Dist: 31.9km Elev: 1330m Time: 9h Difficulty: 3/5
Day 1: 15.8km, 790m, 4h Day 2: 16.1km, 540m, 5h
Melinda and I decided on Molar Pass/Fish Lake for our annual backpacking trip, after our reservations at Egypt Lake were cancelled due to wildfires in the Sunshine area. Despite a few "miscalculations" on day two, we were not disappointed with our choice and thoroughly enjoyed this trip. I am grateful that Melinda also enjoys these kinds of outings, and that I get to share my passion for the great outdoors with her.
DAY ONE: Mosquito Creek - North Molar Pass - Fish Lake
Day one began on a pleasant and relatively level trail that followed Mosquito Creek. After about 8 kilometers (1.5-2 hours), the trail climbed into an alpine meadow that offered us a spectacular perspective on surrounding peaks. From this meadow, another fairly steep climb led to the saddle of North Molar Pass where views in all directions were incredible. We then descended the other side of the pass and followed Molar Creek for another couple hours until arriving at Fish Lakes backcountry campground. Only five sites can be reserved here, and the resulting solitude was wonderful. We set up camp, and enjoyed a "refreshing" dip in the icy lake before starting dinner and settling in for the night.
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| The hike begins on a scenic and mostly flat trail along Mosquito Creek |
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| Despite its name, Mosquito Creek was completely bug-free |
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| Crossroads beneath Noseeum Peak. Go left here for the meadow and North Molar Pass |
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| Go towards "Fish Lakes" for North Molar Pass |
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| Mindy takes in the views before we start our climb to the meadow |
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| Mt Andromache above the emerging meadows. |
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| Mindy agrees to pose for another picture |
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| We topped up our water in this creek before departing the meadow for the pass |
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| We stopped here for our classic hiking lunch - peanut butter and honey sandwiches! |
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| Looking back at the way we came |
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| Small meadow lake. North Molar Pass in upper left. |
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| We are fortunate for such clear views given the local wildfires this summer |
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| We begin our climb to the pass |
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| Mindy is ready for action! |
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| Switchbacks to North Molar Pass |
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| Looking west from pass |
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| Obligatory "We did it!" selfie |
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| Looking east from the pass. Molar Mountain in centre |
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| Back on level ground |
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| Mindy leads the way to camp, following Molar Creek |
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| Our humble campsite |
DAY TWO: Fish Lake - Middle Molar Pass - Mosquito Creek
After a breakfast of oatmeal and instant coffee/tea, Melinda and I departed Fish Lake for the trip back to our car. I had read about a rewarding detour over what other hikers have called "Middle Molar Pass," which Mindy graciously agreed to take despite the need for some off-trail scrambling. Contrary to the numbers, this route turned out to be much more rugged, technical, and challenging than the previous day. We were rewarded for our efforts with great views from the pass, but in hindsight I would only recommend this route for people with scrambling experience who don't mind a couple hours of navigating large rocks and loose scree.
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| Breakfast scenery at Fish Lake |
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| Crossing Molar Creek |
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| We stop for snacks and a rest before tackling the scree slopes to Middle Molar Pass |
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| Scree slopes to the pass (steeper than it looks!) |
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| Saddle of Middle Molar Pass |
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| Views of South Molar Pass |
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| Interesting rock formations on descent from Middle Molar |
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| South Molar Pass |
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| Descending to rejoin official trail |
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Back on the trail, heading towards Mosquito Creek
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