hicks lake

One of the nicest sites within local proximity of town. Have been there multiple times for summer weekend getaways. It's within an hour and a half of home and the lake is wonderful to spend the day on the beach and in the water. This is defiantly my go to spot if I want to go camping for a weekend.

I really enjoyed being in and on the lake, but found the campground so treed it felt dark and gloomy to me. But don't dispare! There are actually a series of campgrounds along the road and I found one I really liked just past Hicks Lake.

Hicks Lake has long been my favorite local lake (by local I mean in proximity to Chilliwack). The setting is peaceful and serene thanks to it's motorboat restrictions. The lake itself is very small and very warm, a great lake for swimming and boating (you can actually rent kayaks and canoes up there during peak season). I don't know if I'd recommend picnicking or swimming at the main beach area as the Canada Geese have ruined it for everyone with their feces, but that doesn't seem to stop people from going there are all summer the beach and lakeside are packed. The lesser used trail is by far the most enjoyable portion of the lake. It takes about an hour to an hour and a half depending what kind of shape you're in. The trail starts and ends at the parking lot and takes you all around the lake with plenty of opportunities to stop and sightsee along the way. At the halfway mark there is a gorgeous small sandy secluded beach off the trail shortly after you see the little outhouse. This beach is great for kids as it gradually gets deeper and the sand is soft and silky and filled with little gold peices that scintillate in the sun. We often bring our kayaks up and paddle around the lake and the small islands just off shore and end up at the beach for lunch. That, to me, is the best swimming spot on the lake. The trail itself was under construction last time I was there which is very disappointing. It went from being a cute nature trail to being a gravel logging road that looks out of place with the nature of the area. I understand why they did it as there were some washed out areas that you would have to try to hop rocks to cross during the rainy season, but it is unfortunate. That was part of the charm of the trail. The skinny part of the trail leading down towards the campsites last I was there remains the same. The beaches along the campsites usually aren't as packed as the main beach areas and allow for plenty of private places to sunbathe or just enjoy the views. The parking fills up fast in the summer, but my favourite times to go are mid September when all the tiny baby frogs are out jumping around and May when the weathers gorgeous and the water's just getting warm enough to think about taking a dip, but there's hardly a soul there.

Have been there many times over the last 20 years and found it lovely. There is a great nature trail that goes right around the lake. Quiet and peaceful. Well worth a visit for camping or for a day trip.

Loved it. There were ropes tied to tree's that you could swing on & throw yourself into the water. One was for kids & the other was for adults. Not to over populated.