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.

Cascade Creek

Cascade Creek and Cascade Falls is north east of Mission BC.  In summer this becomes a "hot" spot as the creeks cold waters attract hundreds when the temperatures soar.  The creek is known for whitewater kayaking on its upper reaches as it cuts through bedrock to form impressive waterfalls.  For a short time the 30 meter high Cascade Falls was the highest waterfall kayaked successfully.  Around the falls is a regional park with trails and protective fencing to keep everyone away from the cliffs.

Cascade Creek below the Falls

the required tourist photo of the Falls

For more photographs visit:  Waterfalls of Mission BC

Mount 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

Pearce Lake

The climb to the Upper Lake has one questioning their sanity.  However, once the objective is reached and the view is taken in, the struggles become worthwhile.  If one has Pearce Lake itself as the objective chances are that they will be disappointed. Those who continue upwards reap the rewarding views. Along the trail one will pass many small creeks until you reach the half way point to Pearce Lake.  Here there is a creek crossing which is usually completed by climbing over logs.  Just before this creek one enters a section of the trail which is simply beautiful.  The trees are substantial in size and the forest floor is carpeted with moss.  In addition in late Summer and early Fall almost a countless variety of mushrooms are there to photograph.

Upper Lake view north  Mt Cheam and Lady Peak in the distance

Waterfall between Pearce Lake and the Upper Lake

My faithful hiking buddy "Buddy" cooling off

Allow around 3 hours to reach Pearce Lake, for those with some remaining energy the climb to the Upper Lake takes another 45 minutes to an hour and to reach the peak of Mt McFarlane another 30 minutes to 1 hour.  All told the climb to the Upper Lake is around 1700 meters with the peak of McFarlane another 250. While it is possible to complete this hike in one day to do so demands that you are in peak condition.  

To reach the trail head drive to Chilliwack on the #1 Highway and take exit 119 (Vedder Road).  Drive south until you reach the 3-way stop by the river crossing.  Turn left onto Chilliwack River Road.  Zero out your odometer.  Drive past the National Defense firing range on the right for a total of 23 kilometers.  On the right will be a sign "Pearce Lake Trail".  Turn and follow the dirt road for about 300 meters.  Park here and begin your trek to the right.

For more photographs click on this link:  Pearce Lake/Mt McFarlane photos