Sumas Mt

March 7, 2024 -- Abbotsford

Stats: 18.33 km / 1290m cumulative gain / 944m high / 6:15 hours MT

Its not often I do this close-to-home hike in the snow. But with the avalanche risk still being extreme, I decided to stay local where there wasn't as much snow. We ended up using our micro-spikes about half of the time. There's many interesting features on this TCT trail; three bridges, four viewpoints, a creek, a lake, and old growth cedars along the lake.

At 9:45am 8 of us were on the way, starting at the western trailhead (192m).

We just had to get out while the sun was shining. Five days of rain was in the forecast for the following week.

The terrain by the second bridge dips downs and rises up again. That last bit of up is nasty at the end of the day.

In about an hour we got to the FSR where we turned left and walked about 5 minutes to get to this viewpoint overlooking the Fraser River and town of Mission -- northwest.

Matsqui flats & Dewdney + Nicoman Mtns to the right -- north.

Then we went back on the FSR and just round the corner the trail continued.

Several years ago they clear-cut this area and built houses there but thankfully they preserved the forested area by the trail.

This section of trail skirted along a gully.

Leaving the gully.

A northern viewpoint. This is where we put our micro-spikes on. The next section was on a steep slope with a narrow trail. This is where Sheri K found us. She joined us till the summit and then had to hurry home to continue with her chores.

The weeping rock.

At Chadsey Creek.

Arrived at Chadsey (or Lost) Lake. David invited us to join him on the ice. We all thought he was crazy. The ice did not look very thick.

We stopped at the campsite on the northern side of the lake for a snack (12:15pm). I was surprised when I asked the group if they wanted to continue to the summit and only one person did not.

Love this grove of old-growth cedars at the far eastern end of the lake.

Leaving the level area by the lake and starting the steep climb to the summit.

Wow! Quite the snow bombs!

Phew. Got the 40-minutes of steep stuff behind our backs. There were a few rather sketchy spots that required some strong kick-steps.

The trail curved to the left by this tarn. To our right was the radio tower.

Massive old-growth spruce trees.

We dropped down about 50m from the summit, to this more expansive viewpoint.

Dewdney & Nicomen Peaks -- north.

The Fraser River & Chilliwack Mt -- east.

Chilliwack and the Vedder Canal -- southeast.

Centered is the Mt. Cheam range that was hiding it's tips in the cloud.

Then we went back to the summit for lunch, hoping to get some of that warm sun.

Group shot: me, Lorenz B, John Mc, Sue A, Carol A, Paul L, Irene H + Dave G

Back at the campsite by the lake.

One last break.

The fern section close to the middle bridge.

We got back at 5:00pm. It was a tough but rewarding day.