My 3 Favourite Backpacking Trips in the Chilliwack River Valley
Chilliwack River Valley
The Chilliwack River Valley is one of my favourite places to escape into the backcountry. Just a couple hours from Vancouver, this rugged pocket of the Cascades is packed with alpine lakes, dramatic ridgelines, and remote trails that feel like they’re a world away from the city. Over the years, I’ve backpacked a lot of the valley, but there are three trails I keep coming back to—each one offering its own unique kind of magic.
Whether you’re planning your first overnight or are looking for a new trail to test your legs and your gear, these are my top three backcountry trips in the Chilliwack River Valley.
Be sure to check out my Backpacking Checklist before you head out to make sure you’ve packed everything you need (and nothing you don’t).
Views from Mount Conway
1. Flora Lake Loop
This one surprised me. Having done Lindeman and even Greendrop in the past I was expecting a busy trail, and loads of crowds - but once you get onto the Flora trail you’re in a whole different place. Expect solitude, steep climbs, and a stunning ridgeline traverse!
The views of the Chilliwack River Valley and beyond are breathtaking (and well-earned), and if you time it right, you might just have the turquoise waters of Flora Lake all to yourself. I wrote a full breakdown of this route, including tips for navigating the less-maintained sections of trail, in this post.
Flora Lake, Chilliwack BC
Flora Lake, Chilliwack BC
2. Mount MacFarlane
If I had to pick just one hike that captures the essence of the Chilliwack backcountry, Mount MacFarlane would be it. The trail is relentless—it climbs over 1,800m in just under 10km—but the payoff is next-level.
You’ll pass the emerald-coloured Lower Pierce Lake before continuing on to the alpine basin of Upper Pierce Lake, where you can camp with a front-row view of MacFarlane’s rugged summit. If you’re feeling strong, scramble to the top in the morning for sunrise—it’s one of the best panoramic views in the valley.
This trip is a rite of passage for Chilliwack hikers, and one I return to often. Check out the full trip report here.
Upper Pierce Lake, Chilliwack BC
Upper Pierce Lake, Chilliwack BC
3. Upper Hanging Lake & Mount Lindeman
Looking for a quieter alternative to the popular Chilliwack trails. Backpacking to Upper Hanging Lake and Mount Lindeman offers all the alpine beauty with far fewer people. The climb is steep and a bit of a grunt, but once you reach the meadows, it’s all worth it.
Camping near Upper Hanging Lake is peaceful, and the scramble up Mount Lindeman adds a bit of adventure if you’re up for it. The route has a mix of forested trail, open ridgelines, and alpine terrain—a perfect sampler of what the valley has to offer.
If this one’s caught your interest, you can read more details and see route photos in this blog.
Upper Hanging Lake from Mount Lindeman Trail, Chilliwack BC
Not Quite Ready for a Backcountry Trip?
If you’re still working up to overnight adventures or planning something with kids in tow, Chilliwack has plenty of accessible trails that offer stunning scenery without the heavy pack. From Lindeman Lake to Teapot Hill, there are lots of options for a fun day out. I rounded up a few of my favourite family-friendly hikes in Chilliwack in this post.
Mount Cheam, Chilliwack BC
The Chilliwack River Valley has so much to offer—from thigh-burning climbs to peaceful lakefront campsites. If you’re looking for a true backcountry experience without driving half a day to get there, this area should be high on your list.
Just remember to leave no trace, respect the terrain, and prepare properly (again, here’s that handy checklist one more time).
Elk Mountain Trail, Chilliwack BC
Have you done any of these trips? Let me know in the comments or tag me in your photos—I love seeing other people’s Peak Experiences!
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