The Vedder River Trail stretches over 20 kilometers through some of Chilliwack’s most beautiful natural areas, but many visitors miss its most magical spots. Even longtime residents walk past these hidden gems without realizing what makes them special.
“I’ve lived here 15 years and just discovered the rock pools last summer,” says local photographer Maya Jensen, who now visits weekly with her camera. “These places show how much natural beauty we have right in our backyard.”
These lesser-known locations along the trail provide perfect opportunities for wildlife watching, photography, or simply enjoying quiet moments in nature away from the more crowded sections.
The Junction Lookout
Where the Vedder and Chilliwack rivers meet, this elevated viewpoint offers one of the most spectacular panoramic scenes in the Fraser Valley. Located approximately 1.5 kilometers west of the Vedder Bridge, a small path branches north from the main trail and climbs slightly to reveal an expansive view of both waterways.
“This is prime eagle-watching territory during salmon season,” explains Jensen. “I’ve counted up to 15 bald eagles at once here in November and December when the salmon are running.”
The spot features several natural stone benches, making it an ideal location for wildlife enthusiasts to set up spotting scopes or cameras. The viewpoint also provides a unique perspective of Mount Cheam and the surrounding peaks when the weather is clear.
To reach this hidden gem, park at the Vedder Park lot (located at the end of Petawawa Road) and head west along the trail for approximately 15 minutes until you spot the unmarked path on your right.
The Rock Pools
About a kilometer south of the Vedder Bridge, a small unmarked trail leads to one of the trail system’s most photogenic features. Here, the river has carved smooth, bowl-shaped depressions in the rocky shoreline, creating a series of natural pools that fill with crystal-clear water.
“The rock pools are absolutely stunning in the morning light,” Jensen notes. “When the water is low in late summer, the pools reflect the sky perfectly, and you can see small fish darting around in them.”
Unlike the main river, which can run fast and murky, these secluded pools provide a tranquil spot for careful wading and nature photography. The surrounding rocks, polished by centuries of flowing water, create natural seating areas.
The path to the rock pools isn’t maintained officially, so proper footwear is recommended. Look for a small trail branching east from the main path approximately 3 kilometers from the Vedder Park entrance.
The Heron Marsh
While many visitors head to the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve to see these majestic birds, fewer know about the quieter marsh area accessible via a short boardwalk from the main Vedder trail system.
This hidden wetland sanctuary, located north of the Browne Creek Wetlands, hosts not only herons but also a diverse array of waterfowl and amphibians. The boardwalk extends about 100 meters into the marsh, ending at a small viewing platform partially concealed by reeds.
“If you arrive early in the morning, before the main trail gets busy, you might see herons hunting in the shallow waters,” Jensen says. “They stand completely still until the perfect moment, then strike with incredible precision.”
The marsh is particularly beautiful in spring when water lilies bloom and red-winged blackbirds call from the cattails. Unlike the more developed heron reserve, this spot rarely sees crowds, offering wildlife enthusiasts a more intimate experience.
Access the Heron Marsh via the Browne Creek Wetlands entrance on the south side of the trail system, about 4 kilometers from the Vedder Park trailhead.
The Old Growth Cedar
Just off the main trail near the Rotary Trail entrance stands a living monument to the Fraser Valley’s ancient forest history. A massive cedar tree, estimated to be over 500 years old, somehow survived when most of the valley’s original forest was cleared.
With a trunk nearly three meters in diameter, this silent sentinel has witnessed centuries of change along the river corridor. Several smaller trees now grow around its base, creating a peaceful grove that feels worlds away from the busy main path.
“There’s something profoundly calming about standing next to a tree that was already hundreds of years old when Europeans first arrived here,” Jensen reflects. “It gives you perspective on our place in the natural world.”
The cedar is located approximately 2 kilometers from the Vedder Park entrance, along a short side path marked by a small, handmade sign. The ground around the tree can be muddy after rain, so waterproof footwear is recommended.
The Quiet Bench
Perhaps the most elusive of all the hidden gems, this secluded riverside seating area has earned its nickname from regular trail users who value its peaceful ambiance. Somehow, even on busy weekend afternoons, this spot remains tranquil.
“It’s like there’s some kind of sound barrier that keeps this place quiet,” Jensen laughs. “Even when the main trail is packed with cyclists and dogs, you can sit here and just listen to the river and birds.”
The bench itself is unremarkable—a standard wooden park bench—but its location on a small promontory extending into the river creates a natural solitude. Shaded by mature bigleaf maples, the spot offers cooling relief on hot summer days.
Jensen recommends visiting during early morning hours when mist rises from the water, creating what locals call the “river smoke” effect. “It’s magical to sit here as the fog swirls over the water—you feel like you’re in a completely different world.”
To find this peaceful haven, look for a narrow path leading west about 5 kilometers from the Vedder Park entrance, just before the trail curves away from the river.
Planning Your Visit
For those wanting to explore these hidden gems, several options exist for accessing the Vedder River Trail system:
- Vedder Park (at the end of Petawawa Road) offers ample parking, washroom facilities, and is the starting point for the trail’s eastern section
- The Chilliwack Visitor Centre provides maps of the entire trail system
- The City of Chilliwack website offers additional information about trail conditions and amenities
Jensen recommends bringing:
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting
- A camera (especially during early morning or evening hours for the best light)
- Water and snacks
- Appropriate footwear, as some areas require short detours from the main path
“These special places remind us how fortunate we are to have this trail system in Chilliwack,” Jensen says. “When you step off the main path and discover these hidden corners, you connect with nature in a much more personal way.”
Wildlife enthusiasts should plan their visits seasonally: spring brings bird migrations, summer showcases wildflowers, fall delivers spectacular salmon runs, and winter offers the chance to see bald eagles feeding along the river.
The Vedder River Trail system is open year-round and has no admission fees, making these hidden gems accessible to everyone willing to venture slightly off the beaten path.
