Details
Features
About this place
This trail offers amazing views in a short day hike. Depending on the season you can experience blooming wildflowers or sparkling snow, with the aroma of pine in the forest. This is my favourite hike to watch the sun set over the local mountains. This hike is a must.
Elk Mountain is one of the not so hidden-hidden gems in Chilliwack, BC. Clocking in at around 4 hours return it is an easy day hike offering beautiful views of the Fraser Valley and surrounding mountains. Reaching around 1500m in only 3.5 km, this trail is steep, but beautiful forest and mountain views help take your mind off the incline.
There are some steep and slippery sections, so good shoes and a lot of water are helpful. Once you are above the treeline you are greeted with the first spectacular view. This is a perfect place to refuel and take a quick break. From here the trail returns to the forest and continues climbing up for another 15 minutes until you reach the Elk Mountain summit. This point offers panoramic views of the valley, Cultus Lake, Mount Baker and many other local mountains.
From here you can continue to Thurston Mountain. This second summit is only another 3.5 km and is well worth it.
If you love chasing sunsets like me, give yourself an hour and a half from the top parking lot or two and a half hours from the bottom parking lot before scheduled sunset.
Leave No Trace
