Sumas Mountain Trail

Sumas Mountain Trail in Abbotsford is a solid grind with a big payoff. This 14.2 km out-and-back route climbs about 972 m up to roughly 910 m, and most hikers take around six hours, so it’s a full-day outing, not a quick leg-stretcher. You get forest, a mountain lake, and a wide-open valley view all in one trip, which is why locals keep coming back even though it’s a challenging hike.

The trail starts on soft, often narrow singletrack that can be brushy and muddy in spots before meeting an access road and then heading toward Chadsey Lake. From there, it’s another steeper push up to the summit area, with some slippery sections and a few rugged switchbacks. Don’t stop at the signed Eastern Lookout; continue a short way left to the main mountain viewpoint (often called Baker’s Rock) for the big Fraser Valley and mountain views that everyone raves about.

Recent hikers report mud, some overgrown stretches, and the south side of Chadsey Lake being decommissioned, overgrown, and very muddy, so stick to the north shore. Bugs can be annoying around the lake in warmer months, but the water is great for a swim on hot days, and bringing lots of water and electrolytes is smart. In winter and shoulder seasons, expect snow and ice from the lake upward, with microspikes strongly recommended, and in all seasons give yourself extra time; many people are logging closer to 16–18 km on their devices for the full Sumas Mountain Trail from Abbotsford up to the true viewpoint.