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, I turned left on Sugar Lake Road. Follow this road past Sugar Lake to the Monashee Powdercats Lodge. I parked at the lodge. The staff at the lodge are friendly and helpful.

From the lodge, I hiked down a short dirt road. Along the way, it was helpful to 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, I arrived at a boulder-field (see picture below).

From this boulder-field, I made my own path. I turned right then scrambled the boulder-field to gain a ridge.

As I continued to climb toward the top of the ridge, I passed by Sunrise Lake (somewhat difficult to see in the bottom-centre in the picture below).

After Sunrise Lake, I emerged on a plateau that is a pleasant hike. I passed by a few small pools of melt-water (see picture below).

As I walked along the plateau, I turned left to follow the crest of a ridge that took me toward Mount Tsuius. In the picture below, from the ridge, I could see down to the plateau.

Following this ridge, I found my way toward Mount Tsuius. At this point, I had a clear view of the mountain (see picture below).

The Scramble

Once at the base of the mountain, 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, I saw 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, I was 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. I couldn't just mindlessly follow the trail. I needed to create the route for myself. The scramble to the summit of Mount Tsuius evokes a faraway feeling without being truly remote. I highly recommend this hike!