Mt. Thurston

November 13, 2026 -- Chilliwack

Stats: 13.5 km / 1108m gain / 1573m high / 4:30 hours MT

A local familiar hike with familiar friends made for a lovely day. Brian & I took our micro-spikes but they were not necessary. There was no ice, it being a balmy autumn day. All those magnificant peaks were visible except for the top of Mt. Baker.

Our plan was to decide at Elk Mt summit, whether to continue to Mt. Thurston or not. We're glad we did.

By the time we got to the first viewpoint, we'd worked up quite a sweat. I'd definitely overdressed, with my thick winter pants and triple layer shirts + jackets. Us women made due by rolling up our pant legs. Mary, our bird expert said that these birds have three names: Whiskey Jack, Canada Jay + Gray Jay.

In the center of this photo is a Pica. They're very illusive. Thanks for spotting him, Mary.

Looking back at the west end of Chilliwack River Valley with Cultus Lake and Vedder Mt. in the upper center of this photo. The others weren't sure about continuing to Thurston as some darker clouds were approaching from the west. But I was thinking we were heading east so we should have a good view till lunchtime anyways. Other than Mt. Baker disappearing, we had clear views throughout the hike.

Approaching Elk Mt. summit -- east.

Slesse, the American & Canadian Border Peaks and McGuire Mtns.

From the Elk Mt summit we dropped down a bit before climbing again to the Thurston rock cairn which is a subpeak to Mt. Thurston but offers a better view than the summit of Thurston.

Mary R, Janice H, Brian H + me.

The Cheam Range -- northeast.

east & southeast

Elk Mt to the right -- west.

It was too windy at the summit for lunch so we descended a bit to a nice flat spot with a great view.

Good times.

Cultus Lake & Sumas Prairie from the paragliders' launch.

Hey! Sunshine!

Back at the first viewpoint.