| Trailhead | The trail to Moose Pass begins on the North Boundary Trail, 5.4 km north of Robson Pass. |
|---|---|
| Distance | 10 km (6.2 mi.) |
| Elevation Gain | 410 m (1,345') |
| Maximum Elevation | 2,025 m (6,642') |
Moose Pass is a very scenic destination for hikers on the North Boundary Trail or for visitors to Berg Lake who are interested in a challenging side trip. From the signed junction on the NBT, the trail immediately crosses the Smoky River (at this point, a clear, placid stream) on a giant log. The main trail continues straight ahead to the ford of the Coleman Glacier outflow (Yates Torrent). However, there is a series of markers that directs hikers upstream, and after about 20 minutes, you will arrive at a small canyon where the torrent is spanned by a decaying footbridge. (Before your trip, try to confirm the status of the bridge with the B.C Parks warden service.) Descend the outflow on the other side to rejoin the main trail, and begin the ascent up Calumet Creek. The next few kms are very rough and muddy, but eventually conditions improve as the trail emerges on a broad alluvial flat. After an easy ford of a tributary stream, the trail continues in a sketchy manner along the south side of the valley and eventually reaches Calumet campsite, 6 km from the trailhead. Another 4 km on a well-defined trail brings one to the summit of Moose Pass on the Continental Divide. The combination of glaciers, peaks, wildflowers and open alpine meadows is quite outstanding. Plus, the pass is one of the few I can think of (Grant Pass is another) where the Alberta side of the pass is west of the B.C. side. This map (49 KB), based on a Parks Canada pdf brochure, shows the general location of the trail.
Note that as of 2015, the footbridge mentioned above is washed out, and is not likely to be restored.