Sumas Mt. Summit

February 27 -- Stats: 17.81 km / 1104m gain / 6 hours MT / 947m high

I do this local hike several times a year but this was the first time I saw two viewpoints that were new to me. They were the best to offer, being wide open and far reaching.

We parked on Sumas Mt. Road, at the western trailhead. Within 20 minutes of hiking, we did two dips to cross two creeks. From there it was a steady climb.

Two trees roots reach round this nursing log like tentacles.

The second creek crossing.

At the FSR we turned left and then left again for this 5 minute walk to this northwest viewpoint.

We could see the high-rises of Vancouver on the western horizon! The mighty Fraser River dominates this scene.

Then back and a bit beyond the trail we'd come up on to reenter the forest and climb past a recent clearcut area.

The north viewpoint towards Dewdney Mt. This is where we had to put our micro-spikes on (660m).

Past the weeping wall on a steep icy slope.

Crossing Chadsey Creek.

In about two hours we got to Chadsey Lake. From there it took almost another hour to summit.

We carried on along the left side of the lake, now being 2/3 way to the summit.

Once past the lake the trail became steeper, doing broad switchbacks up a snow-packed trail.

Stiped trees.

Just past the radio towers and upper parking lot to our right. A balsam fir tree.

The ground leveling off somewhat as we neared the summit.

These guys know how to have a good time. Charlie's checking them and their food out.

From the summit we dropped down and hiked another 10 minutes to this amazing northeastern viewpoint.

Looking north towards Deroche.

The Fraser River -- northeast.

Sumas Prairie, the Vedder Canal and Chilliwack in the background -- east.

The Cheam Range.

Slesse's Peak just peaked out for a minute -- southeast.

What a perfect spot for lunch.

Heading back.

Back down at the lake.

Such a debonair gentleman. Charlie really kept tabs on us women. He didn't like it if we got too far apart.

Back at icy Chadsey Creek.

This was the third dog we saw on this hike with the name of Charlie. He didn't like the cold dip to get the mud washed off of his paws.

Our starting point was to the left.

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