Sept 11th, 2020: Stawamus Chief

Type of hike: Loop

Time (approx): 2 hours 20 mins

Distance: Around 6.4km

The Hike

Let me preface this by saying I did not complete the whole trail. By that, I mean I quit halfway through, unable to find the second peak and just decided to return back to the parking lot the same way. Therefore, the time and distance is not accurate to the actual trail. I believe the whole thing would be around 12km in total.

This trail is very popular, so the maintenance and markers are expected to be top-notch - and it was. I found the whole thing more technical than other hikes, with lots of wooden stairs, chains and ladders. It was kind of like a large scale jungle gym.

For some reasons, I found the trail markers difficult to follow. There were just so many of them, and they all seem to be pointing to different directions. The trail, as well-maintained as it was, was not straightforward to follow. I did manage to find the first peak without trouble. The sky was a clear blue but the views were definitely affected by the blanket of smoke.

I found it rather beautiful, almost like a watercolour painting, though the circumstances that made it so was unfortunate.

I found myself completely lost trying to reach the second peak. I came across a section that had metal rings and I climbed it, assuming that would lead to the second peak, but I found myself at a dead end. Since nobody seemed to have trouble completing this trail, I assume this is my own fault for not being to read the trail markers properly or something.

I headed back down the same way I came up, and it definitely took a toll on my knees. On the way up, the wooden stairs mocked me. Now, I was absolutely grateful for them over the path full of tree roots and loose soil (which was still considered well-maintained, just not very joint friendly).

What I brought:

1. Bug spray. Not a lot of flies or mosquitoes on this trail. In face, you can tell it is heavily trafficked due to the smooth tree trunks and rock surfaces, which is the result of constant human contact.

2. Bear spray. Even though all hikers should have this with them at all times, I would not be too worried if you forgot this. Plenty of people around.

3. Bear bell. Was not necessary.

4. Hydration pack. Even though it is a relatively short hike, bring lots of water because the ascent takes it out of you.

5. Some snacks.

6. Wet wipes. The ladders and chains were not very clean.

7. Lip balm and eye drops.

8. Band-aids. I was expecting some sort injury to occur with such a technical hike.

9. TP. I saw two outhouses at the start of the trail but none after that. Then again, I did not complete the whole thing so I cannot say for sure if there are any on the trail.

Overall thought:

I am not going to lie - I was quite disappointed in myself for not completing it, but I was running behind schedule this day so I will probably try again in the future. To be honest, it felt too technical and more of a workout than an enjoyable activity. The view from the first peak was beautiful, but nothing compared to the views from Whistler or Garibaldi.