Williams Peak

July 12, 2025

Distance: 17km

Elevation gain: 1680m

Time required: 10–11 hours round-trip

Williams Peak is a very tall and beautiful peak in the Chilliwack mountain ranges. The trailhead is located off of Chilliwack Lake Road, almost near the end of the road.

The first few kilometres are reminiscent of the Grouse Grind: a very steep climb through the forest. There is one water source on the trail, which a very small stream that you'll find within the first hour. This tiny stream proved to be very useful on the return journey. I brought 3L of water and it definitely wasn't enough given the length, intensity, and later exposure of the trail.

Eventually, you summit a ridge and the trail mellows out for a few kilometres, while still being mostly shaded in the forest. It's a nice reprieve from the climbing that was just done and the climbing still to go.

The trail then opens up into the alpine, with beautiful views of Williams Peak and other mountains.

There's Williams Peak. It's very tall and steep, at 2123m of elevation. The trail to the summit crosses the boulder field on the bottom right and then begins a very long climb up a gully on the southern face.

Once the trees end, there's a big boulder field to pick your way across and up. It's quite well-marked, with spray-painted rocks and occasional flagging. After a while of doing that, you reach the final climb. It's a very long and quite steep climb up a gully on the southern face of the mountain. It's quite technical, but not overly challenging; just long and never-ending.

The climb is well-worth it. The views at the top are stunning. It was only myself and one other hiker that made the climb that day. It took a little over 5 hours to reach the summit, with no breaks.

Myself overlooking Chilliwack Lake and surrounding mountains to the south

More southern Chilliwack mountains with American peaks in the distance

Panoramic shot of the whole southern ridgeline

Looking north at more Chilliwack mountains. Mount Northgraves sticks out in the centre left and Goat Mtn is the closest peak on the right.

Looking northwest. Conway Peak and Foley Peak are two of the tallest mountains in the area (on right-hand side)

Looking west towards Foley Lake. A better view of Foley Peak can be seen on the right (tallest rocky peak sticking out).

The return journey was a long slog in the opposite direction. I teamed up with the other hiker I met at the summit and we provided necessary morale for one another as we made the long descent back to the trailhead.

It was an excellent day overall, clocking in at 10 hours exactly.