Star Chek Climbing Route

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.