The majestic Coast Mountains run down the western edge of the incredible and historic Fraser Canyon; the Cascade Mountain chain rises to the sky on the eastern side of the river. The Coquihalla valley contains some of the finest climbing peaks in B.C. and world class winter backcountry opportunities.
Harrison Lake offers over 60 kilometres of unsurpassed canoeing and kayaking experiences. Manning Provincial Park encompasses 70 000 hectares of rugged forest-clad mountains, deep valleys, alpine meadows, lakes and rivers; an environment ideal for four season back country and wilderness recreation.
The Skagit Valley stretches from Silver Creek south into Washington State. It is part of a larger protected area complex that includes the U.S. North Cascades National Park and the Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. This valley was carved by retreating glaciers and is characterized by excellent outdoor recreation opportunities in a natural, wilderness-like setting.
There are so many great hiking trails in the Cascade region. From Hope to Princeton and through the Fraser Canyon, the rugged Cascade Mountain Range towers over torrent white water in the shadows of rainforests.
The South Side Chilliwack Hiking Club is a group of people of all ages who live in Chilliwack and Hope, they a wide range of day hikes in Chilliwack and the Fraser Valley that match different fitness and experience levels. Membership is free thanks to support from Southside Church and other local Chilliwack sponsors.
Trailpeak offers a great list of trails in the Cascade region. which offers trails virtually unknown to even its local residents around Hope. Hikers, mountain bikers or casual walkers will find trails suitable for every ability and interest.
A group of youth, working on a community service program has catalogued and photographed the trails to develop a brochure promoting Hope's trails. The brochure itself will be available free at MEC, or, by visiting the Hope visitor Center. The group have placed their trail information on the BC website trailpeak.com, so you can get the same information, and pictures, there.
The youth group recommends that new hikers check out two local trails. The Othello Tunnels and Flood Falls are great walking trails for all members of the family. Othello provides restroom facilities, picnic tables and information plaques regarding the history of the abandoned tunnels.
Following the Coquihalla River a well-beaten path passes over trestles built high above raging white water rapids. Walkers pass through the awe-inspiring tunnels, which were once a section of the Kettle Valley Railway.
Newly constructed trails at Flood Falls provide a short hike to a cascading waterfall and a series of technically challenging downhill mountain-biking trails.
Other trails in the region offer breathtaking views of old-growth rain forest, deep canyon gorges and spectacular alpine meadows. The Needle, Silverdaisy, Mt. Outram and others are more technically challenging hikes into Alpine.
