Alpine climbing NCCS rating
Grade V
Elevation Gain
214.00 ft (65.23 m)
Distance
1.00 km (0.62 mi)
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Star Chek is a classic Squamish-area rock climbing route that starts at the Cheakamus River and climbs three pitches of granite, each pitch becoming gradually more difficult. The Cheakamus River runs from the mountains in Garibaldi Provincial Park through the Cheakamus Canyon and meets up with the Squamish River just north of the town of Squamish.

From the parking area, walk north along the west side of the highway to a small rocky mound with a small cairn built to signify the trailhead. From there you'll have to scramble down the obvious trail to find two sets of anchors at a clearing. The lower set on the right (north) are the rappelling anchors. With a 60-meter rope you can get to the bottom of the cliff with three consecutive rappels; you'll then have a short scramble to reach the bottom of the first pitch.

The climbs are well bolted all the way up with a short 5.8 pitch to start followed by a long 5.7 and a 5.9 or 5.10 to top out. At the end of each pitch is a large belay station with ample room for multiple climbers. Topping out brings you to the same point from which you rappelled, and the trail up leads back to the highway and the parking area.

The views in and around the canyon are amazing. The best times to visit are spring and fall when the river flows high and fast with a blue-green color that is the result of minerals collected in the mountain runoff. This beautiful backdrop helps to make Star Check an unforgettable climb in the Squamish area.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Beautiful view. Not far from parking.

Cons

Can be busy. May have to wait your turn.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Trailhead Elevation

1,115.49 ft (340.00 m)

Features

Rock climbing
Waterfalls
Bird watching
Wildlife
Big vistas
Old-growth forest
Wildflowers

Location

Nearby Adventures

Squamish-Lillooet Area, British Columbia
Squamish-Lillooet Area, British Columbia
Squamish-Lillooet Area, British Columbia

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

07/27/2017
Such an awesome beginner multi-pitch! It was so exciting, getting there, setting up, stepping up for the initial rappel...the whole bit!

There are a few way to get to the climb.
1) Finding the trail and rappelling down 3 pitches

or
2) Scrambling down from the trail close to the new parking lot(marked with pink tape), and walking along the water, but there are a lot of loose rocks, so I would not recommend it. Also, you have to climb up with everything you bring down with you.

**Few hints: with the water flowing so fast, it is hard to hear each other yell "secure, off belay... etc". I would recommend discussing a good communication system before hand...(ex: using whistles??)
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