Mount Cheam and Lady Peak

June 30, 2023

Distance: 8.4km (Cheam), 6.9km (Lady Peak) round trip or 12km for both

Elevation gain: 668m (Cheam) 752 (Lady Peak)

Time required: 3-4 hours each (7-8 hours if doing both)

I have been wanting to do these two peaks in the Chilliwack valley for a long time.

Hands down the biggest barrier to doing them is access to the trailhead. You must drive 11km up Chipmunk Creek FSR and then Mount Cheam FSR. The road is in extremely poor condition. It requires 4WD access and even then, you might not make it up. There is a giant ditch about 2km before the trailhead that my SUV was not able to make it past. There was another vehicle already pulled over to the side. Luckily for me, someone else happened to be driving up a few minutes after I stopped and I was able to catch a ride with him to the trailhead.

The mountain valley itself is stunning. It feels like you entered into a painting. It is hard to do it justice in pictures.

The valley below Mt Cheam (centre left hidden by trees) and Lady Peak (right)

Mount Cheam and Lady Peak have two different difficulty ratings. Lady Peak is difficult and should only be done by experienced hikers. Mount Cheam can be accomplished by anyone,

Despite the high elevation and it being only the end of June, there was no snow anywhere on the trail. This is not normal conditions; the trail usually has snow on it until September. However, due to the prolonged heat wave this season, the snow melted abnormally fast.

I started with Lady Peak. This hike is an exposed scramble the entire way, often involving loose scree. It is not for beginner hikers. I went up via an unofficial trail that was more north of the 'official' trail. If you enjoy scrambling, this is the hike for you.

Looking south along the ridgeline. Baby Munday Peak is just poking out of the back behind the close range

Myself in front of the Fraser River valley with Harrison Lake in behind

Mount Cheam

This video taken by the lady who took photos of me shows the scale of the exposure on the summit of Lady Peak.

On the way down, I took the 'official' trail and then a shortcut connector trail that led directly to Mount Cheam so that I didn't have to backtrack too much.

Compared to Lady Peak, the trail to Mount Cheam is a breeze. Wide, well-marked, and not very exposed.

Looking out at Lady Peak from Mt Cheam (on the left). The ridgeline that connects to Mount Archibald is to the right.

Jones Lake. Four Brothers Mountain is on the left.

Fraser River and the city of Agassiz

The hike back took no time at all. I did have to add an additional 40 minutes walking down the FSR to get to my SUV. However, it was well worth it. Lady Peak and Mount Cheam have become one of my all-time favourite hikes. They were truly stunning. The true beauty of the area can only be experienced in-person.