Baker Grind to Abby Grind Crossover

Jocelyn Timmermans
May 11
2 min read

May 5, 2025 -- Abbotsford, Sumas Mt.

Stats: 13 km / 1250m gain / 910m high / 5:10 hours MT

Why had I never done this trail before, especially when it's so close to home? I guess I was deterred by the horror stories I'd heard of how very steep and rugged it was. Once on the trail, I was pleasantly surprised to see how well maintained the Baker Grind is. And yes, it is over twice as steep as the Abby Grind, but Sue & I set off at a slower-than-normal pace and found it very doable. The 13 snake-like rope assists helped on the almost vertical sections.

At the first viewpoint overlooking the Vedder Canal & Sumas Prairie.

The second viewpoint -- southeast.

This new-looking picnic table is not far from the long bench at the second viewpoint.

A grove of Douglas Firs + Spruce trees nearing the summit.

Violets.

At the 2 km mark the steepest slopes were behind us.

This third viewpoint was on a short faint trail off of the Baker Trail.

The Baker trail led us to the treed Sumas Mt. summit (910m). From there we dropped down a bit to this more expansive viewpoint.

To the left of the viewpoint a faint trail leads down to the Baker Rock -- east.

The Cheam Range, Vedder Canal & Chilliwack.

Robie Reid Mt to the north.

From the Sumas Mt summit we hiked the Eastern Lookout trail and then the Harder Way trail to Taggart Peak. This section is popular for mountain bikers.

Trilliums.

Taggart Peak (796m) does not offer much of a view -- north. Another radio tower sits on its summit. Having descended a fair bit, we were not looking forward to the ascent to Taggart. But it ended up being on a mildly graded FSR named Salt.