Upper Hanging Lake and Mount Lindeman in Chilliwack River Valley
Lower and Upper Hanging Lake from Mount Lindeman, Chilliwack BC
The Chilliwack River Valley is a treasure trove of alpine adventures, and one of its crown jewels is the journey to Upper Hanging Lake and the scramble up Mount Lindeman. We’ve been here twice now, both times in September, and it’s always spectacular, definitely one of my top 5 hikes in BC.
Upper Hanging Lake from Mount Lindeman, Chilliwack BC
If you’re looking for a challenging but rewarding backpacking trip, this is it.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your own adventure.
Getting to the Trailhead from Vancouver
The trailhead for Upper Hanging Lake is located in the Chilliwack River Valley, about a 2.5-hour drive from Vancouver. To get there:
Take Highway 1 east toward Chilliwack and exit at Vedder Road.
Follow Vedder Road to Chilliwack Lake Road and continue for approximately 40 km.
Access to the trailhead is via Center Creek Forest Service Road (FSR), which is typically only accessible to high-clearance vehicles due to deep cross ditches. The status of this road varies depending on logging activity, so check conditions before heading out.
Once you reach the trailhead, be prepared for a rugged and steep climb right from the start.
Mount Lindeman, Chilliwack BC
The Trail to Upper Hanging Lake
The hike to Upper Hanging Lake is roughly 10 km one-way with around 1,200 meters of elevation gain, making it a challenging but rewarding adventure.
Swimming in Upper Hanging Lake, Chilliwack BC
Here’s what to expect:
The Initial Ascent
The trail begins steep and overgrown, with plenty of mud, creeks, deadfall, and rough terrain. The first section follows an old washout that can resemble a creek bed, especially in early summer. Waterproof boots are highly recommended.
Reaching the Alpine Meadow
After the tough climb through the forest, you’ll emerge into a stunning alpine meadow, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter snowfields here, so be prepared with proper gear.
Views of the Cheam Range from Upper Hanging Lake Trail, Chilliwack BC
Upper Hanging Lake / Mount Lindeman Trail, Chilliwack BC
The Final Push to Upper Hanging Lake
The descent to the lake is steep and can be tricky, especially when wet. The lake itself is an absolute reward, with crystal-clear waters framed by towering cliffs. If you plan to camp, there are a few suitable spots near the lake.
We visited in September, and the conditions were ideal. The temperatures were warm during the day but cool at night, there was no wildfire smoke, and the bugs were nowhere to be found. The lake itself was refreshingly cold—perfect for a quick dip after a long day of hiking.
Upper Hanging Lake, Chilliwack BC
Mount Lindeman Trail, Chilliwack BC
The Scramble to Mount Lindeman
For those seeking an extra challenge, the scramble to Mount Lindeman is highly recommended. This extension adds about 2 km and 500 meters of elevation gain to your trip.
Route Finding: Beyond the meadow, most of the trail consists of boulder hopping with very few markers. Navigational skills are essential.
Exposure & Difficulty: The scramble is no tougher than Class 3, but it does involve some exposed sections that can be nerve-wracking if you’re afraid of heights (like me!). Take your time, test your holds, and don’t be afraid to turn back if you’re not comfortable.
The Summit: The views from the top are nothing short of spectacular. You can see the U.S. border line through the forest at the South East end of Chilliwack Lake and the towering peaks of the Canadian Cascades to the north. But the real showstoppers are the views of Upper and Lower Hanging Lakes, nestled in the valley below.
Mount Lindeman Trail with Chilliwack Lake in the distance.
Mount Lindeman summit, Chilliwack BC
Mount Lindeman summit with Mount Baker in the distance.
Chilliwack Lake from Mount Lindeman summit
Camping Options
There are plenty of great spots to set up camp in the area. We opted to camp at the far end of Upper Hanging Lake between the Upper and Lower lake, which offered stunning views and a bit more solitude. Others also camp on the ridge at the base of the Mount Lindeman scramble before descending down to the lake.
Rocky outcrop at the mouth of Upper Hanging Lake, Chilliwack BC
Swimming in Upper Hanging Lake, Chilliwack BC
Backpacking to Upper Hanging Lake and scrambling Mount Lindeman is an adventure you won’t soon forget. From the challenging terrain to the breathtaking views, this trip has it all. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or looking to push your limits, this route is a fantastic way to explore the beauty of the Chilliwack River Valley.
The decent to Upper Hanging Lake, Chilliwack BC
Climbing down from Lindeman Peak back to the ridge
Gear
This trip requires proper gear to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. I’ve put together a Backpacking Checklist with a complete list of gear recommendations.
Climbing down from Lindeman Peak back to the ridge
Interested in the Ultimate BC Road Trip?
Check out our complete Best of BC Guide and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
Lower and Upper Hanging Lakes with Mount Baker in the distance. Mount Lindeman summit, Chilliwack BC
Swimming in Upper Hanging Lake, Chilliwack BC
