Cheam Ascent Richard Probert Steelheader Contributor   Many years ago, climbers went up the west slope of Mount Cheam, either hiking from the bottom, or driving on a logging road to Kilarney Valley. From there, hikers took about three hours to reach the summit. This is the route I took in all but one of my fourteen ascents of Mt Cheam, including climbing Cheam twice in one weekend.   From Kilarney Valley, the steep hill from the parking lot was the most difficult part of the hike, taxing lungs and limbs to their limit. Three-quarters of an hour later, I reached the ridge, rested for a moment until my pounding heart slowed its beat, then continued the journey. The ridge is relatively flat in spots, hilly in others, giving an overall roller coaster effect, with three ups and two downs.   On the first hill I stopped momentarily for a classic view of Mt Baker, its cone-shaped summit rising above extensive glaciers. To the southeast, the spiked top of Mt Slesse stood as a grim reminder of nature's awesome power. Directly south of the border peaks, jagged and menacing, marked the boundary between Canada and its southern neighbor.   On the second hill, I stopped for a full view of Mt Lady, directly behind Cheam. To the right, extensive meadows, their flowers wilted and dying, stretched into Spoon valley. To the left, breath-taking views of the Upper Fraser valley spread before me. From that height, (6000 feet) roads appear thread like, houses seemed like miniature boxes, farmers' fields became chequered quilts, while Green, Limbert, and Hopyard mountains looked like rounded bumps in a flat landscape.   Once past the second hill, I climbed up a steep cliff, through twisted, stunted alpine fir, winding my way up to a second ridge. This ridge was no place for the faint-hearted or those afraid of heights. At one point I stood directly above the "angel," a uniquely shaped snowfield visible from Agassiz From there I looked straight down to the Fraser River, 6500 feet below. I proceeded slowly along the top ridge, overcoming the obstacles of a ‘chimney' or rock outcrop, a short rock wall and some large boulders. Once past the boulders I scrambled quickly to the peak. A rock cairn marked the summit. Someone had secured the Canadian and British Columbia flags, providing an excellent background for photos   From Cheam peak (el. 6970 feet) it seemed that I was on top of the world, surrounded on three sides by a sea of mountains. On a clear day Vancouver Island can be seen, but usually haze blocks the view. To the east and north, though, the clearer air enabled me to see dozens of peaks fading into the distance. Jones Lake, deep blue and inviting, lay nestled between hills. Hicks Lake was clear, but most of Harrison lake lay shrouded in haze. Far to the west, Golden ears peak stuck out of haze and clouds. Mt. Baker dominated the southern skyline, while Mt. Slesse continued its vigil. I signed a piece of paper "I have conquered Mt. Cheam" and placed the note in a tin canister under the rocks. As always, I was reluctant to leave the heights, but accepted the inevitable and proceeded downward.   Today Cheam is climbed from the east slope. Access is from Chilliwack Lake road, up Chipmunk Creek logging road to a parking area. From there, a steep hike of three hours awaits the climber. Climbers should wear sturdy boots (not running shoes), bring lots of water and pack a warm coat. For more information about climbing Mt Cheam read the guidebook published by the Harrison Hiking Group, available at gift shops and book stores. For those less daring, Cascade Adventure Tours offers guided tours up Mt. Cheam, complete with lunch ( 604 - 796 - 3536). Back to the Steelheader Steelheader  Archives

The Steelheader is a Canadian sport fishing tabloid devoted to sport fishing here in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. Steelheader news has subscribers throughout Canada and the United States. Subscriptions to overseas areas are available upon request.
In addition to subscriptions, the Steelheader's distribution points include over 400 sites in the Fraser Valley (B.C.) and tackle shops in Canadian provinces and the United States.
Terry Hanson
Editor Steelheader Salmon and Trout News
The Steelheader, P.O. BOX 434, Chilliwack,
B.C. Canada, V2P 6J7
Phone/Fax: 604.792.1952

steelhdr@uniserve.com