5 Tips for Hiking up Mount Fosthall in Monashee Provincial Park
Mount Fosthall in Monashee Provincial Park is an accessible hiking adventure, offering stunning views of British Columbia's natural beauty to beginner and intermediate hikers. However, before embarking on this hike, it is important to be well-prepared and informed. In this article, we'll share 5 tips for hiking Mount Fosthall to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Planning the trip
Before setting out, do your research on the trail and the surrounding area. Depending on the time of year your preparation will differ. Be aware of the snowpack that can linger up high into mid-July. We did this hike on September long weekend and it was great!
Most people hiking Mount Fosthall do this trip over 2-3 days camping at either Spectrum Lake, Little Peters Lake, or Big Peters Lake. The hike to Spectrum Lake took me just under two hours and could be a good option for those who are starting on a Friday evening and want to get an early start hiking to Little Peters or Big Peters Lake. The hike from Spectrum to Little Peters is steep and for moments very exposed to the evening sun, it is recommended to get an early start to get over this part while it is still cool outside. This section of trail took me three and a half hours and the hike from there to Big Peters was nice and easy only taking about an hour.
The hike from Big Peters to Fosthall and back took roughly 8 hours moving at an average pace and included a 30-minute break at the peak, and a roughly 30-minute lunch break. We left at 7:30 am and got back to camp at 3:30 with lots of time to go for a swim and relax.
Before heading out check weather forecasts, trail conditions, and park regulations. Monashee Provincial Park is a remote wilderness area, so it's essential to be self-sufficient and prepared for any potential challenges.
2. Bring the right gear
While packing light will make the hike from Spectrum to Big Peters easier, being unprepared can ruin your trip. Weather conditions in the alpine can change on a whim, therefore, it is important to pack appropriate gear including camping equipment, clothing, and footwear, including a 3-season tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment, sturdy hiking boots or trail runners with good traction, layers to accommodate changing weather conditions, and rain gear. I like wearing hiking boots and using poles as I have had some injuries in the past and the extra support is a game changer. Alternatively, many hikers prefer the comfort of trail runners as an alternative to boots. My preference for upper body layers is a base layer, fleece, puffy jacket, and raincoat, and nothing cotton as cotton when wet will trap in the cold and can lead to hypothermia. Even on sunny warm days, I carry these layers in my day pack. I may leave my rain pants at base camp if it looks unlikely that it will rain. Some navigation tools such as having Gaia GPS on your phone with a pre-downloaded map, a paper map, and a compass, or a GPS device, are important to have, despite most of the trail being well marked, it can be easy to get lost especially in bad weather. For camping gear, any three season tent will do, but the lighter bags will be easier, a -7 rated or warmer sleeping bag is ideal and a blow up sleeping pad such as a Thermarest is a great. My recommended piece of cooking equipment is a Jet Boil. The Jet Boil is compact and extremely convenient; boil water and pour it in your dehydrated meal of choice and enjoy! Some other essential items for the trip include a headlamp, a first aid kit, and enough food and water for the duration of the hike.
3. The trail
It's important to stay on the designated trail, while there is one, to protect the fragile alpine environment and avoid damaging the vegetation. Additionally, going off-trail can be dangerous, especially in areas with steep drop-offs or loose rocks. I think of the trail in three sections.
First getting from Big Peters to the saddle that looks over onto the south side of the mountain. This takes you over small creeks, through boulder fields and thick bushes. This part of the trail is fairly easy to follow.
Second, is the alpine bench that takes you to the bottom of the big push-up to the peak. This section of trail has partially been built from Sol Mountain Lodge and is also used for mountain biking. This is the easiest part of the trail and is very easy to follow.
The final push to the summit is unfortunately a sort of choose-your-own-adventure situation. As far as I could tell there is no clear path up to the summit and everyone that we saw took a different path. When choosing your path there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Alpine vegetation is extremely fragile and whenever possible, walk on hard surfaces such as dirt or rock. The last section of the trail is all talus/scree, and it is important to keep in mind that there may be loose rocks above you and cliff exposure below you. Be aware of your hiking ability and make an informed decision to travel over the safest path.
Finally, take time to appreciate the stunning views from the summit of Mount Fosthall. The panoramic views of the Monashee Mountains and surrounding wilderness are truly breathtaking and make the effort of the hike worthwhile.
4. Practice good environmental ethics
Pack out all of your trash and dispose of it properly this includes organic food waste and toilet paper. There is an outhouse at Big Peters Lake, but that is it. When you gotta go and there is not an outhouse nearby, dig a hole about 7 inches deep, and 4 inches wide, do your business, and either use water to clean yourself, or pack out your toilet paper. Additionally, avoid disturbing natural features, be mindful of the vegetation you are walking on, and leave the environment as you found it including not having fires outside designated pits.
Monashee Provincial Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, grizzly bears, caribou, and mountain goats. Make lots of noise when your line of sight is short such as when hiking through thick bushes. In most cases, if a bear hears you coming, it will get out of your way. Keep a safe distance from any wildlife you encounter and never approach or feed them. Be careful with food and garbage. Not only for your safety but also if a bear finds any scraps of food it is likely to end up getting habituated to seeing humans as a source of food and this will inevitably end in the bear being shot and killed by a conservation officer.
5. Safety Precautions
Staying hydrated is essential when hiking at higher elevations. Bring enough water to last the entire hike and consider bringing a water filter or treatment tablets in case you need to refill along the way. When we hiked on September long weekend there were plenty of streams along the way between Big Peters and the summit of Fosthall and it was easy to fill our bottles when needed. Note: there is a long section of trail between Spectrum Lake and Little Peters Lake with no water source.
Caloric intake. Make sure you are eating calorie dense food throughout the day to maintain energy!
Stay aware of potential hazards, including unstable terrain, rockfall, and changing weather conditions. Additionally, be prepared for emergencies by carrying a first aid kit and knowing basic wilderness first aid and survival skills. Carrying a GPS SOS device such as a Garmin Inreach is a great idea.
In conclusion, hiking Mount Fosthall in Monashee Provincial Park is a challenging but rewarding adventure. By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while exploring the natural beauty of British Columbia.
I as the the author do not take responsibility for any harm, injury, or death that may occur as a result of using the information, maps, routes, advice, gear, or techniques provided in this article. It is your responsibility to ensure your own safety when participating in any outdoor activities.