who you meet up with since you can have no clue who they really are these days! :(

Posted: September 20, 2011 12:41:40 PM PST

Miyuki from Vancouver writes:

We did this hike on September 10. The road up is rough; we have a 2003 Subaru Forester and would have made it to the parking lot but with the tires being a little worn we parked at the base of a steep hill approx. 2 km from the parking lot (not knowing it got better past it) and hoofed it from there. Take your time in the dips and as another writer said, sometimes taking them at a slight angle helps.

Contrary to the trail description, there is an outhouse at the trailhead.

The trail itself is in good shape with a few snowy patches but nothing that hiking boots can't handle. There is a profusion of wildflowers en route which make it quite spectacular. I would not recommend this hike on a hot day though, as there is very little shade, and the heat makes the going slower than it otherwise would be. Lots of bugs to start, although they lessen toward the top.

The view from the top is outstanding, even with the haze we had. I would definitely do this again, but on a much cooler day!

Posted: September 11, 2011 11:44:50 AM PST

William from Coquitlam writes:

I'm thinking of heading up to Cheam this weekend.
I've read the earlier comments about road conditions and vehicle requirements, clearance, de-activations, etc. I have a 4WD Suburban but I'm concerned that the road will be too rough for my truck because my truck is not lifted so I don't have outstanding clearance. Also, my Suburban is longer than most 4x4 vehicles.
Has anybody been up there recently who could comment on my particular mode of transportation?

Posted: September 9, 2011 03:49:09 PM PST

Brittany from Chilliwack writes:

Hello, will there be anybody heading up there that would be able to give a lift to three students :) we will be driving to the bottom, but will most likely need a lift up since the truck isn't in the best shape. We will help out with gas.
Thank you

Posted: September 5, 2011 10:35:12 PM PST

pat from chilliwack writes:

Hi...I would like to head up Cheam tomorrow sept 2 or 3 and will pay for gas...I dont have a 4wd
Can meet anywhere
604-764-9694

Posted: September 2, 2011 07:26:09 PM PST

Pradeep Reddy from Burnaby writes:

Hello Jeff,

I was just there Sat'day (27th Aug) and there is not much snow at all there, except for patches here and there... One 25m patch that you need to crossed on the way up and down etc.. Other than that, nothing much really...

Its gorgeous there - go check it out..
---
Jeff from Chilliwack writes:

I'm planning to hike this weekend and am wondering how the snow is now? Anyone been up there the last couple of days?

Posted: August 25, 2011 11:14:26 AM PST

Posted: August 28, 2011 01:32:31 AM PST

Jeff from Chilliwack writes:

I'm planning to hike this weekend and am wondering how the snow is now? Anyone been up there the last couple of days?

Posted: August 25, 2011 11:14:26 AM PST

Isabella from Vancouver writes:

See my post below for more details.

My boyfriend did the Off-Road driving. He has a lot of experience driving on logging roads, and it took us 1hr each way. It was very bumpy and required a lot of attention.

The 4.5 hrs description is quite accurate. We stopped for 0.5hr on the top for snacks, and hiked casually with frequent stops if we got tired. Took us exactly 2hrs to get to the top, and just under 2hrs to get back.

Posted: August 22, 2011 10:36:19 PM PST

Rick from Abbotsford. writes:

Hi - wondering if the 4.5 hrs as stated by Vancouver trails is accurate?? Or do I need to allow more time??
Cheers

Posted: August 22, 2011 09:51:42 AM PST

Chantal from Abbotsford writes:

Has anyone been up there recently? I'd like to go but I don't have any gear to hike in the snow so I am hoping our recent hot weather has melted the snow.

Posted: August 20, 2011 05:34:49 PM PST

Linda from Surrey writes:

We are thinking of hiking this at the end of August, but I'm concerned by the comment about the 99 "road deviations." Has anyone done the road since that comment was written? I haven't done much off-road driving, but drove up to the locked gate at Ford Mtn. the other day in my Subaru Forester and was comfortable with that. I'd appreciate a comment on the Mt. Cheam road by someone with more off-road experience than what I have... any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

Posted: August 20, 2011 09:40:10 AM PST

Isabella from Vancouver writes:

Did this hike on Aug 7. It was our first time. Did not see the spoon lake. The whole area of where the lake should be and the lower bank was covered in deep snow. The sun was very bright and we didn't wear sunglasses. The light reflecting off the snow, while walking on the snow was quite unpleasant, especially for it being the beginning of the hike. I wore out much of my energy at this part. After the snow, it was better but a little muddy at some spots. More snow to come. We both only fell once on the way down (we had hiking boots). We didn't see views on top except for clouds and blue sky above us. On the way down, seeing the sun setting was beautiful though.

Posted: August 20, 2011 07:41:46 AM PST

Patricia from Vancouver writes:

We counted 99 road deactivations --> one way!

So, in essence, you've got ~200 of these suckers to go through...some rougher than others. That's not including the pot holes or rocky terrain or steep drop-offs (on occasion closer to the top).

The deactivations get rougher toward the top.

A lower riding SUV/4x4 truck will feel it on both the front and back bumpers. Taller vehicles, probably not a problem. We were somewhere in the middle and experienced a few scrapings. We found going through some of them at an angle helped to prevent a lot of scrapes. Also, it was easier going down...could see more.

For those who decide to go back, there aren't too many places to safely turn around, unless you are used to driving in these conditions.

Other than the snarly road conditions, it was absolutely amazing!!! :D

Posted: August 13, 2011 11:03:55 PM PST

Cheryl from Coquitlam writes:

I do not recommend going up Cheam without trekking poles and possibly snow shoes/crampons at this time. I went this past weekend, August 6th, and was shocked by the amount of snow still on the mountain. On the way up my party and I felt the snow did not make hiking up the mountain impossible and we continued on. Unfortunately, as the day progressed and things heated up, the snow began to melt - making the way down a lot more dangerous. I fell a few times on the snow and resorted to sliding down on my butt more than once - as falling seemed inevitable anyways. We were passed by a couple of fellows with crampons and ice axes on our way up and I really wished we had been as well prepared as they were. We just didn't even think in August that that would ever be necessary. We were wrong!

Posted: August 8, 2011 10:05:00 AM PST

Grace from burnaby writes:

I have hiked to the Mt Cheam three times in the past three years, I haven't been there this year yet, I plan go to hike Mt Cheam this weekend ( august 12th).
Has anyone hiked-up to the Mt Cheam recently? Is still a lots snow there?

Posted: August 7, 2011 12:34:26 PM PST

Punjabi Lion from Surrey writes:

Tried this a couple weeks ago. Still a lot of snow... Doubtful you will make the parking lot. Be advised that trail is in ruff shape. We made it as far as the snow in our tacoma, but I saw guys in f-150's turning back not even half way up.. Wait till end of august..

Posted: July 17, 2011 05:39:09 PM PST

Isaiah from Dahl writes:

Has anyone done this hike latley, i was planning on doing this tomorrow and i want to know what the roads are like leading up to it, or is tehre too much snow

Posted: July 9, 2011 08:47:54 PM PST

Rashmi from Vancouver writes:

I tried this hike on 1st July . But due to snow could not even reach the parking lot. Still more than one foot snow there. Also to reach the head of trail, one need a proper 4X4 vehicle. The road is quite steep and full of ditches and gravels. Not recommended for beginner drivers.

Though the view is all worth the effort. Would love to try again.

Posted: July 5, 2011 12:16:21 AM PST

Bobby from Vancouver writes:

After you reach Cheam, go to its even more spectacular neighbor, the Lady Peak. Just beware the rubble which makes it a tricky scramble to the top!

Posted: June 12, 2011 02:08:42 AM PST

Jack from Burnaby writes:

I had been considering hiking there this Saturday (Oct 2, nice weather), until I read about this 4x4 thing. So sad I don't have one.
Does anyone mind taking me this weekend? I will share gas.

Posted: September 28, 2010 09:05:20 PM PST

Jen from Surrey writes:

I'm planning to head out and hike this tomorrow (Sunday Sept 19th) if anyone would like to join/split gas.
If you're coming from Vancouver I could pick you up from transit, otherwise can meet off the #1 hwy and head from there.
I have a 4x4.

Thanks!

Posted: September 18, 2010 06:24:49 PM PST

Mike from Burnaby writes:

I haven't been this year but last year I bent my trailer hitch slightly crossing a creek that cut through the gravel road. I'd remove it if I were you. Pretty rough road!

Posted: August 13, 2010 06:58:22 AM PST

Heather from Abbotsford writes:

I have Hiked Mt.Cheam every year for 9 years...going on saturday does anyone have any info on the roads up to the trail...I do have a 4x4 but I have a trailer hitch should I take the hitch off before going up? I have a Ford Explorer 4x4

Posted: August 13, 2010 06:42:59 AM PST

Jowat from Abbotsford writes:

Just did the hike yesterday. I'd say about 25% of the hike was still in snow; but very well packed and easy to keep to the trail even for 1st timers to Cheam. The peak was very windy and cold. clouds blocked the view. oh well... 2hrs up 45mins down. The drive took 45mins on logging roads. Many washouts/deactivated sections. I wouldn't attempt the road with a 2wd truck (unless you don't care about was happens to your truck). 4x4s only. There were 2 broken down trucks on the drive up due to overheating.

Posted: July 12, 2010 10:45:10 PM PST

jetz from Vancouver writes:

Has anyone done this hike lately? How are the roads heading up to the parking lot, and how are the trails?

Last year in June, we were unable to complete the hike due to snow and time.

Looking forward to doing this hike again. Just looking for some updates.

Thanks!

Posted: July 6, 2010 05:12:43 PM PST

Fei from Chilliwack writes:

Can I tag along? I can share with gas, or bring snacks. Thanks.

Posted: May 28, 2010 12:24:47 PM PST

alex from vancouver writes:

Hi Brian,
I'd like to do this hike, probably in early july - I'll be glad to take you along. Send me your email so we can keep in touch and I'll warn you when I go.
cheers

Posted: May 5, 2010 10:44:49 PM PST

Brian from Delta writes:

Since I don't have a 4x4.. would anyone be kind enough to take me with them on this trail.. I'll pay for gas as appreciation!

Posted: May 4, 2010 04:55:32 PM PST