When smoky skies blanketed the Interior,  the Fraser Valley had far better conditions so we drove to Chilliwack to hike one of the mountains on the south side.   Our first choice was Mt.. Cheam, but the smoke had increased overnight and there were no views anywhere up high so a more moderate trail was chosen.   The Elk Mountain Trail is the most popular mountain trail in the Chilliwack area and is reasonably easy to access so we drove the rural roads on the southeast end of town to get onto Elk View Road.    There were lots of signs along the way to lead us to the parking lot at the trailhead.

The trail is a fine one, winding its way up through cedar-hemlock forest in switchbacks.   The first half of the trail was moderate, climbing gradually.

The second half was steep, climbing steadily south and east to the summit ridge.   From the bottom to the summit is an ascent of 2800 vertical feet.

We broke into a sub-alpine meadow at the top.   The trail continued along the top with open views to the west and the south.   On a clear day we would have been able to have spotted a range of peals, including Mt. Baker, Mt. Slesse, Rexford, and the border peaks.

The trail continues on to Mt. Thurston, 4 km farther to the east.    This would be fine 16.5 km return hike on a clear day, but for this smoky day, with no view and some concern about the health challenges, we kept it to an 8.5 km return hike.

The trail back down was a bit rocky with some slippery sections near the top, but it was a good trail for most of the way back down through the forest.

We hope to return to do the full hike to Mt. Thurston and back, but we will wait for a clear day to return to the area.