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.

Mount 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.

 

Flora Mountain (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 Cheam

For the hiking enthusiast in the Fraser Valley this is a must.  Overlooking the Fraser Valley as one looks past Chilliwack its peak beckons to all. While the drive (4 wheel drive) to the trail head is not enjoyable, the hike and the resulting view are among the best.  The trail head is also the jumping off point for the climb up Lady Peak.  While the much easier access than the 1970's route which took you up from the Trans Canada Highway is the result of logging roads, it is unfortunate that logging has destroyed much of the beauty of this area.

On clear summer days, when there is no smog, it is possible to see the Gulf Islands.

Mt Cheam on the left and Lady Peak on the right

Lady Peak from Spoon Valley

 To find this hike drive to Sardis and follow Vedder Road south until you reach the bridge and the 3-way intersection at Chilliwack Lake Road. Turn left and zero your odometer. When you reach 26 km look left for the Foley Creek Forestry Service Road (fairly easy to find) and drive for 2km. After crossing the bridge, turn left at the junction and drive another 2km and then turn right onto the Chipmunk Creek Forest Service Road. There will be a gravel pit at this location. From this location, continue on the narrow road as it becomes very rough and follow it for about 8km to the end parking area. There are several turnoffs along the route, however stay along the most obvious road and it will take you to the trailhead.

http://www.motioninsports.com/HiddenGemsBC/Mount-Cheam/i-P8kTmzQ