Trip 067 - August 25, 2014 (Monday)

Elk-Thurston Trail Hike

Near Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada

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Distance From Vancouver (Grandview Hwy Entrance to Hwy 1 East): About 110 km: 93.5 km from Grandview Hwy entrance to Hwy 1 East to Exit 123 (Prest Road) - turn right (South), then 5 km on Prest Rd and turn left on Bailey Rd, then 700 meters later at a split stay right on Elk View Road. Continue on Elk View Road until it ends 9.5 kilometers later, and Chilliwack Bench Forest Service Road begins. One kilometer after that you are at the parking area for the Elk-Thurston trailhead.

Liked: Numerous pleasant forest scenes, mountain views, and well-maintained trail.

Of note: Elk View Road is winding and narrow. The trail is popular. Remote highway noise for much of the trail. Remote gunfire for much of the trail. The trail is moderately difficult with several fairly steep sections. Hiking boots are recommended. Hiking poles are highly recommended.

Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Backroad Mapbook (2010 edition) Coordinates: Page 4 (Chilliwack) F5-G5.

103 Hikes in Southwestern British Columbia (2008 edition): hike #64.

Other Trips in Chilliwack Area: Flora Lake Trail, Williams Ridge Trail, Mount Thom Lookout Loop Trail, Vedder Rotary Loop Trail, Teapot Hill Trail Hike, Chilliwack Dyke Trail, Greendrop Lake Trail, Mount Cheam Peak Trail, Ling Lake Trail Hike (off Chilliwack Foley FSR), Chilliwack Foley FSR, Chilliwack Bench FSR, Slesse Memorial Trail, Downtown Chilliwack BC Visit, Chilliwack Lake FSR, Radium Lake Trail, Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park, Minter Gardens, Town of Agassiz BC, Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park.

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19. After the Fraser Valley viewpoint, the trail becomes steep for a brief stretch, and then turns into a gentle mix of ups and downs.

Chilliwack Hiking - Elk-Thurston Trail British Columbia Canada

20. And, on the right side, the mountain views come one after another.

Photo of a Mountain View Elk-Thurston Trail British Columbia Canada

21. Half an hour after the Fraser Valley viewpoint, we have reached Elk Mountain, right where this bench is located.

Bench at Elk Mountain BC Canada

22. An impressive view from the bench, including a flagpole of sorts.

View from Elk Mountain Elk-Thurston Trail BC Canada

23. We are continuing en route to Mount Thurston, seen ahead.

Hiking in Chilliwack Area - Trail to Mount Thurston

24. The path goes through a pleasant forest.

BC Hiking - Trail to Mt. Thurston near Chilliwack

25. There are several interesting forest scenes along the path, including this one.

Picture of a View From Trail to Mt. Thurston BC Canada

26. We are almost there.

Trail to Mt. Thurston - British Columbia Canada Hiking

27. One hour after Elk Mountain, we have reached Mount Thurston.

End of Trail to Mt. Thurston BC Canada - Hike in Chilliwack Area

28. Great (if a bit hazy) mountain views all around.

View from Mt. Thurston BC Canada

29. How about this one.

Mountain View from Mt. Thurston British Columbia Canada

30. One more.

Photo of a View From Mt. Thurston BC Canada

31. And, looking back, we see Elk Mountain.

Elk Mountain Seen from Mt. Thurston BC Canada

Here is our video of the views from Mt. Thurston:

More ihikebc videos are on our YouTube Channel.

Our time to reach Mount Thurston from the parking lot: almost 4 hours. Return time: 2 hours 20 minutes. Elk-Thurston Trail makes you sweat early, and rewards with fine views later in the hike.