Climbing Mount McFarlane in British Columbia
Mount McFarlane Summit is a Grade 3 Climb with rest of the mountain a hard hike. The combination of towering peaks 360 degrees across the Summit, lush valleys, and at least grade 3 Climb make reaching the summit of Mount McFarlane a rewarding experience for any climber. I had attempted Mount MacFarlane a few years ago but turned around from upper pierce lake because of the shortage of time. Even if I did 300 feet per hour vertical climb at that time, I won’t be able to make it down to the forest in day light and I did not want to descend in dark merely because the forest can be slippery depending on the weather. So, this time I was determined to make it to the summit through the forest, a lot of forest.
Forest, a lot of forest
If you look at my GPX, there is a section where I ascended from left side of a Talus field and descended back onto the main trail. I would suggest you go straight onto the descending trail and skip the Talus field. That itself is a grade 4 climb through the bushes. So, you end up bush-wacking and climbing rocks to get to the main trail and it gets exhausting for rest of the hike. This time I did not find Mount MacFarlane forest as steep as it was the last time or I was really unfit at that time. The Summit push to Mount MacFarlane peak is a never ending affair. The final ridge starts with a climb then there is an easier grade then a climb and so on.
There was a separate small False Mount MacFarlane Summit where I went to just see if my altimeter changes to 1 meter altitude left to climb or I should have just jumped in the air.
What do you see from the Summit?
On the Summit of Mount McFarlane:
- Panoramic Mountain Views: The summit provides sweeping views of the surrounding mountain ranges, including the Fraser Valley, Chilliwack River Valley, and the Cascade Mountains.
- Fraser River: On clear days, you can spot the Fraser River meandering through the valley below, adding a stunning contrast to the lush green landscape.
- Chilliwack Lake: To the south, Chilliwack Lake is often visible, glistening amidst the dense forests and rugged terrain.
- Wildlife and Flora: The area around the summit is rich with alpine flora and occasionally wildlife sightings. The diverse plant life adds a vibrant splash of color, especially during the blooming seasons. If you time your hike well, witnessing a sunrise or sunset from the summit can be a truly magical experience, with the sky painted in hues of orange, pink, and purple.
GPX link to a downloadable course map.
Watch
What are the conditions like? Difficulty, Distance, Preparation questions.
- Trailhead: The hike typically starts from the Elk-Thurston trailhead, located near Chilliwack. It’s important to check for any trail updates or conditions before you go. The GPX file I have uploaded is an actual route that goes from the parking lot to the lush forest to the right then up back to the forest service road and then back into the forest hiking switch backs. There is a sign on a tree that says 1km, that sign is actually the distance between the forest service road to the tree. What that means is when you come back there is another one kilometre to go to the parking lot after you reach the forest service road.
- Difficulty: The climb is challenging. It involves a significant elevation gain, loose rocks, sometimes it is not marked well. You can easily miss the trail and go on a washout and will have to climb back (grade 3) to the trail.
- Distance: The round trip is approximately 18 kilometres. With all the walking on the summit, across the upper lake, it made around 19.5 kilometres. You’ll need a lot of water. It’s a full-day hike, so starting early is advisable.
- Views: Panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. On a clear day, you can see far into the distance, making the effort worthwhile.
- Preparation: Make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and proper hiking gear. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so layers and rain gear are recommended. Always let someone know your plans before heading out to this trail and consider carrying a map, compass, or GPS device. Cell phone coverage may be unreliable in certain areas.The area is home to various wildlife, including bears and cougars. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and know how to react if you encounter wildlife.
Way points from bottom to top starting from 1km mark.
