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