Liumchen Lake, Old Baldy Mountain and Church Mountain via Windy Knob

Liumchen Lake, Old Baldy Mountain and Church Mountain via Windy Knob is one of those classic Chilliwack grinds that pays off in every direction. This 15 km out-and-back with about 1,000 m of gain tops out around 1,700 m, so expect a solid full-day effort for most hikers, roughly six hours or more. The route links lake, ridge, and summit views, with a much wilder feel than the more popular Fraser Valley peaks.

The first stretch on the Windy Knob route climbs steadily through forest before breaking into more open terrain with views toward the Chilliwack River Valley and surrounding summits. Many hikers tag Old Baldy Mountain and Church Mountain first, then swing toward Liumchen Lake on the way back, but you can shorten the day by doing Old Baldy and Church only. Expect steep, sometimes faint tread between Old Baldy and Church, with sections of overgrown trail, alpine meadows, and big open slopes that feel a long way from town.

Recent reports say the forest service road to the main trailhead has been decommissioned with large new ditches, now more like the rough access to Chipmunk, so high clearance and solid driving judgment are key, and some people are turning around early. Another access for Old Baldy and Church is in better shape but still has small cross-ditches, so go slow. The trail to Church can disappear in spots, so download a GPS track, watch for overgrowth, and stay alert for wildlife; bears have been seen in the meadows and late summer brings swarms of grasshoppers. Late summer into fall is the sweet spot for Liumchen Lake, Old Baldy Mountain and Church Mountain via Windy Knob, with snowshoes and microspikes only needed once the snow really starts to stack up.