Today was my first venture into the Coquihalla Recreation Area and I did Zoa Peak. Once back at the car, we had some extra time, so we did the quick 1 km trip to Falls Lake to check that out.  The most famous peak in this area is Yak Peak with its exposed granite exposure highly visible while driving the Coquihalla Highway. On our hike today, we saw no one on the Zoa Peak trail. We saw a group of 5 just returning from Falls Lake when we were back at the car. The weather was very nice – a good breeze all day and plenty of sun. The mosquitoes were out and I got a few bites, but the wind kept them at bay most of the day. We encountered our first little snow patch at 1750 m and after that there were plenty more snow patches – not difficult or deep to traverse – just nice to make things more interesting. The alpine flowers were in bloom and the views were amazing. All in all, it was a great day to do this hike.

The stats:

Distance: 10 km (return)
Low point: 1229 m
High point: 1853 m
Elevation gain: 624 m
Cumulative Elevation gain: 872 m
Trailhead: 49° 36’ 44.6” by  121° 03’ 54” (Google Map)

The route…

Here’s some of the amazing views we had today…

It was nice walking in the snow…

Admiring the view…

Someone made a little Inukshuk at the top…

We stopped for a break at the top and we also has cell signals !!

Here are some trail photos…

The alpine flowers were in bloom. Here is a Western Columbine…

And I’ll finish with the tranquil Falls Lake…

★★★★★★★★★★★

Before heading out on your hike, make sure you are well prepared. This means, having the TEN ESSENTIALS. It is also important to leave a trip plan (route details and estimated return time) with someone you trust.

Bring your smartphone, fully charged and put it in airplane mode while hiking. I always bring back-up battery packs for extra piece of mind. It is highly recommended that you bring a GPS device; I use my smartphone with a GPS app (Backcountry Navigator). The GPS will work in airplane mode. Learn how to use it before your hike.

For anyone new to hiking, there is a rule to which hikers follow; it is called “Leave No Trace” or LNT. The concept is generally to pack out what you pack in and respect nature, so all future visitors can enjoy what you have enjoyed.
To learn more about LNT, please check out this BLOG by a certified LNT Trainer.

★★★★★★★★★★★

Back to Chilliwack for another classic hike. Today was the first day of a ‘heat wave’, so I thought it would be good to get out before the temps were supposed to rise on the weekend. It’s also nice to do this hike on Friday and beat the masses.  On the way up, our group of 3 only saw one other hiker – a fast pregnant woman ! She kicked our butts up there. We would eventually meet more people on the traverse back.  There are amazing views of the Fraser Valley, the Chilliwack River Valley, Slesse Creek Valley and many local mountains. Temps were mid 20’s in the alpine environment, but dipped to a more refreshing temperature in the forest. As there are long stretches in the sun, we did get plenty of sun. The alpine flowers were in bloom and the colours (red, orange, blue, violet, white, yellow) were amazing. We returned to a hot car and the temperature was high 20’s.

The stats:

Distance: 14 km (return)
Low point: 616 m
High point: 1573 m
Cumulative Elevation gain: 1220 m
Calories burned: 3610
Trailhead: 49° 06’ 17.8” by  121° 49’ 15” (Google Map)

The route…

Here’s a nice view of the Fraser Valley…

Mt. Baker…

Slesse Creek Valley and Chilliwack River Valley…

Chilliwack River Valley…

Some Trail photos…

Here’s a group photo…

Some flowers…

Here’s an interesting bug, which is like a moth and a butterfly…

★★★★★★★★★★★

Before heading out on your hike, make sure you are well prepared. This means, having the TEN ESSENTIALS. It is also important to leave a trip plan (route details and estimated return time) with someone you trust.

Bring your smartphone, fully charged and put it in airplane mode while hiking. I always bring back-up battery packs for extra piece of mind. It is highly recommended that you bring a GPS device; I use my smartphone with a GPS app (Backcountry Navigator). The GPS will work in airplane mode. Learn how to use it before your hike.

For anyone new to hiking, there is a rule to which hikers follow; it is called “Leave No Trace” or LNT. The concept is generally to pack out what you pack in and respect nature, so all future visitors can enjoy what you have enjoyed.
To learn more about LNT, please check out this BLOG by a certified LNT Trainer.

★★★★★★★★★★★

It turned out to be a great day for a hike in Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park. This was my first hike in boulder fields and there are many here. It makes for very interesting traversing and scenery.  The lakes were beautiful under the morning sun, especially Lindeman Lake, with its green colour. Don’t be fooled by the short distance and small elevation gain, which is similar to the Buntzen Lake loop. This hike took our group of 4, just under 6 hours. We had short stops, but traversing the boulder fields slows you down. The drive out to the trailhead is a long drive from Coquitlam (120 km and 1.5 hours). We had a slight sprinkle of rain at Greendrop Lake and we heard some thunder in the distance, but overall, it was a great success. You should be confident in jumping rock to rock on the boulder fields and over one small stream.

The stats:

Distance: 11.2 km (return)
Low point: 624 m
High point: 964 m
Elevation gain: 340 m
Total Elevation gain: 606 m
Trailhead: 49° 05’ 56.2” by  121° 27’ 30.3” (Google Map)

The route:

Here is Lindeman Lake…

Here are some of the boulder fields…

The Trillium Flowers were in bloom…

Here is Greendrop Lake…

Group photos are at Greendrop Lake followed by one in a boulder field…

Walking across a tree bridge…

I’ll end my photos with a view of dead tree…

★★★★★★★★★★★

Before heading out on your hike, make sure you are well prepared. This means, having the TEN ESSENTIALS. It is also important to leave a trip plan (route details and estimated return time) with someone you trust.

Bring your smartphone, fully charged and put it in airplane mode while hiking. I always bring back-up battery packs for extra piece of mind. It is highly recommended that you bring a GPS device; I use my smartphone with a GPS app (Backcountry Navigator). The GPS will work in airplane mode. Learn how to use it before your hike.

For anyone new to hiking, there is a rule to which hikers follow; it is called “Leave No Trace” or LNT. The concept is generally to pack out what you pack in and respect nature, so all future visitors can enjoy what you have enjoyed.
To learn more about LNT, please check out this BLOG by a certified LNT Trainer.

★★★★★★★★★★★