Liumchen Ridge

July 8, 2025 -- Liumchen Ecological Reserve

Stats: 9.7 km / 720m gain / 1718m high / 4 hours MT / 4x4

This hike is so close to home, beginning east of Cultus Lake, but it's surprising how many hikers are unfamiliar with it. It was a first for everyone in our group today, except for Mary & I. The views are exceptional and they start right from the 1445m high parking spot where we could see the Cheam Range.

Barely 5 minutes into the hike and we already got these views at the radio tower with Robie Reid & Judge Howe being the prominent peaks on the horizon -- north west. The FSR was in good shape, you just had to be careful with the water-bars. Our eyeballs needed a few seconds to adjust to the sun versus shade contrast on the FSR in the early morning light. Therefore, we missed a few dips. It made for a brief shock, and then a good laugh.

After climbing zigzags through a furry treed forest for half an hour, we emerged onto the ridge. Wow!!! With such little effort and we already had full on vistas of our destinations and so many nearby neighbouring peaks. To the left is Old Baldy which we crossed over to continue our hike along the ridge.

Once on the ridge, we turned left for a short ascent to Windy Knob.

The Cheam Range above the Chilliwack River Valley.

Sumas Prairie & Mountain -- northwest.

And the crowning jewel, Mt. Baker -- south.

Liumchen Lake - lower right.

This route has several losses and gains in elevation. It follows along the ridge leading to Liumchen Mt.

Tiger Lily Flox

The steep slope leading to the Old Baldy summit.

Looking back at Windy Knob with Chilliwack in the background.

Views from summit of Old Baldy. Mt McGuire to the right (1950m). Church Mt (1680m) is only 38m lower than Old Baldy (1722m). I've done both and found that Old Baldy has a better view because Church's is obscured by evergreens.

Rexford, Slesse, Tomyhoi + Shuksan -- southeast.

Shuksan, Liumchen (1768m) & Mt. Baker -- south.

The green open slope to the left was our destination.

Liumchen Lake with Internation Ridge. On the far side of the ridge is Cultus Lake.

Group shot, back row, left to right: Cindy W, Al S, Christine F, Greg S, Annet M

Front row: me, Mary R, Peter V & Lorenz B

Leaving Old Baldy to contine on a less distinct trail that was marked with orange tapes.

Looking back at Old Baldy.

There were many clusters of Douglas Firs along the ridge. After Mary got one too many cobwebs in her face, she asked tall Greg to take the lead in the forest. Thanks, Greg!

Settled in for a nice long lunch break -- east.

On AllTrails it shows a trail going almost to the summit of Liumchen. But not much farther from where we were, there's a big drop. Not enough time in a day to do such a hike.

Looking at Windy Knob, Old Baldy & Church.

After about an hour, we began our return journey, dropping back down, only to go back up to Old Baldy.

Descending Old Baldy. This was the only patch of snow on the trail.

There were four fallen trees on the trail that required a bit of bending or scrambling over.

And then of course, the tail-gate regroup to complete the excursion at 3:00pm.

Liumchen Lake to the left and Church Mt to the right.