Church Mountain

Church Mountain sits above the Chilliwack River Valley and punches way above its weight for a 7.9 km out-and-back. You gain about 547 m to around 1700 m, so it’s a steady, challenging grind, but the payoff is big views and a real sense of being out in the backcountry. Most hikers clock it in around three to three and a half hours, but it feels like a “real mountain” day, not a casual stroll.

The trail from the Windy Knob area climbs steeply right out of the gate, then eases off in the middle before ramping back up on the final push toward Old Baldy and Church Mountain. The first two-thirds are well marked and straightforward, with open viewpoints and constant scenery to keep you distracted from the climb. Past Old Baldy, the route gets rougher and more overgrown, with some bushwhacking and route-finding needed, but on a clear day you’re rewarded with wide valley views and layers of peaks in every direction.

Recent hikers report that the forest service road to the Church Mountain trailhead near Chilliwack is rough, with deep water bars and narrow trenches, so a higher-clearance vehicle and some FSR driving experience are strongly recommended; lower cars have been turning around partway. Expect a very steep start, an overgrown final ascent, bugs in warmer months, and smoky skies during wildfire season. Download an offline map, bring someone with decent navigation skills, pack more water than you think you need since there’s only a tiny source up high, and time this hike for a clear summer or early fall day for the best experience.