Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance

Five Passes Trail -Recreation Sites and Trails BC

Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance
East of Fort Steele

19.73 km
Distance
796.83 m
Elevation Gain
1755.55 m
Trail Head Elevation
2459.40 m
Maximum Elevation
1465.68 m
Cumulative Elevation
9+ hour(s)
Average Time

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Trail Description

This loop trail makes for a long full day with lots of elevation gain and loss, but it is spectacular, one of the most memorable hikes in the area. Fair warning, you should be a fit hiker comfortable with route-finding. There are several places where it’s easy to lose the trail. Bring a map and GPS, with waypoints marked, to avoid getting lost. The trail starts with a couple of creek crossings in the first 15 minutes, one on a bridge, the other a rock-hop with the potential for wet boots. The first way point is the Mause Creek tarns, 4 or 5 shallow ponds in a meadow full of wildflowers. From the tarns, head up over Tanglefoot Pass and drop down to Tanglefoot Lake and views of Mount Fisher. Push on to the second pass – Windy Pass for views overlooking Cliff Lake. The trail then drops down into a little basin, then across and up to Bear Pass. From here you can see Dibble Glacier and the Sunken Creek Valley. Traverse along the north side of Sunken Creek on a trail cut into the south facing slopes. Watch for the connection to Sunken Pass where the trail heads north. One final pass to cross - Horseshoe Pass - and you and your weary feet are almost done the long loop. Drop down to join the original Mause Creek trail, turn left at the junction to return to your starting point.

Directions to Trail Head

Set your odometer to zero at the traffic lights on Highway 93/95 at the Invermere junction. Drive south for about 114 km. Turn left onto the Wardner-Fort Steele road at the Esso station just before you get to Fort Steele. At 116 km turn left onto Mause Creek Road. At 118.4 km take the left fork onto Boulder Creek Road. At 120 km continue straight through a 4 way cross roads. At 126 km you will pass the Mount Fisher trailhead. The Five Passes trailhead parking lot is at 130 km. You will need a high clearance vehicle for the final 10 km.