Anybody who has made the hike up to Williams Ridge would probably agree that the Grouse Grind has nothing on this one! The climb up to the ridge is long and steep and very painful. If you're a glutton for punishment this may be a good one for you. On the flip side though, the views from the top are spectacular and well worth the slog.
This description takes you to a knoll just before you get to Williams Peak itself. The final climb up to the peak is a Class 3 scramble and requires some technical skill. It also adds another 3-4 hours to an already lofty hiking time. Start very early if you want to take in the peak.
Getting There
From Vancouver, head east on Highway 1 and take Exit 119 (Vedder Road, Yale Road, City Centre). Head south through Sardis and Vedder Crossings until you come to the bridge over the river. Upstream of the bridge, the river is called the Chilliwack River. Downstream it is known as the Vedder River. Turn left here and set your odometer to zero. You are now on Chilliwack Lake Road and you should drive east for 34 km (21 mi). Pass the Centre Creek corrections facility (now closed) on the right and you'll find the trailhead 500 m (0.3 mi) later on your left.
The Hike
The beginning of this hike can be a bit confusing. There are a number of old trails and logging roads which start from the same point. Follow the orange markers carefully and look out for any signs that point you in the right direction. About 90 m (300 ft) up the logging road the orange markers will lead you into the bush. Don't miss this or you'll be wandering around for ages in a small clearing a bit further up!
The trail zig-zags its way upwards and is very steep. Don't wait for a flatter section to catch your breath because you won't really come across one until you get up onto the ridge. Just before you reach the ridge you'll find a nice little opening in the trees where you can look up the Centre Creek valley with Mount Rexford and the Illusion Peaks to the right.
Next you'll come to a T-Junction with a trail to Mount Ford going off to the left. You should turn right and follow the ridge through the forest. There are a number of open bluffs that afford you some great views of the nearby mountains and valley below. Eventually you'll leave the trees and come out on a rocky knoll which is the end of the hiking trail. If you do wish to go on and summit Williams Peak you'll have to be prepared for an exposed Class 3 scramble.
The views from the knoll are great though and you should try to do this hike on a clear day. You'll see the Cheam Range to the northwest, Chilliwack Lake to the east and Mount Rexford to the south.
Retrace your steps to the trailhead. It's a killer descent for your knees so take your time!
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