Radium Lake

Radium Lake in Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park is one of those trails that looks “medium” on paper and then humbles you in real life. Official stats say 16.9 km out-and-back with about 1,084 m of gain to around 1,519 m, but most recent hikers are clocking closer to 19–22 km return depending on where you park. It’s a solid full-day effort, rated difficult for good reason, and more about the journey through deep forest than big views until you hit the lake and the ridges beyond.

The Radium Lake trail starts near Chilliwack Lake Campground, follows the Trans Canada Trail, then peels off and begins a steady, never-really-let-up climb. You’ll cross several bridges, wander through damp, sometimes marshy sections, and deal with stretches that get overgrown enough that the path briefly disappears under brush. The lake itself is calm and quiet rather than dramatic, but it’s a key access point for bigger objectives like Mount Webb and Macdonald Peak, and a short push above the lake toward the saddle gives surprisingly good views of the surrounding Chilliwack peaks.

Recent reports mention snow starting about halfway up in shoulder seasons, with up to a foot at the lake, so microspikes are smart from late fall through spring, and poles help on the long descent. The plank sections can be extremely slippery when wet or icy and have caused a few hard falls, so take them slow. Expect mud, some minor route-finding in overgrown bits, mosquitoes in summer that laugh at regular spray, and a small campground at Radium Lake with only two tent pads, a bear cache, and a very “open concept” pit toilet. Aim for June to October for mostly dry trail, and plan extra time if the campground is closed and you’re parking on the road.