The 1445 hectare (3570 acres) forested mountain located in the Fraser Valley region is popular for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, paragliding, hang gliding, sightseeing and off roading. The mountain can be accessed from, both, the east and west side.
The trails on the mountain are a combination of single track, double track and dirt roads. The trails are shared trails. Most are challenging and steep. Some trails are short routes while others are long routes depending on which trailhead you depart from.
Some trails are shared routes with off road vehicles, mountain bikes, horses and hikers all using the same trails. It is always important to keep your wits about you and to show each other respect while on the mountain.
Sumas Mountain is best known as a hiking and mountain biking destination. The mountain biking on the mountain is challenging. Many say the mountain trails should only be ridden by experienced riders as some categorize the hill as extreme riding only.
There are two highlight destinations on Sumas Mountain accessed by trails. One highlight is an alpine lake called Chadsey Lake. It is a swimming and fishing lake once called Lost Lake. The other highlight on the mountain is the Sumas Mountain viewpoint. From the viewpoint one can see the entire Sumas Prairie, Vedder Mountain, the Fraser River and Chilliwack.
Accessing the lake and viewpoint is easier from the Chilliwack, BC side of the mountain. The trails are shorter. From the trailhead on the Chilliwack side the trail connecting to Chadsey Lake measures 1.5 kilometres and the trail to the viewpoint is 1 kilometre. The trails are steep, often muddy and covered in exposed tree roots and rocks.
Accessing the lake and viewpoint from the Abbotsford side is a longer adventure and far more challenging crossing creeks, wooden bridges, exploring ravines, forests and cliffs while climbing mountain ridges. The route measures 13.5 kilometres (round trip) to reach Chadsey Lake and the lookout.
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