Image: Great Blue Heron Reserve Society / Facebook / The Heron Reserve during the flooding.

By Alyssa Conti

PARK SAFETY

Fraser Valley parks, trails closed amid ongoing weather event

Dec 13, 2025 | 8:19 AM

CHILLIWACK — The BC River Forecast Centre reported that the Nooksack River has stopped overflowing into the Sumas, but several parks and trails across the region have still been closed due to safety reasons.

The Fraser Valley Regional District says six parks are closed “for the safety of visitors” at this time:

• Kettle Valley Rail Trail
• Thacker Regional Park
• Thompson Regional Park
• Dogwood Community Trail
• Elk Mountain
• Mt. Cheam

Thurston Meadows at Camp Chilliwack Valley is also closed until further notice while crews clean up, with alternative group-site options under consideration before the New Year.

Trails on the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve in Chilliwack will be “inaccessible” for a while, but trailkeepers remain optimistic for the local flora and fauna.

PROLONGED WET PATTERN

Chilliwack expects localized floods, increased risk of debris slides ahead of upcoming rainfall

55m ago

FULLY INVOLVED FIRE

No injuries after crews tackle 'difficult' house fire behind Rolly's in Hope

1h ago

SINKING CARS

2 cars submerged after trying to drive through side roads in Abbotsford Friday

2h ago

“The native plants and animals absolutely love the surge of nutrients that comes with the flooding!” wrote the Reserve Society. “If there was more undyked floodplain left intact, other flooding in the area would actually be mitigated as this type of habitat is specially equipped to take on lots of water!”

The Heron Reserve is the only undyked floodplain left associated with the Vedder River, and water receded or was absorbed into the ground within a one-day period.

The Heron Reserve after one day. / Source: Great Blue Heron Reserve Society / Facebook

Visitors can still visit the Gift Shop and Interpretive Centre by emailing director@chilliwackblueheron.com. The 325-acre forest and wetland preserve is aiming for a faster partial reopening than in 2021.