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BC Coast :: Squamish to Whistler :: Sigurd Peak

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Grassy bench on Sigurd west ridge with seasonal tarn - perfect camping spot!  Sigurd Peak upper center left, Ossa/Pellion right distance

August 31, 2013

Sigurd Peak is an awesome trip at north end of Squamish valley.  Benefiting from bridge across Squamish river, this part of Tantalus range is more accessible from the rest. As result better trails have developed, including main artery -- Sigurd creek trail, leading to beautiful valley between Ossa/Pelion to the south and Sigurd Peak to the north.  Technically ascent is little more than hiking, but due to whopping amount of elevation gain high level of stamina is required. Starting from near sea level, almost 1500 vertical meters must be gained just to reach alpine. In the past this trail was just a flagged route, but thanks to BCMC volunteers it is now regularly brushed and solid footbed has developed. Scenic reward is however more than adequate;  some of finest views BC Coast mountains can offer, including rarely seen Sigurd lake and distant peaks west of Pokosha divide.  Winter trip on showshoes or skis is feasible but will require fast pace due to shorter amount of daylight.

Turn off onto Squamish valley road at Alice Lake junction, about 5 minutes north of Brackendale.  Follow this road for ~25km to end of pavement, then continue on gravel for few minutes to bridge over Squamish river. This is the start of Ashlu main. Turn left and cross the bridge; despite the appearance it is quite safe. Continue for few minutes to west side of the valley. After the last bridge road turns right at top of small rise. Park at the clearing. Note start of bushy and rough logging road across the parking spot; this is the way to go. With 4WD it is possible to drive this road. If you give it a shot, initial bit is the hardest. Several vehicles did get stuck at this part so it is not really worth.  Past the rough bit road is better so if you made it across the initial hurdle, continue to the 2nd switchback - this is the Sigurd Creek trailhead. Being marked, it is hard to miss. On foot it will take about 20-25 minutes from 2WD parking.

Travel is initially flat for few minutes, but then ordeal begins. Relentlessly steep ascent with only occasional respite for next 3-4 hours follows. In about an hour you reach Crooked falls junction. This is worthy extension to beautiful waterfall, but it will add about 30 minutes (return). Continue along the main trail for another 15 minutes or so to next junction, and start of Sigurd (Rose) trail. About 2 hours of steep ascent through some rough sections with deadfall leads to boulder field around 1000m of altitude. Here trail temporarily disappears. Some parties have charged straight up the ridge at this point, but this is a mistake and they got cliffed out and had to backtrack. Correct way is to cross the boulder field angling left, then watch for flags at the far end where trail resumes. Less defined now, but still relatively easy to follow it gains another 400m vertical via steep switchbacks till it emerges into subalpine. Here trail disappears; direction is obvious going up, but note this spot for the return in order to be able to pick it up on descent. Soon NE ridge comes into view, and couple of tarns offer perfect spot for a break that will be well required by now as there is still about an hour to the summit.

Ascent of NE ridge is straightforward. Minor bluffs are either ascended directly or bypassed to the right. Near the summit is permanent snow field; beware of cornice on the right side, and bypass well to the left then continue up broken ground to the summit cairn. Views are nothing short of phenomenal. Descend for few minutes on the other side to meadowy area with beautiful set of alpine tarns - this would be great bivi spot! Continue down west ridge for 10 minutes to viewpoint of Sigurd Lake. This high body of water is rarely seen or visited; in some years it does not even melt completely. Here the ridge becomes more rough and steep, so it is logical turnaround point. Return will be much faster, but steep grade will put lots of strain on your knees. It will also become obvious why this descent has been nick-named "toe jammer" in some online sources!

For adventurous parties it is possible to continue to Sigurd Lake (about an hour from Sigurd summit), then bushwhack on west side down to Sigurd Headwaters -- three beautiful lakes and ultimate source of Sigurd creek. From here one can descend the valley and return via Sigurd creek trail, thus forming a loop. Good online report can be found here. It has been done as day trip, but for most people 2 day effort will be required with overnight either by Sigurd Lake or at one of lakes in Sigurd Headwaters. Good route-finding skills are required as there are no trails between Sigurd summit and Sigurd Headwaters.

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