Mount Tsuius

Mount Tsuius (2487 metres) is a prominent peak in the Monashee mountains. From the summit, Mount Tsuius provides a panorama view of nearby mountains in the Gold Range (e.g., Mounts Fosthall, Mount Odin, Kelly Peak, Gates Peak, Mount Thor, Mount Severide and others).

The Hike

To reach the trail-head for Mount Tsuius, you need to drive toward Cherryville. At Frank's General Store, you'll turn left on Sugar Lake Road. Follow this road past Sugar Lake to the Monashee Powdercats Lodge. You can park at the lodge. The staff at the lodge are friendly and helpful.

From the lodge, hike down a short dirt road. Along the way, watch for the trail branching off to the right. Depending on the foliage, it can be difficult to see the trail. Once on the trail, it is easy to follow. Eventually, you'll arrive at a boulder-field (see picture below).

From this boulder-field, you can make your own path. You can continue along below the boulder-field then ascend toward Mirror Lake. Alternatively, you can turn right then scramble the boulder-field to gain a ridge. Having explored both routes, the latter route is less tedious.

As you continue to climb toward the top of the ridge, you'll pass by Sunrise Lake (somewhat difficult to see in the bottom-centre in the picture below).

After Sunrise Lake, you'll emerge on a plateau that is a pleasant hike. Depending on the seasonal conditions, you'll pass by a few small pools of melt-water (see picture below).

As you walk along the plateau, you'll turn left to follow the crest of a ridge that will take you toward Mount Tsuius. In the picture below, from the ridge, you can see down to the plateau.

Following this ridge, you'll find you way toward Mount Tsuius. At this point, you'll have a clear view of the mountain (see picture below).

The Scramble

Once at the base of the mountain, you can pick your route to the top depending on seasonal conditions. I walked to the base of the snow in the middle of the picture below. Then, I followed the line between the snow and rock toward the left of the picture (snow patch top left). Then, I kicked steps up the snow to the ridge.

Walking across the snow...

Once on the ridge, it's a straightforward hike to a minor rock band.

You can see a short rock band in the picture below. There are a few short sections to scramble (class 2+).

From the top of the first summit, you'll see the route to traverse to the second summit.

There are a few rocky steps; easy scrambling.

The second summit is not long afterwards (picture below).

Final Thoughts

Mount Tsuius is a perfect representation of the adventuresome feeling that accompanies mountains in the Monashees. Along the route, you are surrounded by the spectacular mountains of the gold range (e.g., Mount Odin, Thor and so forth). When the trail fades into a route below the first boulder-field, it provokes a sense of creativity. You can't just mindlessly follow the trail. You need to create the route for yourself. The scramble to the summit of Mount Tsuius evokes a faraway feeling without being truly remote. I highly recommend this hike!