Mark Berger Traverse

The Mark Berger Traverse is a route along the spine of the Pinnacles. It was created in memory of Mark Berger who was a popular leader of the Vernon Outdoors Club. The traverse covers approximately 20km between Twin Lakes and Monashee Lake. There isn't a trail and markings (e.g., cairns) are few along the route. After leaving Twin Lakes or Monashee Lake, the route feels remote. It's unlikely that you'll see other people along it. You may encounter grizzlies and mountain goats in the area.

The Hike

I began by driving to the trail-head for Monashee Lake. After I made my way to Monashee Lake, I could see the south side of Mount Severide (picture below).

From Monashee Lake, I traversed to the left toward the gap pictured below. The gap sits between Mount Severide and Sunny Peak.

After hiking through the gap, I arrived below the northern slopes of Sunny Peak (left side of picture below).

Further down, I could see Rioux Lake (picture below).

From the Rioux Lake, I turned left then scrambled up the centre of the picture below. I aimed roughly toward the 'v' in the centre of the ridge (centre skyline of the photo below). After some tree assisted scrambling, I arrived at the top of the east ridge of Mount Severide.

From the top, I had panoramic views of the North Pinnacle (left side of picture) , Middle Pinnacle (centre of picture) and South Pinnacle (right side - background).

Pinnacle E5 to the left of the North Pinnacle (picture below).

I could see the east ridge toward the summit of Mount Severide.

Looking to the north from the east ridge of Mount Severide, I could see the route ahead along the ridge to the left side of the picture traversing the peaks toward Twin Lakes. In the far distance, I also saw mountains in the gold range (e.g., Mount Odin). From here, I scrambled down steep snow and loose scree to reach the tarn on the northern side of Mount Severide.

The tarn below the north side of Mount Severide (picture below). There is a beautiful camping spot with a small campfire pit nearby.

On this trip, I chose to stay overnight nearby the tarn. Sunrise the next morning (photo below). Overnight a grizzly bear moved through my campsite without any issues.

From the tarn, I ascended toward Mount Beehive. Mount Beehive should be visible after ascending a bit.

Mount Beehive (picture below). Mount Beehive provides a helpful marker for the ascent from the tarn below Mount Severide to the plateau above.

I continued along the pleasant ridge walk toward the mountains in the distance.

The ridge walking is easy and enjoyable.

After reaching Boulder Mountain, I descended to Twin Lakes (picture below). I followed the well-established trail to the parking lot for Twin Lakes.

Final Thoughts

The Mark Berger Traverse can be completed in a single day, overnight or more. While the route traverses across (e.g., Mount Severide, Mount Beehive, Wimpy Peak, Neopolitan Knob, and Boulder Mountain), it also provides access to nearby other mountains (e.g., Pinnacle E5). Whatever you choose to do, it is a unique place with spectacular mountains and beautiful alpine scenery.