Goat Ridge

Goat Ridge in Chilliwack starts right by the Lindeman Lake parking lot, and it does not waste any time. This out-and-back grind shoots up almost 1,000 metres in a short distance, so expect a true leg burner with rope pulls, scrambling, and dust. The payoff is huge though: big views over Lindeman Lake, Chilliwack Lake, and the surrounding peaks that make all the effort feel earned.

The trail on Goat Ridge is well marked but very steep from the first real step, with only a brief warmup before it tilts up and stays that way. You’ll work through shaded forest, loose dirt, and several rope sections, then a boulder field and some light scrambling near the ridge. Many hikers are happy stopping at the midway viewpoint at Porcupine Rock, but pushing higher rewards you with wide-open views of all three lakes and the valley laid out below.

Recent hikers report the route as clear but extremely steep, dusty, and hard on the knees, with about 5–6 rope sections and some spots that feel exposed and “sketchy” on the way down. Plan far more time than the 2.5-hour estimate; many strong hikers are taking 6–7.5 hours round trip, and GPS often records closer to 9–11 km. Bring lots of water since there are no reliable sources, wear real hiking boots, and pack gloves for the ropes. This is not a beginner or dog-friendly hike, and it’s best tackled in the snow-free season from late spring to fall, on a dry day, and ideally when a few other people are around.