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Wild Horizon 2025 #1: Upper Hanging Lake – Lower Hanging Lake Alpine Traverse · Sat. Jun. 28th, 2025 - Mon. Jun. 30th, 2025
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Start: Saturday, Jun. 28th, 6:00 am
End: Monday, Jun. 30th, 8:00 pm
Pre-trip meeting: Tuesday, Jun. 24th, 8:00 pm
Pre-trip meeting location: Zoom
Description:
Duration: 3 Days, 2 Nights
Difficulty: Challenging
Start Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
End Date: Monday, June 30, 2025
Type: Point-to-Point Traverse
Total Distance: 12.4 km
Min Elevation: 650 m
Max Elevation: 2312 m
Overview
Ready to push your limits? Join us for the first leg of Wild Horizon 2025.
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through one of British Columbia's most remote and untamed alpine landscapes. The Upper Hanging Lake – Lower Hanging Lake Alpine Traverse is a bold challenge designed for seasoned hikers eager to push their limits. This two-day trek will immerse you in a realm of awe-inspiring beauty: glimmering alpine lakes set beneath towering peaks, waterfalls cascading down jagged cliffs, and pristine alpine meadows stretching endlessly before you.
From the stunning Upper Hanging Lake to the hidden Lower Hanging Lake, this journey offers not only jaw-dropping views but also a deep sense of solitude. The terrain demands off-trail navigation, steep ascents, and technical descents — perfect for those who thrive on the thrill of true exploration.
Being a point-to-point traverse, this journey requires two vehicles—one parked at the starting trailhead and the other at the end of the route—or a dedicated shuttle service for your convenience.Access to the Mt Lindeman Trailhead requires a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle due to rough logging roads.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Saturday, June 28, 2025
• Start Point: Mt Lindeman Trailhead (900 m)
• End Point: Camp above Upper Hanging Lake (Approx. 2010 m)
• Distance: 7.0 km
• Elevation: 900-2010 m
• Estimated Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Trail Condition: 80% marked trail, steep rocky sections, snow patches, and light scrambling
Our adventure begins at the Mt Lindeman Trailhead, as we ascend steadily through ancient forests and cross multiple serene creeks. The first 2 kilometers follow a forgotten logging road, reclaimed by nature, which transitions into a rugged path. From there, we begin the true climb: a steep yet captivating forested ascent. At around 1500 meters, we’ll be greeted by a breathtaking meadow, offering a moment of respite and some of the most scenic views of the journey.
As we continue to climb, the terrain becomes increasingly rugged, with exposed landslide debris and deeper snowfields at higher altitudes. Our campsite will be nestled high above Upper Hanging Lake, offering panoramic views of its turquoise waters framed by jagged peaks and cascading waterfalls. Should we not find a water source nearby, we’ll descend to the lakeshore for a peaceful camp. The evening will unfold with campfire stories, starlit skies, and the tranquil beauty of alpine solitude.
Day 2 – Sunday, June 29, 2025
• Optional Morning Excursion: Mt Lindeman Summit (1.6 km round trip — snow conditions permitting)
• Descent to Upper Hanging Lake Mouth (if not camped by the lake)
• Descent to Lower Hanging Lake: 0.8 km, 490 m elevation loss, off-trail, some bushwhacking required (snow possible)
• Camp in Valley After Lower Lake Exit: Set up camp in a suitable area of the valley after the Lower Hanging Lake exit, ensuring safety and comfort for the night.
• Elevation: 1380-2312 m
• Estimated Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
On day two, we have the option of a sunrise climb to Mt Lindeman Summit, where panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness await—weather permitting. After breakfast, we’ll pack up camp and make our way down to the mouth of Upper Hanging Lake (if not camping by its shores).
The descent to Lower Hanging Lake is the most challenging section, requiring careful navigation through slippery rocks, steep slopes, and thick vegetation. Snow may still linger in parts, and while conditions are unpredictable, the timing of our journey allows us to avoid the dense undergrowth that would otherwise complicate this route.
After reaching the lake, we continue along the creek, setting up camp in the valley beyond the Lower Lake exit for a restful night.
Day 3 – Monday, June 30, 2025
• Descent to Depot Creek Bridge: 3.0 km, mixed trail and off-trail terrain
• Elevation: 650-1380 m
• Estimated Hiking Time: 10 hours due to thick vegetation and difficult terrain.
On the final day, we will make our way to Depot Creek Bridge. The distance is only 6 km, but the terrain is challenging due to thick undergrowth and rugged paths. This will require careful navigation and patience, making for a long but rewarding hike.
We begin by following a creek through a secluded, rarely visited valley. The terrain here is tricky, but by venturing early in the summer, we can mark the clearest route for future hikers.
The final stretch to Depot Creek Bridge combines well-maintained trails with some light bushwhacking, bringing our thrilling alpine journey to a satisfying end.
Route Map
Click here for the full-resolution route map.
(The preview below may be compressed by the platform.)
Transportation & Vehicle Requirements
There are two transportation options available for this trip:
- Self-Drive Shuttle: Two vehicles are needed—one parked at the Mt Lindeman Trailhead and another at Depot Creek Bridge.
- Dedicated Shuttle Service: A pre-arranged shuttle can be hired to avoid the need for overnight vehicle parking.
Carpooling is highly encouraged to reduce environmental impact and minimize vehicle requirements. To reduce environmental impact and limit the number of vehicles, carpooling is strongly encouraged.
To help everyone share transportation costs fairly and transparently, I’ve created a simple Carpool Cost Calculator. Just enter trip distance, fuel price, and number of people — the spreadsheet will do the rest.
📥 Download Link:
Click here to download Carpool_Cost_Calculator.xlsx
Essential Packing List
• Lightweight tent and sleeping gear
• Layered clothing system (base, mid, and outer layers)
• Waterproof jacket/pants
• Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
• Navigation tools (map, compass, GPS)
• Crampons or microspikes (if snow is present)
• Food and stove for 3-4 days
• Water filtration system
• First aid kit
• Bear spray and proper food storage
• If bringing cellphone or electronic devices, a solar power bank is recommended for recharging.
Important Notes
• I’m not a guide, certified or otherwise. Everyone is ultimately responsible for their own safety and decisions.
• This is a self-supported adventure — participants must carry their own gear, food, and water.
• Snow may persist in higher sections, so proper gear and navigation skills are essential.
• The off-trail descent to Lower Hanging Lake is very difficult — only experienced hikers should attempt this route.
• All food must be stored according to bear safety protocols.
• For clarity and readability, I used AI tools to assist with editing and polishing the text — but all content, ideas, and route planning are my own.
Best Time to Go
Late June to mid-July is the perfect window for this traverse. During this period, the lower elevations are mostly snow-free while the higher alpine regions are still lightly dusted in snow, enhancing the rugged beauty of the landscape. Early summer also ensures we can navigate the lower valley before the undergrowth thickens, making bushwhacking more manageable.
This challenging yet rewarding adventure is why I’ve chosen it as the first journey of the Wild Horizon 2025 series.
Join Us
Step into the wild and rediscover a hidden path winding through some of British Columbia’s most untamed alpine landscapes. This is more than a hike — it’s a journey of discovery, a tribute to nature’s raw beauty, and a shared adventure forged in camaraderie. Come with us and blaze a new trail through one of the world’s most breathtaking frontiers.
We’d love to bring as many adventurers as possible, but space will be limited by the number of available car seats. Priority will go first to those on the confirmed list, followed by those on the tentative list. Drivers are especially welcome — your contribution is essential, and you’ll always have top priority!
Pre-Trip Meeting
Our pre-trip meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 24 at 8:00 PM (via Zoom).
Please refer to the signup page for the Zoom link.If you’re planning to join the trip but can’t attend the meeting, make sure to email me in advance.
References
Meteoblue: 7-Day Weather
AllTrail: Mount Lindeman
Best Hikes BC: Hiking Mount Lindeman near Chilliwack
ClubTread: Upper Hanging Lake
Facebook: Mt Lindeman and Upper Hanging Lake Trip Report
YouTube: Mount Lindeman & Hanging Lake Hiking Trail
ClubTread: Hanging Lake Trail
BRMB Maps: Hanging Lake Trail
The ExploreNorth Blog: Writing a Chilliwack-area trail guide, 1988-1990
Google Maps: August Photo Sphere
Google Maps: June Photo Sphere
Topographic Map (top left), Lower Hanging Lake (top right), Panorama Photo (bottom):
Posted: 2025-04-09 00:36:57
Last modified: 2025-04-16 00:49:27