Mount Amadis via International Ridge Trail

Mount Amadis via International Ridge Trail is one of the tougher grinds in the Chilliwack area, and it doesn’t pretend otherwise. This 21.4 km out-and-back with about 1667 m of gain is a full-day effort, usually around nine and a half hours for most hikers, but it rewards anyone who likes long, quiet days in the hills with a real sense of accomplishment.

The route starts on the Edmeston Horse Trail before hooking onto the International Ridge Trail, then it tilts up hard. Once you hit the steeper section, the path claws straight up the ridge, with a mix of forest, open sections, and a few vantage points where Mount Cheam and the Columbia Valley show up nicely, plus distant views toward Cultus Lake and the southern ranges from the high meadow near the top.

Recent hikers say Mount Amadis via International Ridge Trail is now in far better shape than it used to be, with blowdown cleared, overgrowth cut back, and the route easy to follow, but the grade is still punishing. Stinging nettles are rough for the first few miles from the front side, so long pants are smart, or consider approaching from the back side if you know the area. Snow hasn’t been an issue around 1100 m as early as February in recent seasons, but for most people this feels more reasonable from late spring through fall, with an early start, plenty of water, and enough daylight to avoid racing the sunset on the way down.