Wednesday 8 June 2011

Hike up Elk Mtn (near Chilliwack) on Sat, June 25th (8:30am-6pm). Meeting location: Lougheed Skytrain Stn. Rating C3

Join Mokuyokai for a beautiful view of the Fraser Valley and Mt. Baker from Elk Mountain! This will be the 3rd year in a row Mokuyokai has hiked Elk Mountain; it is one of the best hikes in the region.
 
"Elk Mountain (near Chilliwack) has an easily accessible trailhead, alpine meadows and an excellent view of the entire Fraser Valley and surrounding mountains - with a strenuous uphill climb near the top that's well worth the effort... you'll think you're somewhere near Banff or Jasper." – Chilliwacklife.com
and
"To begin, expect a nice open forest of second growth hemlock which is refreshingly cool in the summer. The trail gently gains elevation for the first half hour before it starts to steepen. The last few hundred metres are the steepest, about 35 degrees replete with some stairs. The forest below gives way to alpine fir and Sitka Mountain Ash and even wild strawberries. Views will inspire you to hike even higher. To the north you can see Harrison and Kilby Bay and to the west into the lower Fraser Valley." - trailpeak.com
The exceptional view is not without effort; please note that there are some steep parts (on par with the Stawamus Chief). Check out the trail links below for pics!
 
Hike Details
Difficulty: Difficult
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Distance: 8km (return)
Elevation Gain: 800 meters
 
When: Saturday, June 25th. 8:30am – 7pm (including return transportation)
Meetup Location: Lougheed Skytrain Station parking lot at 8:30am (sharp)
(http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&q=Lougheed+Skytrain+Station&near=West+Vancouver,+BC&fb=1&split=1&gl=ca&cid=2021382416258224533&li=lmd)
 
What to bring
*Proper* hiking footwear, a big lunch, snacks, sunscreen, camera, water (minimum 1.5L), jacket, some cash. Participants *must* come prepared and Mokuyokai reserves the right to turn away unprepared participants.
Mokuyokai Fees (note: fees cover our insurance)
Members: None
JET Alumni Association: $5
Non-Members: $10
 
Car Pooling
Mokuyokai arranges car-pooling on a first come, first serve basis. For example, if someone RSVPs and can drive 3 people, the first three people who signed up get a lift. Please give your driver at least $10 for gas. Drivers are always in short supply, so if you can drive, it is appreciated! Note that part of the drive up is not on a paved road.
RSVP to Michael Marland (hike@mokuyokai.bc.ca) by Wednesday, June 22nd.
Please indicate:
1) Are you a Mokuyokai member or JETAA?
2) Can you drive or do you need a lift?
3) Your phone number
4) Emergency contact & phone number
If the weather is calling for rain, we'll cancel the hike. The decision will be made the night before or morning of. Also, please try not to cancel last minute; a lot of time is spent organizing rides.
 
Mokuyokai Rating: C3
===============< Rating System >================
This rating system indicates the difficulty and time of the hike. Please note it
is just a reference and the time may differ depending on the conditions and
participant ability.
Difficulty:
A= Beginner: For everyone. A walk in the park.
B= Intermediate: For the people who occasionally play sports.
C= Strenuous: If you can do the Grouse Grind, you can do this hike.
Time:
1= less than 2 hours
2= 2 to 4 hours
3= more than 4 hours