I was getting antsy to do a challenging hike. I finally couldn't wait any longer, so to meet the challenge of Williams Ridge I went. It was steep, it was painful, but was it ever fun! This is the type of hike I love.

With steep grade of this hike, I had opted to not bring along my snowshoes. I had anticipated hard crusty snow towards the top, but I was in for a rude awakening. At 800m, I encountered a thin but sustained layer of snow. At about 850m, I was tired of slipping, so I put on my microspikes. At 955m, the ice axe was brought out. I highly recommend that you not attempt this hike without bringing along a ice axe and/or hiking poles; your knees will definitely thank you during your descent.

My anticipation of hard crusty snow was wholly wrong. With the recent precipitation, the snow was slushy, saturated, and slippery; perfect storm for postholing. After 1000m, I was consistently hiking through, at least, knee deep snow. A couple times I had to traverse around the main trails due to too much snow.

At 1150m, I sunk into the snow up to my chest. That was the point where I decided to call it a day. I was only 200m from the ridge, but the saturated snow conditions became too ominous for me. I will definitely be back, when there is less snow.

Also, according Matt Gunn's "Scrambles" guide, the trailhead entrance is marked by a brown signpost which reads "Williams Ridge Trail". This is NOT the case, instead look for a small broken tree with orange marking tape looped around it; it'll be approximately 33km from the point where you make the left turn onto Chilliwack Lake Road. You'll know you've got the trail entrance, because there is some old green kiddie pool there. The second brown signpost reading "trail", is still there. I must profess my love of Chilliwack Lake Road. With so many mountains to hike along that road, it's the highway to heaven for hikers, at least I think so.