Chilliwack Lake Road to Radium Lake FSR
Alpine cirque the map barely shows.
Chilliwack Lake Road is well-paved heading southeast out of Chilliwack, but once you hang a left onto the Post Creek FSR and then push up toward Radium Lake, the pavement is a distant memory. The route climbs through dense cedar and hemlock into exposed subalpine terrain, crossing Post Creek multiple times on rough log-stringer bridges that warrant a slow, deliberate approach. The final push to Radium Lake sits above 1,500 metres and rewards with a cirque view most people only see on a topographic map — steep granite walls, a cold turquoise lake, and total silence except for the wind.
This is a legitimate high-clearance 4×4 run — the upper FSR is rutted, narrow, and prone to washouts after the spring snowmelt. Bring recovery gear; cell service disappears by the time you’re past the provincial park boundary. Best season is July through September, but verify with the Chilliwack Forest District before committing because spring washouts can close the upper spur for weeks. Dispersed camping is available along the lower FSR. Nearest fuel and supplies in Chilliwack, roughly 65 kilometres back west.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5250 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Chilliwack, BC |
| Land manager | BC Ministry of Forests — Chilliwack Forest District |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | www2.gov.bc.ca |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or do I need a lift?
Stock high-clearance 4WD will get you through most of it, but the upper FSR sections have shelf road ruts and loose rock that will punish low-hanging skid plates. A modest lift (2–3 inches) and all-terrain tires make a real difference — this isn't a trail to push a stock rig on for the first time.
When does the road typically open and close for the season?
July through September is the reliable window. Snow lingers at elevation well into June, and fall storms can close the upper sections by early October. Check BC Forest Service road condition reports before you go — nobody's plowing this for you.
Do I need a permit or do I have to pay any fees to run this trail?
No permit required and no fee to access the FSR. It's BC Forest Service land, so standard provincial rules apply — no campfire bans ignored, no motorized travel off the designated road corridor. Check for any active logging operations with the Chilliwack Forest District before heading in.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually be ready for?
The upper FSR push toward Radium Lake is where it gets serious — steep loose-gravel switchbacks, narrow shelf road with limited turnaround options, and embedded rock that'll catch your rocker panels if you drift. Go slow, pick your line early, and make sure your recovery gear is accessible before you need it.
Are there any water crossings I can't easily gauge ahead of time, and is there a reliable water source at camp?
Yes — there are creek crossings on the lower section that vary significantly with snowmelt; in July they can be thigh-deep on foot and axle-deep in a vehicle. By August they're typically manageable but still require a walk-through check first. Radium Lake itself is your water source up top — filter it, don't drink it raw.
Trail track
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