MOUNT CHEAM HIKE — MARA GROOTENBOER

Heading into the summer months I thought I would start a series of the hikes that Eric and I have done, specifically for my Pacific Northwest readers! Nostalgia may be setting in as we are getting ready to move in a few weeks, but I also realized we have so many pictures of hikes that we have kept all to ourselves. I know for us we love to be able to look at pictures of the trails and viewpoints, yes I love just being outside as well, but I do love a vast viewpoint as a reward for the hike we endure. That is a huge factor when we are trying to pick a hike. We have hardly repeated any hikes, there are so many to choose from, which is awesome, but also overwhelming when you are trying to narrow down which hike to choose. This hike was in our top 5 hikes that we have done in BC.

One of the best things about this hike, other than the view from the top and the Alpine Meadows, was that you drive up a majority of it. Saves your legs and feet a lot of the brutal steep switchbacks. Only thing is, you definitely need a 4x4 vehicle with good clearance, the washouts are no joke. You climb about 2000 meters in elevation which is insane and such a blessing, leaving you with only a couple of kilometers between you and summit of Mount Cheam. 4x4 is definitely necessary, but makes it even more incredible because when you get to the parking lot up top it is not cluttered with people, definitely something that is highly appreciated when you are wanting to hike in the lower mainland to get incredible views and not have the crowds of people ruining your hiking experience.

It is a 9.5 kilometer round trip, in and out trail. You start with a pretty easy and low elevation through the alpine meadows, personally always my favourite part during summer hikes. So peaceful and so beautiful with its grassy patches, slightly rolling hills and wild flowers. There is nothing so breathtaking as the alpine views. You can bring your swimsuit or not and jump in a little glacial lake to cool off on your way down and near the end of your hike! I personally didn’t, but it is always an option if that is your way of ending a hike! the first half or little more than half of the hike is very low to mild elevation gain with switchbacks throughout the alpine meadows. The last 2 kilometers or so is where it gets a bit steeper, but still very doable! You make it to the top and see the unobstructed views and the feeling of your aching hip flexors will soon disappear.

Hiking has a way of doing that to you. False peaks, steep sections of rock scramble and hip flexors that feel on fire, makes you want to quit at some point, but then, just then you get the very end and all of that pain disappears. The views will take your breath away, and all in that first glimpse it all disappears and you get lost in the views. You will see 360 degree views. You will see all of the Fraser Valley, Mount Baker, Lady Peak, Jones lake and the Fraser River. Unobstructed views are the best views, and these views are so so worth it. Pack a lunch and some delicious snacks and eat up top! Always hike in layers or pack layers in your backpack, it is always colder up top obviously with the wind, plus with you sweating on your way to the top it will all dry and you get cold rather quickly!

The hardest part of this trail is probably just getting up to the parking lot. The road is not for the faint of heart or vehicle, but our Jeep took it like a champ, so if you have a reliable 4x4 with pretty good clearance you will be just fine! I would rate this scale as an easy to intermediate hike. So make the adventure up to Mount Cheam, you will not be disappointed in the slightest. Always be smart of course when you are hiking in the summer months. Wild life is a thing, but nothing you have to fear, just be prepared with some bear spray and properly storing your food in your backpack. Hiking with a few others is always a great idea as well if you can! This trail is open from July-October for the summer months. Enjoy this in the beautiful summer ,right in July before the smoke settles in. Hopefully this coming summer we will avoid all of the forest fires, but if it’s not the case, then go right in July and the smoke usually isn’t too bad at that point yet! Mount Cheam will not disappoint you! I’ve linked all of my favourite hiking essentials that get me through each of these hikes, in the picture below! This camelbak is the perfect size, and not too big where it hurts your shoulders and lower back when hiking, perfect for my fellow lady hikers!