I have been wanting to post this short hike for awhile now and decided to do it before the year came to a close. This hike is short but steep in a few spots. I wanted to post it because it is a good hike for those short on time or people who like to get out at this time of year for a heart pumping walk where there is a good chance you won't have to contend with ice or snow.

The main access point for the trail that I use is on Chilliwack Lake Road. From the Vedder Crossing bridge, the trailhead is about 800 meters up the road on the left. There is room for parking.

The trail starts out with a fairly steep but short climb through the trees. I typicially hang a right at the first fork in the trail which takes you down to a small bridge. Keep going and climb a set of stairs which will bring you out onto the ridge. This section is actually called the Salmon Ridge Trail. It's a nice walk along here with houses to your left and the beautiful Chilliwack River Valley to your right. Enjoy this part of the walk because the next section will make you work a bit.

You will see a couple of access points to the trail along the ridge from the neighborhood above but just continue on until you come to a long set of stairs. From here, the next few hundred meters are quite steep with lots of stairs and a few switchbacks. (I have read elsewhere that there are 268 stairs on this hike but have not counted to confirm) If you take a breather along the way and look back you will see Cultus Lake in the distance. The trail forks again at the top. I stay to the right and this next short section will bring you to the high point of the hike. A little ways down from here is a bench and a beautiful view of Chilliwack and the Fraser Valley.

You can either turn back and retrace your steps or continue on where you will exit what is now the Salmon Ridge Trail and come out into a cul de sac. If you continue down the road through the subdivision (west) you will come to a fork in the road. Stay right. Shortly after that is a stop sign. Turn left and walk down the road to your next left. (I think it is Bridlewood Drive) From here you will see the Bridlewood Trail access point on your right. Once back in the trees there are a few forks in the trail to explore but if you just keep to the main trail it will bring you back down to your starting point.

I will get up there on a nice day and take some better pics. (added new pics on Jan 1, 2012)As you can tell by the dark pictures taken from my phone today, I almost left this too late in the day. Which was another reason I wanted to do the hike, to try out my new headlamp. Prior to today its been used to bbq, build lego and install a light fixture. It was nice to put it to use for its true purpose and it performed admirably after the sun had set.

The hike took about 35 minutes at a decent walking pace. The 2.5km distance was calculated using an app on my phone. The elevation was a best guess. I will try to get out there with an altimeter and update.

Happy New Year and Happy Hiking in 2012!