Overnight hike at Upper Pierce Lake

                                                              Lower Pierce Lake

                                                              Upper Pierce Lake

This was our first over night hike.The view was spectacular to wake up to.

This was the hardest hike I have done to date. It was roughly 21kms and took us about 10hrs return.

Finding the trail head was super easy. If you're heading up Chilliwack Lake rd there is a turn off just passed the CFB rifle range. There is a sign so keep your eyes open on your right hand side. Follow the gravel rd until you hit a small parking lot. The trail head is directly in front.

Our original plan was to make it up to the top of Mount Macfarlane which you can see clearly from Upper Pierce. But we were only staying the one night and the hike was a lot steeper then we had anticipated. So next time we plan to go for a few more nights so we can explore the mountain tops.

The first 3hrs of the hike is really steep. It is mostly in the shade but once you pass Lower Pierce the trail starts to lead you through Alpine meadows. It should only take another 1hr or so until you reach your final destination at Upper Pierce Lake.

The last section of this hike is very technical and requires you to scale the mountain side. The path does give way because of the shale. So be very aware of your footing

In the beginning I started out with two hiking poles but at this point I needed one hand free to guide myself safely. The pack I was wearing weighed about 40lbs. I was not used to wearing such an awkwardly sized bag. It definitely made it a challenge for me as I scaled the mountain side. Causing me to lose my balance a few times. 

On our return, we were lucky enough to see a Black bear. We stayed hidden in the brush and watched it as it strolled through the meadow. It was a perfect ending to our weekend.

As I had mentioned earlier this was a very steep hike and on the way down it doesn't make it any easier. 

My knees and thighs were shaking like jelly when we got back to the car. 

Although this hike was physically and mentally challenging, I loved every min of it. It was the best weekend ever and I can't wait for our next over night hike.

21 km

10hrs

elevation gain: 1800m

Chadsey Lake

Chadsey Lake

Chadsey Lake is located within Sumas Mountain. It has a poorly marked entrance to the trail but it is a very popular hike. I have always come across cars parked along the side of the gravel road indicating you are at the trail head. The centennial trail is also linked to Sumas Mountain and you will see trail markings as you climb, but to get to Chadsey Lake follow the orange markers.
Every time i set out to do this hike i have it in my my head that its an easy quick hike. But then reality hits in and it's actually pretty tough going. Whats nice about this hike is it is in between the trees and remains shady and cool. The trail goes up and down so you can catch you breath before you have to begin climbing again.
Once you reach a gravel road. (this is a good halfway point)Turn right and roughly 50 feet will be a small trail leading up into the forest. Once again there are no markings.  This is my favorite part of the hike. I find it to be so beautiful.
There is a giant boulder you will have to climb up. But not to worry, there is a rope to help you. Its a very easy scamper up. My husband can do it with our son on his back and our dogs look at us like we are taking too long! The boulder means you have almost reached the lake.
We did try to go past the lake but it was blocked off. If anyone has any info on that we love to hear about it.
5hrs round trip
6km

Giving a purpose to each climb

After having our son i started to feel super discouraged. I wanted to lose the baby weight so badly.  My husband and I had always enjoyed the out doors and so we decided hiking would be a great way to get back in shape together. I've always been a runner but nothing beats how much weight i've lost in 16 months because of our determination to climb to the top. I've lost 50 pounds and let me tell you the last 10 were the hardest. As my fitness improves I want to keep pushing myself and luckily I can say that my husband is up for the challenge. Our 16 month old son, well he doesn't get a choice right now but I'm sure he will grow to love the out doors as much as we do.
By no means do we consider ourselves pros at hiking. Just people who like to be surrounded by the countryside.
I started posting pic on fb but then thought why not start a blog and share our thoughts and photos with anyone who is in the same boat as us. Enjoying life together!

Cheam Peak

On our way up to Cheam Peak. July 

At the top
No view today. Overcast.

Cheam Peak is located just off the Chilliwack/ Foley forest service road. You need a 4x4 to make it up the logging road. Once you turn onto the Chipmunk Creek forest service road it starts to get pretty bumpy. The drive up is about 11km. There are wild salmonberries along the drive. My husband was picking them from his window and eating them as we went up. 

I believe there are a few dirt bike trails on the way up, so you may encounter dirt biker's and atv drivers but the actual trail has been blocked off so only hikers and skiers can access it.

One thing I have to point out, the outhouse located near the parking lot was very clean and user friendly. No holding breath needed!

There was quite a bit of snow covering the trail which made it hard to know where we were going, specially as we had never done the trail before. So we followed the tread from previous hikers and eventually found our way back onto the trail. 

Our dogs had a great time, running up and down the hill side. As I write this blog they are both fast asleep. 

There were several groups of hikers we encountered throughout the day and no sigh of bears. 

It was a beautiful adventure. Definitely a steep hike but Im told the view is worth it. Unfortunately for us it was overcast. I guess we will just have to do it again on a clear day.

The hike is about 4.5hrs round trip

Elevation 2175ft

9.5km