PARKS & TRAILS
Cultus Lake Park offers 640 acres of park, conservation areas, trails, beaches, camping and cabins. And, of course, we can’t leave it out – the queen of it all – the clean, clear water of Cultus Lake.
People from around the world come to Cultus Lake Park to take a break from the busyness of life and recharge, to spend time in nature, and to enjoy the simpler things in life: a sunny day, a hike in the forest, a refreshing swim in the lake, or a picnic in the Park. And our residents live here because of the natural beauty that surrounds us. Cultus Lake Park is a smoke-free park.
Please be respectful when spending time in the parks and on the trails. Don’t litter and be aware that smoking is prohibited on all of our trails. Just tossing a cigarette on the ground can easily start a forest fire. Please be considerate of others enjoying nature.
TRAILS
There are many trails in the Cultus Lake area that both novice and more experienced hikers enjoy. They include:
Giant Douglas Fir
Distance (return): 1 km
Time: 45 min
Elevation gain: 90 m
Highest point: 180 m
Hike info: This 800-year-old tree is the oldest and largest in the park. Just think… it was a sapling when Genghis Khan roamed the earth!
Directions: Travel 2 km from the Park Entrance. Just past the Delta Grove Campground, watch for the sign and roadside parking on your left.
Seven Sisters
Distance (return): 4 km
Time: 1.5 hrs
Elevation Gain: 120 m
Hike info: Seven giant Douglas Fir – some standing, some fallen – await you on this trail. Steps allow for a close-up view when you near the trees.
Directions: Follow signs to Cultus Lake Provincial Park and travel 1.3 km from the park entrance to Spring Bay picnic area on your right and park. Crossing the road, go uphill to your right, turn left into Clear Creek Campground and then left at the sign for the trail. 25 m further, turn left again to hike to the giant trees. From there, you can turn around or continue to Entrance Bay Campground and then, turning left, return to your car via the main road.
Alternate: Trail can be accessed from Entrance Bay Campground. Park at Day Use, cross main road to campground and keep right. Trail starts just past Site #7. Hike is steeper this way.
Teapot Hill
Distance (return): 5 km
Time: 2 hrs
Elevation gain: 280 m
Highest point: 360 m
Hike info: Most popular hike in the Park; interpretive signs and views of the lake; some very steep sections; suitable footwear is a must.
Directions: Follow signs to Cultus Lake Provincial Park. Travel 2.3 km through the park to the sign and parking area for Teapot Hill on your left.
Vedder Mountain Ridge Trail
Distance (return): 10 km
Time: 4 hrs
Elevation Gain: 500 m
Highest Point: 945 m
Hike info: Logging has led to road improvements, so 2wd vehicles with enough clearance to get through cross ditches can access the start of this enjoyable, undulating trail. Parking is much closer to the trailhead, and gone are the days of suffering through the “horrible old road” pieces at the beginning and end. There is still a “buffer zone” of trees flanking the trail, so your connection with nature will remain intact as you trek this family-friendly route. Enjoy the occasional view, both north and south along the ridge. Oh… and one short section of unexposed, rope-assisted rock scrambling near the top adds a touch of adventure on your way to the rounded, treed summit and that well-deserved lunch.
Directions: See Cultus Lake Area directions. 1.5 km past the traffic light, pass the “Welcome to Cultus Lake” sign on the left, and turn right onto Parmenter Rd (paved) at the next corner. Drive 600 m, turn right onto Vedder Mtn Forest Service Rd, go another 600 m, turn left and drive 3 km. Old parking area is on your left; follow improved road on the right for 500 m to new parking area on the left. Walk left on older road for 100 m to trailhead on your right. Orange squares mark the route.
Watt Creek Trailhead
Distance (return): 8.4 km
Time: 4 hrs
Elevation Gain: 482 m
Hike info: The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, trail running, and nature trips and is best used from February until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail, but must be kept on a leash.
Lakeside Trail
The Lakeside Trail will be a pathway approximately 10 km long, running from the north to south ends of Cultus Lake along the eastern shore. It will be a safe and scenic trail used by all ages for walking, running and cycling in one of the most beautiful settings in the lower mainland. For more information on how to access the trail and development progress, please visit: http://lakesidetrail.ca/
MORE INFORMATION
If you would like to know more about parks and trails in the area, please check out Tourism Chilliwack’s website (https://tourismchilliwack.com) or head to their Visitor Centre at: 44150 Luckakuck Way in Chilliwack. Ask for the Chilliwack Hiking & Adventure Guide when you go. (Or check in at Cultus Lake Park Visitor Services – we may have copies.)