Trail Brew

Stawamus Chief First and Second Peak – Stawamus Chief Provincial Park and Protected Area

Sunrise Gose – Coal Harbour Brewing

On May 12th, 2018 I decided to head out to Squamish the self proclaimed Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada to take a hike. This does not seem like unfounded boasting though as hiking, climbing, mountain biking, mountaineering, kite boarding, sailing, kayaking, canoeing and base jumping are just day to day activities in Squamish. People might have heard of the Sea to Sky Gondola that was put in a few years back that goes to a peak in the area of this provincial Park but the Chief Peaks area off to the side of that set of peaks. If you are a climber there are a large amount of climbing routes up the 700 meter massive granite cliffs of the Stawamus Chief. Now I am just a hiker so I took the trail up to the first and second peak.

The Provincial Park parking lots are located just before the town of Squamish at the bottom of the Chief. There is actually a walk in Camp Ground located right at the bottom for hikers and climbers. Make sure to arrive at the parking lots early other wise you will have a ton of trouble doing this hike as this is a very popular trail. What I dubbed the Upper Sea To Sky Highway.

This trail is not a walk in the but is a good way to check out your fitness level. Peak One is 4km round trip and Second Peak is 5km round trip. I did both so I did more than 5km but I am not sure exactly what my distance was. The trail starts out with wooden stairs that do not seem to end. With the stairs also comes beautiful views of small waterfalls.

The trail continues to climb relentlessly up first to the turnoff point for the Sea to Gondola Trail that goes over to the above mentioned Sea To Sky Gondola. From there you get to the turnoff point between Peaks one and Two. From that point things get a little technical. I first headed up to Peak One where you start off climbing up a short ladder then make your way up a steep slope with the assistance of a chain and then more ladders. Once up the last ladder you make your way up a steep rock face to make your way up to the peak.

After hanging out on the first peak for a snack I headed back down so I could head up to the second peak. hiking back down to the turn off point you get to enjoy the ladders and chains again. From the trail turn off you will start heading steeply back up the trail. This peak has even more chains, ladders and massive steps to reach it but the views are well worth the effort.

Like I stated before this hike is not a walk in the park but man is it a beautiful hike with so many amazing views. If you are feeling really adventurous you can continue from peak two onto third peak. My fitness level is not quite up to three peaks in one day currently but I have done it a few times and it makes for a wonderful full day on the trail. Hiking down a steep trail like this one is almost as hard as the hike up but after the views it is well worth it.

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Every trail is better with a beer and this hike I brought up some Sunrise Gose from Coal Harbour Brewing in East Vancouver.

The beer pours a very cloudy orange colour with an off white head. The aroma consists of lemon, coriander, salt and tartness. The flavour is of tartness, lemon, general citrus, coriander, salt with only a hint of grainy malts. The alcohol content comes in at 3.8% and is massively sessionable. This beer would be and epic beer for a patio or the edge of a cliff with a view like this. Now I would never advocate drinking out of a can while hiking as you lose out on aroma and thus loose out on flavour. Check out the Fermented Reality B Cups for a high quality plastic beer cup for all of your adventure needs. There is no place for glass in the backcountry.

Commercial Description: Our signiture Gose has a brightness of flavour thanks to its citrusy aroma and taste derived from generous additions of coriander and German hops as well as a refreshing tartness. A touch of sea salt enhances the body of this sessionable beer while bringing a mineral quality to the finish. Pairs best with a sunny day at the beach, a leisurely mountain hike, or anywhere in between.

P.S. A word to those who bring loud music on the trail BLOODY STOP! Getting out in nature is about enjoying the sounds, smells and sights of the natural world and not the music tastes of others many of which will be really annoying to your fellow hikers. If you want music on the trial and you can not live without it put one earphone in as you will keep the danger level down while still getting your tunes.

Disclaimer: Drinking while excising and hiking can be dangerous and can put you in serious danger or lead to your death. These posts do not recommend that you drink while you hike but if you decide too make sure to be a responsible adult.