Stawamus Chief via Shannon Falls

Stawamus Chief via Shannon Falls in Squamish is a short, sharp wake-up call for your legs. This 8 km out-and-back gains about 765 m and feels every bit of it, with long stair sections, rock steps, and some scrambling, usually taking around 4 hours. It’s one of the most popular hikes in Squamish, so expect company, big views, and a solid workout from the first step.

The route starts near Shannon Falls, so you get roaring waterfalls and big granite walls almost right away before heading into the real climb. The trail is well marked and switches between stairs, roots, and rock slabs, with chains and ladders higher up as you work toward the Chief’s peaks. Many locals say the second peak has the best views over Howe Sound and Squamish, and if you still have gas in the tank, tagging the third peak adds more wide-open granite and space to spread out away from the crowds.

Recent hikers report the trail as steep, busy, and “very hard” but doable if you’re reasonably fit and take your time. In late winter and early spring, expect steady snow on the upper third, softening through the day; microspikes help a lot, and it’s easy to slip without them. You need to be comfortable with exposure, chains, and a bit of scrambling, and good shoes are non-negotiable. Parking fills fast on weekends, so starting before 9 am in the main season makes life easier. Most people hike Stawamus Chief via Shannon Falls from April to November, but shoulder seasons can still hold snow and ice, so check recent reports before you go.