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Hiking Needle and Flatiron Peaks in the Coquihalla

If you’re looking for a bold alpine adventure in British Columbia’s Coquihalla Recreation Area, in this post I’m going to guide you through hiking Needle Peak and Flatiron Peak: from trail logistics to gear essentials and the experience of the scramble itself. These two classic summits offer satisfying climbs without long approaches and deliver sweeping views over the Coquihalla range that make every step worth it. Just a couple of hours from Vancouver, this is one of the most rewarding advanced hikes near the city.

A clear alpine lake with rocky shores and evergreens, set beneath Needle Peak’s pointed summit under a bright Coquihalla blue sky.
Needle Peak from Flatiron Tarn/Lake.

Where to Stay

This trailhead in the Coquihalla Recreation Area is just off the Coquihalla Highway (Exit 217) and approximately a two-hour drive from Vancouver. For flexibility, like arriving early or breaking up a multi-day itinerary, consider booking a nearby hotel. You can book lodging options in the area on Booking.com in Hope or Chilliwack.

Camping is also possible near the tarn below Flatiron Peak, though spots are exposed (you’re mostly above tree line) and there are no facilities (no tend pads, bear boxes or hangs, or pit toilets), so please be sure to leave no trace and be mindful of others. People often camp here with dogs as well.

Conifer trees in the foreground with low-lying fog and Coquihalla mountain peaks under a clear blue sky in the background.
At the beginning of the hike, looking towards Yak and Llama peaks.

The Hike: What to Expect

The trail begins with a steep, rooted climb through forest for the first 4 kilmeters. Then, you emerge in the subalpine, where views begin to open. A well-defined cairned saddle marks the junction between Needle Peak and Flatiron Ridge. This is where you can decide what you want to hike, as the beginning of the trail is the same for both. Some people opt to do Needle Peak first since it’s harder. If you’re in a group of mixed abilities, you can split here and plan to meet back at the cairn as well.

A pile of rocks with a green plaque marks the rocky path near Coquihalla in a mountainous, grassy landscape under a blue sky.
The cairn which splits the two summits of Needle and Flatiron.

Needle Peak is tempting if you’re up for a technical challenge, as it requires scrambles with mild exposure and one chain in one spot. It looks a lot more intimidating from afar that it is in reality up close. Consider bringing a climbing helmet, or if you don’t have one, a bike helmet for the chimney, as there are some loose rocks and on a crowded weekend you may want to protect yourself. There is no water on this trail. There is a logbook you can sign at the top, in a pink container.

Woman in a blue hoodie and cap stands atop Needle Peak, with Coquihalla’s distant summits under a clear blue sky.
On the summit of Needle Peak.

Regarding how hard the scrambles are: there are technically two scrambles. The first one you will encounter has a metal chain to assist, which is helpful because it is mostly a slabby rockface. The exposure here is minimal though (if you were to fall or let go of the chain, you would only fall about 5-10ft onto the ground). The second scramble looked more intimidating then the first, but was actually easier. There are a few areas of exposure where if you were to let go you may fall all the way down the mountain, but by and large the exposure was minimal, especially in the chimney which was arguably the most ‘technical’ part, in that you needed to strategically use foot holds to climb up and down, especially on the decent. Once on the summit, be mindful of where you step, as it’s a narrow ridgeback with dropoffs on each side. The complexity of these scrambles can be compared to Brunswick Peak in the North Shore Mountains.

Two people climb a steep, rocky slope on Coquihalla under a clear blue sky.
The chimney section of the second scramble on Needle Peak.

If you opt for Flatiron Peak instead, the trail meanders down and through a forest to a col and the lake, then up to the summit. Consider a dip in the lake on a hot day! At the top of Flatiron (it’s a very wide summit), you’ll see a radio repeater tower in green (it’s impossible to miss as it looks like a spaceship!). The true summit is marked with a cairn and there is a log book.

A tall, green weather station with solar panels stands atop Needle Peak under a blue sky with wispy clouds.
The repeated on top of Flatiron peak. You can tell from this photo how flat the summit really is!

If you want to tag both peaks, do Needle first, return to the cairn, and then head to Flatiron.

My Experience on the Trail

Combining both Needle Peak and Flatiron Peak into one hike made for a solid eight-hour day: long, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. I loved that this route allows you to bag two distinct summits from the same trail, each offering a completely different experience. Needle Peak has a somewhat intimidating scramble with light exposure that definitely gets your heart rate up, while Flatiron is more straightforward and mellow. It’s a perfect mix depending on your comfort and skill level.

A hiker wearing a backpack and helmet climbs a rocky mountain ridge near Coquihalla, with expansive peaks visible in the background.
On the way up the Needle summit. Flatiron peak is in the background.

My favorite parts included overcoming my fears on the scrambles and enjoying a dip in my underwear at the lake. Bring a towel!

Gear & Essentials

Pack the 10 Essentials and your trusted day‑hiking gear. Here’s where to get key items:

Flatiron Peak towers sharply under a clear blue sky, with trees and boulders scattered at its rugged base.
Looking up at the summit of Needle Peak from below.

Logistics & Local Tips

  • Hike between July and September for less snow and safer scrambling.
  • Parking closest to the trailhead off Coquihalla Highway (exit 217), but weekend crowds may fill it—arrive early.
  • Check current trail conditions and weather before heading out.
A clear mountain stream flows through rocky terrain near Flatiron Peak, with snow patches and evergreens under a blue Coquihalla sky.
The awesome lake/tarn at Flatiron.

Related Adventures

You might also enjoy these posts for hikes near Vancouver:

Final Thoughts / FAQ

Hiking Needle Peak and Flatiron Peak in the Coquihalla Recreation Area is a dynamic option that balances challenge and alpine reward. If you tackle Needle Peak, make sure you’re prepared for some steeper scrambling and exposure. If not, Flatiron gives you broad views with less risk and fewer nerves—either route delivers a memorable ridge experience.

FAQ

  • Is it dog-friendly? Flatiron Peak is more manageable; Needle Peak has scrambles that complicate things, though technically dogs are allowed (though I wouldn’t recommend it!).
  • How long? Flatiron: ~5–6 hours; add Needle Peak and expect a full day for skilled hikers.
  • Need gear? Follow the Essentials list and bring navigation, water, and solid footwear for scrambling.

Let me know how your Needle and Flatiron adventure goes!

Rebecca runs The Adventure Beckons, a travel and outdoor adventure blog based in Vancouver, British Columbia. As an experienced traveler to over 40 countries and counting, she provides her readers with practical travel itineraries from day trips to multi-week adventures. She strives to balance nature and hiking with the must-see tourist highlights that are genuinely worth your time and money.

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