Chilliwack is a town in the Fraser Valley which is about 1 hour from Vancouver. The mountains around here are stunning and you will often find incredible views of Mount Baker. The majority of the hikes on this list are challenging but there are some easy, family-friendly ones as well. Hopefully, with the variety this lister provides, you can find exactly what you are looking for.

Hikes Near Chilliwack

These hikes are arranged approximately from easiest to hardest. 

1. Cascade Falls 

Distance: 0.6km | Elevation Gain: Minimal | Difficulty: Easy

This walk in the woods may not truly fall into the “hike” category but it is an excellent place to get out into nature anytime of year and during any weather. 

This short walk will bring you to a stunning waterfall that plunges into the blue pool below, there is even a suspension bridge you can walk on to get up close and personal with the falls. 

2. Bridal Veil Falls 

Distance: 1km | Election Gain: 100m | Difficulty: Easy

These fanning falls are at the end of a short walk uphill and they are stunning. The hike can be done year-round and in any weather but please note that the park is closed from November through March.

In the winter months, people will park alongside the road outside the park gate and walk in, but this area may fill up quickly on the weekend. 

3. Teapot Hill 

Distance: 5km | Elevation Gain: 250m | Difficulty: Easy

This is a fun and quirky hike at Cultus Lake. The hike has a steady incline but is never too hard and along the way you can find about 100 hidden teapots and teacups in the forest, it is truly magical and very fun for all ages! 

The hike can typically be done year-round and is still pleasant on a rainy day. 

4. Chilliwack Community Forest Canyon 

Distance: 4km | Elevation Gain: 200m | Difficulty: Easy/Moderate 

This area has many different trails that are used by hikers and mountain bikers. Though there are not many big views here, the forest is beautiful and it is a great place to escape into nature without having to drive too far. 

The trails can be accessed year-round but the dense forest also can hold snow so consider recent weather conditions before you go. The entire place is on a slope so you will have a decent workout but nothing too strenuous. Also, note that cougars are often spotted here so remain alert. 

5. Lindeman Lake 

Distance: 3.5km | Elevation Gain: 250m | Difficulty: Easy/Moderate 

This stunning blue lake is a must-see if you are from the area. The hike to get there is short but a bit more strenuous than you would imagine. There are some rocky parts that are slick and there are some steep sections but it is well worth it.

Though this hike is usually snow-free year-round, I would recommend going on a dry day due to the slickness of the rocks. 

In the summer you can bring a picnic and hang out by the lake all day and swim (though the water is cold). Be prepared to arrive early on a sunny weekend because it is a popular place and parking can fill up quickly.

If you want to extend this hike you can continue on to Greendrop Lake where there is a campsite. The hike from the parking lot to Greendrop and back is about 11km with 500m of elevation gain and is accessible between April and October. 

If you want to extend the hike further you can do the loop around the entire park, past Greendrop, past Flora Lake, up to Flora Peak (read about it below), and then back to the parking lot, this is a full day and very challenging hike. 

6. Rotary Vedder River Loop 

Distance: Up to 20.5km | Elevation Gain: Minimal | Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

This trail is used heavily by mountain bikers but can be hiked as well. The trail takes you along the river and gives you varying views. You can make this trail as long or short as you want as there is no final destination at the end. 

This trail is snow-free year-round and is a great choice to get out and enjoy some nature without having it be too strenuous. 

7. Vedder Mountain Ridge 

Distance: 9km | Elevation Gain: 400m | Difficulty: Moderate

This trail near Chilliwack is best done from April to November (if you choose to go in the winter be sure to bring microspikes). 

The trail has plenty of hills but is overall not too strenuous. There are several viewpoints along the way, including views of the valley and the surrounding mountains.

Note that the last 1km or so of the road before the trailhead is very rough and filled with massive potholes. If you do not have a 4WD I would recommend parking lower down on the road and walking the rest of the way up (though it is a steep road).

8. Mount Thom via Thom Creek 

Distance: 7km | Elevation Gain: 450m | Difficulty: Moderate

This sweet little hike just outside of Chilliwack will give you a quick workout and beautiful views of the valley at the top. The hike is best done between April and November when there is no snow but can be done in the winter with microspikes as well. 

The trail is well maintained and fairly busy. It is also a great trail for kids as it isn’t too long or challenging. 

9. Cheam Peak 

Distance: 8.5km | Elevation Gain: 650m | Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging

This is one of the most popular hikes in the area and for good reason! The terrain is diverse and has both steep and flat sections, there are views along the way, a lake just off the trail, and lots of wildflowers in the height of summer. The views at the end are also stunning and look out across the valley to Mount Baker and the Cascade Mountains.  

The most challenging part about this hike is the drive to get to it. The road to the trailhead is very rough and filled with significant potholes that cannot be driven over by a small car without the risk of damage or getting stuck. The road is also impassable during the winter so do not try to go out there in the off-season.

This hike can only be done in the summer (between July and September). If you can make it to Cheam Peak you will be highly rewarded!

10. Lady Peak 

Distance: 7km | Elevation Gain: 750m | Difficulty: Challenging 

This hike is almost the same as Cheam Peak (above) but diverges on a different trail shortly before the summit that is steeper and rougher. The views are just as, if not more, stunning than Cheam, though there are usually fewer people on the trail. 

The hike can be done between July and September and features a lake, wildflowers, and incredible mountain and valley views. 

The road to drive there is impassable with a small car (please read the Cheam Peak description for more information).

11. Williamson Lake 

Distance: 4km | Elevation Gain: 550m | Difficulty: Challenging

This is a short but steep hike that takes you to a beautiful lake with a small waterfall and wildflowers in the summer. The trail itself is overgrown and there are some sections with loose shale but it is in decent conditions in most parts. 

The drive to get there is the rough part with lots of potholes on the old forest road, I would recommend not driving it in a small car. You can park lower down on the road and walk, but it will add on a significant number of kilometers. 

This hike is best accessed between July and September and is a beautiful place to hang out for the day. 

12. Elk Mountain 

Distance: 8.2km | Elevation Gain: 750m | Difficulty: Challenging

This is a stunning hike that is usually snow-free in June, slightly earlier than many of the other trails on this list. This is also a great snowshoeing trail in the winter! 

The hike is steep the majority of the way but you will find wildflowers along the trail in August and September and at the end, you will get stunning views of Mount Baker and the Fraser Valley. 

The road to get to the trailhead is a dirt forest service road but it is decently maintained which means most cars can drive it. Note that the parking lot fills up quickly on a sunny weekend so arrive early. 

13. Eaton Lake 

Distance: 12km | Elevation Gain: 1000m | Difficulty: Challenging

This hike is a serious grind as it travels uphill until you reach the lake; however, the lake and the mountains around it are a beautiful reward and there are waterfalls along the trail to bring you joy as your legs burn. 

At the top, there is also a small campsite if you want to make this a two-day excursion and you can take the less traveled trail up to Mount Grant if you want to further challenge yourself. 

I would recommend doing this trail between July and October to avoid the snow. The drive from Chilliwack is at least an hour, likely longer in a smaller car due to the long potholed forest road to the trailhead. 

14. Mount Saint Benedict 

Distance: 11km | Elevation Gain: 1000m | Difficulty: Challenging

This hike leads you to a lake, and if you keep going to the end you will reach the mountain summit with nearly 360-degree views. The trail itself is definitely challenging and is a real leg burner, especially just before the end but it is well worth it. 

The road to get to the trailhead has potholes but it can be done in most cars, then you will walk along a logging road for a short while. I would not recommend it is as it can be dangerous with the trucks coming down the mountain but you can attempt to drive the logging road to get closer to the trailhead if you are very careful.

The trail is best done between June and October to avoid snow. Also, note that this trail seems to attract a lot of bugs so be sure to bring your repellent. Be sure to download a map before you go as well. 

15. Flora Peak 

Distance: 11.5km | Elevation Gain: 1300m | Difficulty: Challenging

This hike starts at the same place as Lindeman Lake and is best done between June and October. 

The hike is challenging as it is uphill the majority of the way but the views at the top are incredible and you will be able to see mountains all around you. 

If you want to make this a super long and challenging day hike or a two-day hike you can continue on to Flora Lake then Greendrop Lake and finally Lindeman Lake for a full loop. Flora Peak is the highlight of the trail so I would recommend just doing an out and back unless you want to camp. 

Arrive early to get a parking spot on a sunny weekend and take a dip in Lindeman Lake on your way back to refresh. 

16. Mount Slesse 

Distance: 18km | Elevation Gain: 1000m | Difficulty: Challenging

This is a challenging trail through the forest that can be overgrown in places and you might encounter high streams or rockslides depending on the recent weather but the views at the end are stunning. You will be rewarded with sights of mountains and the valley and there are wildflowers in August and September. 

The trail is largely forested and can be damp, which means shade but also means bugs so be sure to bring your repellant. 

The trail is best accessed between June and September to avoid snow. Please note that the road to get to the trailhead is rough and requires a 4WD vehicle. 

17. Gloria Trail 

Distance: 14km | Elevation Gain: 1200m | Difficulty: Challenging 

This is a challenging hike that takes you uphill through a forest the whole way. There are no views along the way so you have to keep your mind distracted with the forest so you don’t think about how hard it is on your legs. 

At the end you will find beautiful mountain views and likely you will have the lookout to yourself.

The road to get there is not too bad and can likely be done in any kind of car. The hike itself is best done between June and September to avoid snow. 

18. Radium Lake (and Mount Webb)

Distance: 17.5km | Elevation Gain: 1150m | Difficulty: Challenging 

This hike starts at Chilliwack Lake and is a steep slog through the forest to the lake. The lake is beautiful and blue and there is a campsite if you want to stay the night. 

If you are interested in adding another 3km and 300m of elevation gain and some scrambling to the end of your hike to get to the summit of Mount Webb it is well worth it for the 360-degree views. 

This hike is best done between June and October to avoid snow, but the good news is that the trailhead is easy to drive to, which is unusual for most hikes near Chilliwack. 

19. Pierce Lake and Mount MacFarlane

Distance: 16 to 20km | Elevation Gain: 1600 to 1800m | Difficulty: Challenging 

This hike is a steep slog but it gets fun after the first few kilometers of leg burner uphill. Once you hit the first lake you will find stream crossings, a boulder field, and wildflowers.

The first lake has a small dock and is a great place to set as your final destination if you are not up to finish the trail. However, it is after this lake that the views keep getting better and better and the trail becomes more interesting.

At the second lake, there is a small campsite if you want to stay the night. If you are up for it you can continue past the second lake and summit Mount MacFarlane where you will find unreal views. 

This hike will definitely take all day so be sure to bring plenty of food and water. The best time to do this hike is between July and September. Also, note that sometimes there are car break-ins at this parking lot so be sure not to leave any valuables behind. 

Happy Hiking!