Hikers with dogs can delight in this moderately strenuous day hike. The south summit of the Stawamus Chief is located near Squamish, B.C. and can't be missed as you drive along the beautiful Sea to Sky highway (#99) from Vancouver towards Squamish and Whistler. The Chief's looming granite wall sits right on the side of the highway.
To start this amazing day hike, drive along highway 99 towards Squamish. About a kilometer past the sign for Shannon Falls Provincial Park you will see a sign to turn right for the Stawamus Chief Provincial Park. There is camping here so please park in the lots designated for non-campers.
This is a very popular hike during the warmer days of summer especially on weekends. The trail begins along a wide, well groomed path winding through a beautifully forested campsite. Soon you will hear the sounds of the Olesen Creek and quickly begin a steady uphill climb on rock steps and wooden stairs. After a few minutes of this steady uphill trek the trail splits and following the right trail will lead you to the Shannon Falls Park. Stay to the left but do take a break and the views from this vantage point. Stay left at the next fork watching for the orange and red markers leading you to the south summit. When the trail is wet be careful of slippery rocks and roots and don't be afraid to use your hands for support and balance. There are some trickier parts of this trail which need your attention to clamber upwards.
As you get nearer to the top and round a massive granite rock you will find a ladder you need to climb up. For dog hikers this can present a great challenge. However, to the left of the ladder is a steep slope of granite that the dogs can manage, some with help to reach the next level of the hike. Help your dog up this side and continue onwards.
Soon after this first ladder climb is the final ascent to the top of the south summit. Here is the trickiest part of the hike, especially for dogs. There is another narrow ladder and two large chains, one on either end of the ladder to help hikers climb up as the rock face is very steep at this part. For dogs there are a couple of ways to get up. One is to the left of the ladder and the other is to the right, before the first chain rope. Our dog was pretty terrified of this part and we will try the right side of this steep slope next time with him. I've seen other dogs using both sides, some with great support and others manage on their own.
It is truly worth the climb once you reach the top and there is a lot of area to take in the views and enjoy a rewarding lunch and rest. On a fairly clear day it is easy to see the Squamish Valley and Garibaldi Park. The views of Howe Sound are also magnificent to the south and the Pacific Ocean looks stunning from up top of the Chief. I carry my baby in a baby carrier backpack and had no problem on this hike with her but I do highly recommend trekking poles for support and balance in some of the steeper spots.
I have seen a family with a five year old hiker in their group who managed this hike with no problem, just a little help from mom and dad on the steeper parts. I have also seen lots of dogs of various sizes and breeds who need some help in the steeper parts.
What I recommend for this hike: Proper footwear--I have seen so many ill prepared hikers wearing sandals and fashion shoes instead of supportive footwear.
Bring lots of water--there is no available water after the creek which is near the bottom of the hike. And if you are hiking with your dog make sure you bring along enough water for pooch and yourselves with a portable drinking bowl for your four legged hiking partner.
After a nice break, lunch and time to take in the magnificent vistas, head back down the way you came up to the parking lot below.
This is a day hike well worth taking the family and the dog.
Happy Trails!
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