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Rockies :: Icefields :: Molar to Noseeum

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Molar Pass TarnGorgeous Alpine Lake in a green meadow just south of Molar Pass. Molar Mountain upper left. More info

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Hiking past beautiful tarn between Molar pass and headwall leading to Noseeum basin

August 19, 2015

Fantastic exploratory loop hike in the heart of Icefields.  Except for first couple of hours, entire journey is off-trail in sometimes rough terrain with fair amount of route-finding. But if one stays on easiest route whole thing is surprisingly logical and hardly classifies as scramble.  Clock-wise direction might be preferred, as this way tricky part from Molar Pass to Noseeum basin is ascended.  However in that case descent to Icefields parkway will be equally tricky as easiest path is not easy to find. (Detail instructions on hike via Noseeum creek).

Parking is at Mosquito creek hostel and campground on west side of Icefields Parkway, some 20 minutes from Lake Louise.  Driving in note unsigned Noseeum creek about a kilometer south; when doing clockwise loop, this is where hike will finish.

Trip consists of 3 parts:

1) Hike to (south) Molar Pass - about 2 1/2 hour
2) Ascent of Noseeum basin from Molar Pass - about 3 hours
3) Descent to Icefields Parkway from Noseeum basin - about 2 hrs

First part is on wide park maintained trail following Mosquito creek around Noseeum massif on the north side. Two main points of interests are official campground on hour mark (~5km), and junction with Fish Lakes/North Molar Pass (~8km, keep right). Trail then emerges into subalpine and climbs to the pass. Views of Noseuum ridge are spectacular, with thundering waterfall coming down off that pocket glacier beneath Andromache N4.  Views on the pass are fantastic down Pipestone valley and east to Molar mountain.  Leave trail about 10 minutes past Molar pass and start angling right. Tucked beneath the cliffs is very beautiful unnamed lake -- perfect spot for lunch break.  This would be fantastic overnight spot as well. There is even small cave at west end of the lake - so one could bivi with roof over their heads.

Second part involves finding the way over 2 sets of cliffs, separated by mid-plateau that holds another beautiful and unexpected lake. From "Molar tarn" hike up grassy bench, where lower headwall can be seen (frequent bear diggings here, so be alert). There are 2 ways up this obstacle. Scree plod on the right side is likely tedious, but otherwise would not offer a challenge. Better way is to descend slightly to the left, then pick your way up set of ledges. You might end up scrambling shallow dirt gully that calls for use of hands at couple of spots, but is otherwise easy. It is encouraging to find sizable cairn on top of this gully, although it is probably built for hikers coming down to indicate easiest spot to break lower headwall. Pause here for great views of Molar mountain behind you, then continue around south (left) side of the lake.  Upper headwall can be breached in 2 possible ways. Most direct is to tackle it head on. Scree is tedious, but manageable. From top (unofficially named "Noseeum Pass") simply descend down grassy ramp towards Noseeum Lake.  Second option is to circle around the headwall on left (south) side. Couple of cairns and bits of trail in scree testify this is popular option. It is recommended if you do not plan on going to Noseeum lake.  Terrain is surprisingly stable and travel easy.  Views of Molar glacier are phenomenal on this stretch.  You can break cliffs at several spots that would involve various degrees of scrambling, or you can keep going till moraine loops directly opposite Molar glacier. At this point cliffs have eroded to (usually rock-hard) moraine slope.  Another pretty lake awaits just below.

Third part involves descent from Noseeum basin and scramble down Noseeum creek to the highway.  Full details are in aforementioned Noseeum trip report. If not going to the lake (option 2 in second part), you can angle down (left) about 15-20 minutes past glacial moraine.  Finding the spot to pick up Noseeum "trail" will not be easy, and many parties have reportedly gotten in some serious and unpleasant scrambling. GPS is of real help here.  Upon reaching the highway, walk for 10-15 minutes to Mosquito hostel where you left your vehicle.

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