Hiking Hope Mountain near Hope
Contents
Hope Mountain Hike Information
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 9.50Km
Elevation Gain: 850m
Highest Elevation: 1,844m
Average Gradient: 17.90%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 5 – 6 Hours
– Moderate: 4 – 5 Hours
– Fast: 3 – 4 Hours
Dogs Permitted?: Yes
Season: Summer
4×4 / High Clearance Required? Yes
Scrambling / Exposure: No scrambling, one mildly exposed step across a rocky bluff
Hope Mountain Trail
Trailhead Coordinates: 49°19’43.5″N 121°22’57.7″W
Hope Mountain Overview
Hope Mountain is an eye-catching peak south of the town of Hope, easily recognizable from the Trans-Canada Highway. While a lesser frequented peak, there is a fairly well maintained and easily navigable trail leading all the way to the summit from a trailhead off of the Hope Mountain Forest Service Road at 1,150m.
The status of this FSR varies depending on logging operations in the area. In the past this logging road has been in dire shape, requiring high clearance 4×4 to access. Recently (2022) the FSR has been graded due to active logging, with the road drivable in an SUV with reasonable clearance. The final 500m to the trailhead passes several cross ditches of varying depths that may stop some vehicles, in which case you’d need to park before this last stretch and hike it. It would be prudent to have recent information on whether this FSR is in drivable condition before heading out on this hike.
Due to the elevation of the trailhead, as well as one narrow section of the hike, Hope Mountain is primarily a summer only hike. Snow would make driving to the trailhead impossible in winter, in which case this would be a long hike from much lower down. There is one section on the sub summit that is a narrow, rocky traverse over a steep drop that would be difficult in snow/ice.
Hope Mountain is often combined with a hike up Wells Peak, which starts from the same trailhead. While a much bigger day of around 16km / 1,550m, combining the two peaks makes for an efficient and productive outing and is advised for parties looking for a longer, more challenging trip.
This hike is both pet friendly and camping accessible, that being said water sources are difficult if not impossible once all the snow has melted. While there is a tarn on the sub summit, and a couple of tarns on the true summit, all of them are dirty.
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Is Hope Mountain worthwhile?
The effort to reward on Hope Mountain is pretty high thanks to being able to park at 1,150m. In under two hours you can very well be on the summit enjoying the panoramic views of endless peaks, as well as Hope itself down below. If you’re looking for something quick and rewarding you can’t go wrong here. If you want something more challenging then add Wells Peak for a fuller outing.
How difficult is the hike to Hope Mountain?
While the average gradient of almost 18% for Hope Mountain is quite steep, the hike is also short enough that it doesn’t feel too challenging. There are also enough flat/mellow sections to break up the steep parts to make it feel a little easier, with plenty of places to stop and enjoy the views on the way. Overall I would say this is a moderate difficulty hike, though certainly steep in parts.
Technically the hike is very straightforward with an easy to navigate trail the whole way to the summit. There is one section just beyond the sub summit where hikers will need to traverse a narrow, rocky bluff with a steep drop on one side and a wall on the other. It’s really just one or two steps that is awkward because of how narrow it is and in summer it’s really straightforward. If there is snow/ice on this rock (it’s around 1,650m for reference) it could be very sketchy and in fact it stops some people who go in spring or fall in these conditions. Microspikes would be very handy to have if you were attempting this in snow/ice.
Hope Mountain Route Information
The trailhead for both Hope Mountain and Wells Peak is about 8km up the Hope Mountain Forest Service Road. As noted the status of this FSR varies depending on the logging operations in the area. In recent times the FSR has been driveable in an SUV with reasonable clearance, but historically this road has required 4×4 high clearance. It would be good to understand the status of the road before you head out, especially if this is a long drive for you. When I went the FSR was drivable for an SUV at least to within 500m of the trailhead. The final 500m crosses several cross ditches which may or may not stop you. If it does you can just park before them and hike this stretch.
From the trailhead you will see signage for both Hope Mountain and Wells Peak. Following the correct signage, the trail immediately passes through some boggy stretches with planks and rocks used as assistance. Several creeks converge here making the area damp, likely year-round. Thankfully it’s short lived and soon you’ll be on a narrow trail working through some light forest. The trail undulates a little but generally climbs at a moderate gradient.
After climbing for around 200m you’ll reach a small bench with your first viewpoint of Hope Mountain. The trail now drops over 50m and soon begins traversing across the north side of the southeast ridge. The next kilometer or so will be mostly flat, open and will offer some nice views of Hope Mountain as well as north towards the Coquihalla. You’ll also cross a few (small) creeks here.
Soon enough you’ll begin climbing again as the trail enters the forest and begins ascending up to gain the SE ridge of Hope Mountain. Once on the ridge the trail varies between forest and some small, simple boulder fields that are easy to navigate. You’ll also begin to get some nice views to the west now, notably of Silver Peak.
The trail continues climbing to a high point on the ridge, before dropping slightly and climbing up again to the sub summit. This is where you break out of the dense treeline and enter some meadows. The sub summit offers some really nice views already, but nothing compared to the summit itself. Some people opt to camp on the sub summit, with plenty of flat ground to utilize, as well as a dirty tarn.
Back on the trail you’ll now reach the tricky step across a rocky bluff. It’s really only one or two steps that are awkward as a rocky outcropping protrudes across the route, forcing you to hug the rock and find some hand holds while ensuring your footing is solid. It’s quite simple and short in good conditions, but in rain / ice / snow it might be very challenging.
Beyond this awkward step the trail continues to climb, mostly through meadows, to the base of the summit. You’ll climb up a rocky gully and reach the summit of Hope Mountain, as evidenced by the abundance of radio towers. The views will now be panoramic, with the town of Hope visible 1.8km below your feet. You’ll also have great views of the Coquihalla peaks, Silver Mountain, Mount Grant, Mount Baker, Wells Peak, a lot of the Cheam range and much more.
There are also a couple of (dirty) tarns on the top of Hope Mountain and I’m sure some people also camp up there too as there’s no doubt space for it. After resting up and enjoying the views you simply return to the trailhead the same way you came.
When should I hike Hope Mountain?
As noted, Hope Mountain is predominantly a summer only hike. The trailhead at 1,150m will only be accessible once the snowline has receded this far, and the tricky step at 1,650m is best left for dry conditions, though it can certainly be done in snow by some parties. With that said the season for this is primarily July to October, with potentially the end of June and early November an option also, depending on the year’s weather.
Top Tip
I’d definitely suggest combining Hope Mountain with Wells Peak to make for a longer outing.
The bugs can be pretty nasty around Hope Mountain in the early summer as the trail can be boggy lower down, with the summit tarns providing a nice environment for them too.
Recent beta on the condition of the FSR would be worthwhile before heading out.
