How to Plan an Overnight Hike to Flora Peak in Chilliwack
Flora Peak in Chilliwack offers some of the most breathtaking views in British Columbia. Reaching the summit is a serious workout, but the effort fades away the moment you see the stunning views over Chilliwack Lake. Also, as a bonus point, Flora Peak is less popular than the famous hikes to Joffre Lakes and Garibaldi. On a hot summer day, I set out on an overnight hike to Flora Peak, with plans to camp by the shores of Flora Lake.
While many people tackle Flora Peak as a day hike, I chose to extend the adventure. In fact, I wanted to explore Flora Lake too, and spending the night made it possible. Some hikers also complete the full loop via Lindeman Lake, Greendrop Lake, and Flora Lake. This is an incredible multi-day hike, if you have the time and want to extend the trip.
In this guide, I’ll share details from my overnight hike to Flora Peak. I will cover everything you need to know about the trail, camping tips, difficulty level, and more.
Overview of an Overnight Hike to Flora Peak
- Hiking Itinerary: Parking Lot – Flora Lake (Overnight Camping) – Flora Peak – Parking Lot
- Where is Flora Peak: Chilliwack, British Columbia
- How to get to Flora Peak Trailhead: from Vancouver it takes about 2 hours to drive to the trailhead
- Best Time to Go: anytime after the snow melts, usually between July and October
- Cell Service: none, not even at the parking lot
- Backcountry Permit: required for camping at Flora Lake, but currently not necessary for Flora Peak
- Backcountry Camping: at Flora Lake or Flora Peak (no water source though)
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Day 1 Hiking Stats: Parking Lot – Flora Lake – Overnight Camping | 1,400 m elev. gain | 6.8 km
- Day 2 Hiking Stats: Flora Lake – Flora Peak – Parking Lot | 500 m elev. gain | 9.7 km
⚠️ Important! The Lindeman Lake parking lot has a reputation for vehicle break-ins, so avoid leaving any valuables in your car. For added peace of mind, some hikers choose to pay for secure overnight parking nearby instead. It’s a small cost that can help you avoid a much bigger headache.
My Overnight Hike to Flora Peak: Section Breakdown
From Parking Lot to Ridgeline
🥾 Hiking Stats from Trailhead: 3.8 km | 863 m elevation gain
The trailhead to Flora Peak starts from the main parking lot, where you can also hike to Lindeman Lake and Greendrop Lake. Here, follow the sign to Flora Lake and turn right. Not much far after, you’ll start the climb, which will lead you through the forest to the Ridgeline. This whole section is shaded, so even on a hot day it’s a perfect start.
Follow the Ridgeline to the Fork to Flora Lake
🥾 Hiking Stats from Trailhead: 5.5 km | 1,188 m elevation gain
When I did the Flora Peak hike, it was an incredibly hot day and walking on the ridgeline felt exhausting. Despite it being mainly flat, the sun took away most of my strength. After some meters, luckily I got to the first water stream, where I could filter some water before moving ahead.
From the ridgeline you’ll get the first scenic views over Chilliwack Lake. I need to admit that at this point I was so jealous at those enjoying the refreshing water in the lake.
Head down to Flora Lake and Set up Camp for the Night
🥾 Hiking Stats from Trailhead: 8.8 km | 1,329 m elevation gain
Instead of turning left and go up to Flora Peak, we decided to take the downhill trail to Flora Lake. The main reason was the access to water. As I mentioned before, this was a very hot day, we were tired and we wanted to have access to unlimited water.
The wooden tent pads were already all taken when we arrived, but we found a very good and flat spot on a small hill above the lake.
Hike back up and all the way to Flora Peak
🥾 Hiking Stats from Trailhead: 11.0 km | 1,925 m elevation gain
In the morning, after a delicious porridge for breakfast, we made our way back to summit Flora Peak. At this point, our legs were already very jelly.
The scramble to Flora Peak is not technically difficult, but the loose rocks and sandy terrain can make it a bit slippery. If you have hiking poles, this is the right time to use them. Luckily, we decided to drop the backpacks at the bottom of the hill to have an easier hike up. And I’m so glad we did.
The top of Flora Peak offers 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and it truly looks like a postcard. This view is in my opinion one of the best in BC.
From Flora Peak make your way Back Down to the Parking Lot
From Flora Peak to the parking lot it’s all downhill. Sometimes though I find the downhills harder than the uphills. In fact, your legs are tired and you just want to get to the car. So, if I could, I would gladly teleport myself directly down to the parking lot.
Camping along Flora Peak Trail
If you’re hiking to Flora Peak, the only official backcountry campsite is at Flora Lake. To get there, you’ll need to follow a series of switchbacks that drop down from the main trail. A lot of hikers aim to camp near the summit for the sunset views, but there’s no water up there and barely any along the trail either.
If you’re set on camping up top, bring enough water for both drinking and cooking. As a reference, I usually go through about 8 liters between two people on an overnight trip.
On my hike, it was a hot summer day, so I chose to camp at Flora Lake for easier water access. It was quiet, and I really enjoyed the warm morning sun over the mountains the next day.
Final Thoughts on Backpacking to Flora Peak
Initially, I thought that missing out on the sunset views from the top of Flora Peak would be a deal breaker. But, in hindsight, camping for the night at Flora Lake was the best decision. The main reason was having access to water.
So, if it comes down to a choice between water or views, I’ll take water any time. I noticed that a dehydrated me just has a terrible time in the outdoors. But, all in all, an overnight hike to Flora Peak and Flora Lake should definitely be on your bucket list.
Overnight Hike to Flora Peak FAQ
Where do you camp on an overnight hike to Flora Peak?
Most backpackers, me included, camp at Flora Lake, which is in the valley below Flora Peak. You’ll follow a series of switchbacks downhill to reach the backcountry site. Here, you’ll find 2-3 wooden tent pads but if they’re already taken, there are some extra spots spread around the area. This backcountry site has a pit toilet and a bear cache for storing your food.
You can, in theory, find flat surface areas on top of Flora Peak as well to pitch down your tent. But, there is no water source at the top and the closest water streams are at Flora Lake or some creeks on the main trailhead a few km back.
Do I need a permit to camp at Flora Lake?
Yes, you need to reserve a backcountry permit ($5 per person, per night).
Is there water available on the Flora Peak trail?
The first reliable water sources are small streams shortly after the forested section early in the hike. After that, the next (and only) water source is at Flora Lake. There’s nothing in between, so be sure to carry plenty of water with you, especially on hot days. If you’re camping overnight, bring a water filter or purification method for safe drinking water at the lake.
When is the best time to hike Flora Peak?
Anytime once the snow has melted. This usually is between end of June to early October. I hiked Flora Peak the first weekend of July and it was very warm (even at night). But every year it’s different. So, check the weather report before you go.
When is the best time to start the hike to Flora Peak?
If you want to get a good camping spot for the night, you should aim to start the hike early in the morning. But, doing so means fighting for a parking spot at the trailhead and coming in with all the crowds. Also, if you hike Flora Peak as a day hike it makes sense to start early.
But, we decided to get to the trailhead in the afternoon and secure a parking spot when other day hikers left. This worked the best for us as we managed to get to Flora Lake before sunset.
What gear should I bring for an overnight hike to Flora Peak?
I’ll list below my must-have gear for an overnight hike to Flora Peak:
- Tent and sleeping bag
- Bear-safe food storage (Flora Lake has bear cache)
- Water filters or filtration system (I use a Grayl bottle and MSR Gravity Water Filter)
- Dry underlayers for the night
- Layers for changing alpine weather (T-shirt, down jacker, wind/rain jacket etc.)
- Trekking poles (I found them helpful on the way down from Flora Peak)
- Offline Map (I use maps.me)
- Snacks (you don’t want to get cranky)
Is parking safe at the trailhead of Flora Peak?
The hike to Flora Peak starts at the Lindeman Lake trailhead. They both share the same parking area, which in the past has been associated with vehicle break-ins and thefts. For added security, many hikers that plan an overnight hike to Flora Peak opt to park at Chilliwack Lake Campground. But, keep in mind that doing so adds an additional 1.5 km to get to the trailhead.
