Chilliwack

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...

Located only a short distance from the Trans-Canada highway is the Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park. The park is a great area for a picnic lunch, but the highlight of the park is the almost 200 ft. (60 meter) waterfall. The location of the park and the duration of the hike to the waterfall make this park a great stop for travelers who want to stretch their legs.  After you leave the parking lo...

Even at the parking lot, there is a stunning view of Lady Peak and Mount Cheam. Walk towards the big pile of logs and towards the old logging road. You will also see an outhouse – this will be your one and only time to use a toilet, so go now. The road continues for about 15 min. before reaching the first leg of the hike.The trail descends about 50 m (164 ft) down, passing through a stunning gr...

When you get to the parking lot go past the access gate and follow the very well maintained trail. The hike to the viewing platform is all uphill, but short. After a couple minutes you will reach wooden stairs that take you to a viewing platform as well as to the suspension bridge where you can cross it to a secondary viewing platform.There are some very steep cliffs around the falls so be very...

Southwest of Hope and just east of Chilliwack, Jones Lake is a recreation site at a reservoir lake in the coastal mountain range, managed by BC Hydro. Set below granite mountain peaks and surrounded by a dense forest (that is unfortunately being logged), this lake isn't pristine, but it sure is pretty. There is a total of 55 campgrounds in 3 campgrounds around the lake with pit toilets and room...

Jones Lake Reservoir is approximately 25 km southwest of the town of Hope, British Columbia. Directly off of BC Highway #1 at the community of Laidlaw. To reach the lake, you will have to drive 9 km (5.6 mi.) on a  steep and pretty beat up gravel road. The Jones Lake Forest Service Road is car accessible, but it is strongly advised to drive up in an SUV or 4x4. It is possible to get there in a ...

Start by driving roughly 2.5 miles up Forest Road 3040, conveniently named E Church Mt Road, to the trailhead. The road is bumpy, but lacking the pot-holes that occupy many of the other forest roads. The only issue comes at 2 miles in where a stream runs over the road and has eroded a small ditch. Go slow and you should be fine, my Honda Fit made it easy enough, and arrive at the parking area w...

Located just outside the town of Glacier, WA and 40 minutes prior to Mount Baker Ski area, sits the Horseshoe Bend Trail. A simple and straightforward 6 mile out and back route. To get here, take Hwy 542 towards the direction of Mount Baker. About 4 miles after you pass through the town of Glacier and 1 mile after you pass the Chair 9 restaurant, you’ll cross over the North Fork Nooksack River....

The View.  Nooksack Falls is a wonder of a sight, tumbling 88 ft in two segments averaging 50 ft across.  A quick stroll from the parking area brings you to the upper or "lower" view, where you can either see the top of the waterfall cascading away from you, or see the whole waterfall.  The waterfall is the most impressive in spring to early summer, due to the large amount of snowmelt coming fr...