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    Cheakamus River Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    7-10h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    15.4 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    1,646 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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    Directions to Trailhead
    Cheakamus River Trail

    The Cheakamus River Trail is a scenic one-way hiking route that skirts along the banks of the Cheakamus river on the way up to Whistler Mountain. This 15.4 km trail makes its way through the Whistler Interpretive Forest, taking hikers through the beautiful woodlands on a steady climb to the alpine terrain of the mountain. Here, you will have sweeping views of Whistler and the surrounding area. Due to the length of the hike, it’s best to utilize the gondola for the return trip down Whistler Mountain.

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    Route Description for Cheakamus River Trail

    The Cheakamus River Trail follows closely alongside the river before diverting east through the Whistler Interpretive Forest on an uphill climb to Whistler Mountain. This climb along the second half of the route is fairly steep, gaining nearly 1,500 m of elevation from the bank of the Cheakamus River to the summit of the mountain. Hikers utilizing this trail should wear proper hiking footwear, bring plenty of water, and pack any gear that might help to traverse difficult or snowy trail conditions, including hiking poles, snowshoes, or microspikes. On the plus side, after making your way up the long incline of the trail, you can rest your legs and relax on the return journey by taking the gondola back down to the village.

    Setting out from the parking area at Whistler Olympic Village, cross over the Cheakamus River and follow along the Farside Trail as it hugs tightly to the river. Continue south and keep the river on your right as you wind through the forested route within the Whistler Interpretive Forest. After 2.3 km along the trail, you will come upon the Cheakamus River Suspension Bridge to your right. Take a few moments to check out this beautifully engineered bridge but do not cross over to the other side, as you want to travel east toward Whistler Mountain.

    Continue south for 600 m before following the trail east to leave the Cheakamus River behind you. From here, you will begin the steep climb uphill to the mountain. Keep on the trail through a series of switchbacks, following along as it winds its way through the dense forest cover. Shortly after passing a tower on your left, make a right at the junction onto Khyber Pass. Continue on this trail until you meet up with the High Note Trail, which you will take to the left to reach the summit of Whistler Mountain. Having hiked the Cheakamus River Trail, take some time to enjoy the beautiful views of Whistler and the surrounding mountains before taking the gondola down to the village below.

    Getting to the Cheakamus River Trail Trailhead

    To reach the parking area for the Cheakamus River Trail from Whistler, drive southwest on BC-99 S and turn left onto Cheakamus Lake Road. Make another left after 550 m to stay on Cheakamus Lake Road, and you will find the parking area on your left in 200 m.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      June-October

    • Backcountry Campsites

      No

    • Pets allowed

      No

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      High

    • Route Type

      One Way

    Cheakamus River Trail Elevation Graph

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