Dewdney Cabin South Trail

Dewdney Cabin South Trail in Mission is short on distance and big on effort. This 3.4 km out-and-back climbs roughly 609 m to around 684 m, and most hikers rate it as extreme thanks to the steep grade and rough tread. If you like a hard grind with a clear goal at the top, this line up the south side of Dewdney Mountain to the cabin delivers.

The hike starts climbing right out of the gate and stays steep until about halfway, where it eases off a bit but never really relaxes. Expect overgrown sections, fallen trees, and spots where you’ll need to pay attention to flagging and markers to stay on the Dewdney Cabin South Trail. The cabin itself is a fun payoff and, on a clear day, you get solid views over the surrounding Mission area and nearby valleys.

Recent hikers report sections of snow starting right from the trailhead in colder months, with deeper snow near the cabin, so gaiters help keep your legs dry, while spikes are usually optional but can be useful in icy patches. Good hiking shoes with solid grip are essential for the steep descent, and trekking poles save your knees. The trail can be hard to follow where old logging has chewed things up, so bring a GPS track, watch for bear sign, and when you hit the gravel road, turn uphill, not straight; spring through fall is the best window, with winter conditions adding another level of difficulty.