Vedder Mountain via Bowman Trail

Vedder Mountain via Bowman Trail in Chilliwack is a serious grind with a big payoff at the top. At 7.2 km with about 776 m of gain, this out-and-back feels every bit of its “difficult” rating and often takes longer than the posted 3:58, especially with detours. If you like quieter trails, lung-busting climbs, and don’t mind a bit of route-finding, this one delivers.

The hike starts steep on a wide track before ducking into the forest and joining sections of old road and dirt bike trail. It’s mostly in the trees, but you pop out at a couple of lookout points and then again near the summit with solid valley and mountain views that make the grind worth it. Expect ropes on a few steeper bits, some washed-out areas, and a “go up, up, up” feel most of the way to around 921 m.

Right now, recent hikers report the Vedder Mountain via Bowman Trail as a good workout but easy to lose if you’re not watching your map; flags help, but junctions with roads and moto trails can be confusing. In wet weather the steep sections get slick, so poles help, and in shoulder season you may hit light snow and cold wind up high, so bring layers and gloves for the ropes. In summer, growth can get thick with stinging nettle and prickly plants, plus bugs, so long pants and bug spray are smart; overall, it’s best tackled in the drier months when the trail isn’t overgrown and the mud is minimal.