Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Goat Ridge Trail Chilliwack
The Goat Ridge trail near Chilliwack Lake and Lindeman Lake is a demanding hike with some very steep sections, but it’s well worth it for the views!
You don’t even need to go right to the top of the ridge to enjoy the views.
As most hikers do, we went to just above the first Goat Ridge viewpoint and not exactly on the ridge itself.
Here there’s a large rock known as Porcupine Peak that juts out and offers great views of Lindeman Lake below.
If you’re camping at Chilliwack Lake or looking for a great day hike from Vancouver, then be sure to check out the Goat Ridge trail!
Goat Ridge hike near Vancouver BC
The first hike we did when we moved to Canada was Lindeman Lake and ever since I’ve seen photos from higher up looking down onto the lake.
The name of this trail is Goat Ridge and the first main viewpoint you get to is where most people go to (though I’m sure the views from the actual ridge are great!).
Goat Ridge Viewpoint/Porcupine Peak Trail Stats
- Distance: 7.5-9km (we started from Chilliwack Lake campground)
- Difficulty: Hard (very steep sections with scrambling
- Elevation: 800m (ish)
- Trailhead: Chilliwack Lake Road
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Hiking to the Goat Ridge viewpoint Lindeman Lake
We started our hike from the Chilliwack Lake Campground area since we were camped there over the weekend. Starting from here means backtracking down the road for about 1km to the trailhead.
The trail begins very close to the Lindeman Lake trailhead but isn’t exactly the same. You’ll want to look for some marking at a gap in the bushes which leads on to a trail resembling a logging road.
Follow this trail for a few minutes and continue on it as it bends round to the left, then to the right, and starts to climb sharply upwards. It’s not long before you’ll get to your first set of ropes to navigate the steep sections of trails. Take your time and don’t feel pressurised to go faster than you’re comfortable with.
The trail is quite easy to follow as it’s pretty well-worn and marked. If in doubt, it pretty much just goes up!
Some other hikers we saw had gloves to help protect their hands on the ropes which would be a great idea, they get a little sore after a while.
There are roughly 4 rope sections to use as you hike uphill and there’s not much reprieve as you continue on.
After a few kilometers, you’ll reach the viewpoint with the rock you’ve likely seen pictures of it you were previously aware of this hike near Chilliwack.
Just before you get to the rock, you’ll have the option to take a trail to the right for an alternative view (photo below).
We stopped here for some snacks and to take photos before heading uphill a few hundred meters more. We didn’t go right to the ridge this time around, but there’s always next time!
What to know before doing the Goat Ridge hike Chilliwack
Here’s what you should know before doing the Goat Ridge hike / Porcupine Peak near Chilliwack Lake.
- There are no permits required for this hike.
- This hike and Lindeman Lake are both very popular and so get very busy. Start early.
- The goat ridge trailhead on Chilliwack Lake Road is known for break-ins of parked cars at trailheads. Leave nothing in your car that’s valuable.
- There are a lot of rope sections and other steep parts of the trail. Not a beginner hike.
- This isn’t really a dog-friendly trail due to how steep it is in parts.
- Always practice Leave no trace ethics + leave things better than you found them
- We saw quite a few other Goat Peak Chilliwack hikers wearing gloves which can be useful with chains and ropes to protect your hands and avoid blisters.
- I would not recommend this hike if it’s raining as the ground could be very slippery and dangerous.
What to pack for the Goat Mountain Chilliwack
Below is a guide on the type of things to pack for the Goat Mt. hike in Chilliwack near Lindeman Lake. You will need to adjust it depending on the weather conditions and your personal preferences.
- Base layer: Moisture-wicking shirt (long or short-sleeved depending on the weather).
- Insulation: Lightweight fleece or jacket for warmth.
- Rain gear: Waterproof jacket (even if the forecast is clear, weather can change rapidly).
- Pants/Shorts: Quick-drying, preferably with some stretch for ease of movement.
- Hat: Sun hat for sunny days; beanie for cooler temperatures.
- Gloves: Lightweight gloves, especially in cooler seasons or to protect your hands from chains/ropes
- Hiking boots/trail running shoes: that have good traction and are comfortable.
- Backpack: Daypack with good support and multiple compartments.
- Water: At least 2 liters, more if it’s a hot day or a challenging hike.
- Food: Snacks like trail mix, energy bars, fruit, and a packed lunch.
- First aid kit: Including band-aids, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, etc.
- Multitool or knife: For general utility.
- Headlamp or flashlight: With extra batteries.
- Sun protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm with SPF.
- Bug repellent: Especially during warmer months.
- Bear spray: As you’re in an area with bear activity.
- Camera: To capture the scenic beauty.
- Toilet paper & small shovel: If nature calls; always bury human waste. Or pack a Kula cloth.
FAQs about the Goat Ridge Chilliwack Hike
What to do in Chilliwack?
Final thoughts on the Goat Mountain hike Chilliwack
The Goat Mountain hike in Chilliwack, not to be confused with Goat Ridge Squamish, is a tough and challenging hike near Lindeman Lake and Chilliwack Lake that takes you up steep sections of forest until you come out at the Porcupine Rock viewpoint over Lindeman Lake.
Most hikers stop here on this Lindeman hike, but you could also continue up to the peak and the open ridge line (goat ridge peak) where I’m sure the views are even more impressive.
If you’re looking for more things to do in Chilliwack, be sure to check out Jones Lake or explore other things to do in the Fraser Valley like Ladner Creek Trestle.
If you want more hikes in BC, be sure to check out my guides for British Columbia hikes!
Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Hannah
Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe, a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada, you’ll find posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.
Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.
