The Misinchinka High Route (MHR) is a demanding 100 mile off-trail hiking route across the remote and rugged Misinchinka Ranges of the Canadian Rockies, offering an immersive and secluded adventure through pristine wilderness. After spending countless hours poring over topo maps and satellite imagery, I hiked the route in 2024 and decided to make this guide.
Please enjoy it responsibly.
Background
Northward Bound
The Rocky Mountains are the largest mountain range in North America and most of their length is readily accessible to hikers. The Continental Divide Trail provides a footpath spanning from the Rockies’ southern beginnings in New Mexico all the way to the Canadian border. Next, the Great Divide Trail (GDT) takes up the cause and guides hikers north through the Canadian Rockies all the way to Kakwa Provincial Park. But why stop there? The Rockies keep going, the only thing that’s lacking is a maintained network of trails to follow.
Travel through the mountains without trails is certainly possible for experienced wilderness hikers. This idea of a continued northbound wilderness route along the divide, dubbed the Great Divide Route, has seen growing interest in recent years following a successful trip in 2022 by Dan Durston and Ben Millen. Dan and Ben hiked north from Kakwa Provincial Park to Monkman Provincial Park – but what about continuing even further? Well, here’s where the choice of direction gets interesting.
The Divide
For all the distance we’ve just covered up to Monkman Provincial Park, one could speak of ‘following the Divide’ or ‘hiking along the Rockies’ interchangeably. The Continental Divide (the parting line between all waters flowing west to the Pacific or east to the Atlantic/Arctic) is formed by the high crests of the Rocky Mountains – that is, until Monkman Provincial Park. This is due to the Peace River, which begins on the west side of the Rockies but then flows east and cuts straight through the mountains on its path to the Mackenzie River and later the Arctic Ocean. It is the only river to cross the Rockies in this way. This forces the Continental Divide to leave the Rockies and swing out far to the west in order to encircle the headwaters of the Peace River (dammed in 1968 to create Williston Lake, the seventh largest reservoir in the world). The point at which the Divide diverts from the high peaks of the Rockies is Mount Barton, which resides in Monkman Provincial Park.
This forces a choice – to continue ahead following the Divide, or the Rockies? If you choose to remain in the Rockies, then a route from Monkman Provincial Park to the next reasonable access point (Pine Pass) would be the logical next step. This area of the Rockies is known as the Misinchinka Ranges. There are no human-made trails through here, and the forested valleys are often thick with undergrowth. However, many of the ridges and peaks are tame enough to be used as travel corridors. This is the basis for the Misinchinka High Route.
Chronicles
The information provided here is based on my solo hike in September 2024 (here’s my daily account with more pictures of the route). I’m only aware of two similar trips traversing this area in the modern era – others are likely, but simply weren’t recorded or shared widely. The first was made by Walkin’ Jim Stoltz in 2001 as part of his Yellowstone to Yukon project. Jim and his hiking partner walked from Monkman to Pine Pass, but took a route well east of the highest mountains and followed forestry roads for much of the journey. The second was a winter ski traverse made by Martina Halik and Tania Halik in 2020 as part of a larger multisport adventure from Hudson’s Hope/Williston Lake to Prince George. Martina and Tania tracked over much of the same terrain as my summer route, and had I known about their journey before completing mine I would likely have reached out for information.
Expected Conditions & Safety
Hiking Conditions
Let me be clear: this is not a trail. There are no human-made trails through these mountains, at least not until the final descent from the Murray Range at Pine Pass. This is a cross-country route through forests, across meadows, over mountains, and everything in between. Navigation skills and equipment are essential.
I’ve attempted to chart the path of least resistance through this remote and wild terrain, but there will still be many sections where bushwhacking is required. And I mean real bushwhacking, or perhaps more accurately: bush-pushing, bush-crashing, bush-fighting – you get the idea. Hiking pace can easily slow to 1 km/hr or below, although stretches like this are the exception and not the rule.
All of these pictures were taken on the same day
Much of the route is good hiking, with some truly spectacular sections winding above high ridges, through flowered meadows, and along the shores of pristine alpine lakes. Often, game trails will allow for improved passage through the bush. However, in order to link up these lines of open travel it’s often necessary to put in considerable elevation gain. Over the course of the approximately 157 km (97 mile) route, there is more than 11700 m (38400 ft) of climbing and a similar amount of descent. This averages out to 797 ft of elevation change per mile. Accordingly, hiking days of 16 km (10 mi) would be expected to include roughly 1200 m (4000 ft) of climbing and the same amount of descent.
The most relevant comparisons in the Canadian Rockies are likely the high off-trail alternates along the Great Divide Trail (GDT):
GDT Alternate | Average Vertical Change (ft/mi) |
Mount Rowe - Sage Pass (After Mt. Rowe climb) | 741 |
Barnaby Ridge | 853 |
Perseverance High Route (with Meadowlands descent) | 725 |
Surprise Pass High Route | 768 |
Imagine joining such alternates back-to-back for 100 miles, connected by bushwhacks through forested valleys, and you're not far off from the MHR experience. For additional context, the Skyline Trail averages less than 400 ft/mi, while the Rockwall Trail requires a bit more at 530 ft/mi. This only accounts for vertical change and doesn’t capture the added demands of navigating rugged cross-country terrain. In short, the MHR is far more difficult than maintained mountain trails, to the extent that there’s really no useful comparison. The MHR is long, demanding, and remote, and should not be attempted if you don’t already have an idea of your capabilities in similar conditions.
Remoteness
The area this route traverses has remained truly wild due to its inaccessibilty. Signs of human activity are quite rare – a railway tunnel runs below one of the mountains and sharp eyes may spot a small survey marker while walking atop the ridge. More obviously, the Coastal GasLink pipeline winds across the range near the route’s halfway point. The disturbed area is only dozens of metres wide and is crossed quickly. This is the only realistic bailout option available. The pipeline right-of-way can be followed east or west, but paved roads are still 2 to 3 days distant in either direction. Be prepared to be fully self-sufficient and carry a personal locator beacon or SOS device in case of emergency.
Hiking Season
The route relies on snow-free conditions in the higher mountains, so this limits the hiking season to August-September. July may be possible depending on the yearly snowpack. For trips during this timeframe, three-season conditions should be expected. During my hike from Sept 3-11 I had three nights below freezing, cool but sunny days, two days with periods of light rain and one day with sustained rain.
During July and August your days will be long and daily highs will be warmer, however September hikers will encounter the driest conditions and no lingering snow. Lakes and tarns will also be at lower levels, allowing for easy travel along their banks. There will be fewer flying bugs, and berries will be plentiful. Bear activity will also be high as they bulk up for winter.
Wildlife
This is prime grizzly bear habitat. A study from 1998-2003 suggests a grizzly population of 366 bears in the Hart Ranges (of which the Misinchinka Ranges are the largest sub-range). You are very likely to encounter them. Call out and make your presence constantly known. Carry bear spray, keep it within easy reach, and know how and when to use it.
The Misinchinka Ranges are also home to moose, mountain goats, caribou, deer, porcupines, golden eagles, and white-tailed ptarmigan.
Rain
This area tends to receive consistent rainfall, and you should be prepared for wet conditions and the possibility of sustained rain over multiple days. Wet feet are guaranteed for most days, but even minor rainfall or morning dew can turn any vegetated terrain into a carwash. Waterproof layers are absolutely required, and should be durable enough to withstand true bushwhacking.
Rivers
There are no river fords of concern along the route. In fact there are relatively few stream crossings that can’t be hopped across. Just splash through and continue on.
Fire
Forest fire activity is to be expected during summer. Only one area along the MHR shows evidence of a recent burn, but that does not mean further fires aren’t possible. With such a lack of easy bailout options along the MHR, the possibility of fire activity provides another reason to carry a PLB or satellite communication device.
Logistics
Endpoints/Access
South (Imperial Creek FSR / Monkman Provincial Park)
The southern end of the route is the end of Imperial Creek FSR, which is roughly 23 km from the visitor parking lot of Monkman Provincial Park. The road is drivable with a 4x4 truck although it is currently narrowing from overgrowth. The road sees very little traffic, passes several water sources, and would be an easy 5-6 hr approach hike if leaving on foot from the Monkman parking lot. Note that there is no cell service at Monkman Provincial Park.
The nearest town to Monkman Provincial Park is Tumbler Ridge (65 km on mostly gravel road). The town has a population of approx 2600 with a post office, grocery store, and most amenities a hiker might need. There is no public transit to Monkman Provincial Park, but it does see regular use during the summer so hitchhiking may be possible. The closest regional airports are in Dawson Creek, BC and Grand Prairie, AB.
North (HWY 97 / Pine Pass)
A steep but well-established trail connects the grassy slopes of the Murray Range with HWY 97 (John Hart HWY) at Pine Pass. Just a few hundred metres south of the informal trailhead is Azouzetta Lake Lodge & Campground. The campground also operates the popular Cafe 97 restaurant which has wifi. BC Bus North stops at Pine Pass twice a week on its way to Prince George, which has further public transit options as well as an international airport. It also travels east twice a week with a stop in Dawson Creek. There is no cell service at Pine Pass.
Middle (Coastal GasLink Pipeline)
Roughly halfway through the route you will cross the Coastal GasLink pipeline. The pipeline right-of-way appears walkable in either direction, but as of Sept 2024 the terrain is not vehicle accessible near the crossing (incomplete bridges, large berms, etc.). One could hypothetically walk southwest for 13 km along the pipeline right-of-way to reach existing forestry roads, then another 70 km to HWY 97. Similarly, one could walk northeast for roughly 14 km along the pipeline right-of-way to reach existing forestry roads, then another 64 km to BC-29 (Don Phillips Way). If these forest roads are accessible to the public, and as far as road conditions allow, then they could potentially serve as central access points for shorter trips of only the northern or southern half of the MHR.
Direction of Travel
Although the route can be travelled in either direction, the Murray Range makes for a scenic final stretch. However, if you can not arrange a ride to or from Monkman Park it might make sense to hike south. It will be much easier to chat with park visitors and catch a ride out of the park than trying to hitchhike into the park from the highway. Note that the Monkman campground is unserviced, so a shower and laundry will have to wait until you reach town. The waypoints and route descriptions provided are written from a northbound perspective.
Camping
I’ve identified some of the nicer camping locations that I noticed, but countless others exist as well. Many unforested areas are still covered in thick shrubs, so be careful when reading satellite imagery. Be sure to follow LNT practices so this untouched area can retain its pristine character.
Water Sources
Plentiful. Fill up before heading up to a high ridge walk, but otherwise you should come across streams and lakes regularly. I’ve flagged some of the higher water sources if I thought they might be useful, but otherwise just refer to your topo maps.
Permits
None required. Frontcountry camping at Monkman Provincial Park costs $20 per site and is first-come-first-served.
Comparison with the GDR
Many readers will be curious to know how the Misinchinka High Route compares to the Great Divide Route, since the MHR seems like a natural continuation. Here’s a quick summary by the numbers:
Misinchinka High Route | Great Divide Route | |
Total Length | 157 km / 97 mi from Imperial Crk FSR OR 178 km / 110.5 mi from Monkman | 164 km / 102.5 mi from Kakwa Lake OR 187 km / 116 mi from Deadhorse Meadows |
Off-Trail Length | 155 km / 96 mi (Imperial Crk FSR to Murray Range Trail) | 120 km / 74.5mi (Jarvis Cabin to Monkman Pass Trail / end of Monkman tarns) |
Avg. Elevation (Off-trail terrain only) | 1538 m / 5046 ft | 1539 m / 5049 ft |
Terrain Type (Off-trail terrain only) (per CalTopo) | 35% Forest 12% Shrub 36% Grassland 16% Barren (data on CalTopo was unavailable for km 8 to km 30, but the terrain distribution here is similar to the rest of the route) | 45% Forest 16% Shrub 31% Grassland 4% Barren 3% Water (Water = dry lakeshores, esp. Limestone Lakes) |
Avg. Vert. Change (Off-trail terrain only) | 779 ft/mi | 467 ft/mi |
Total Vert. Gain (Off-trail terrain only) | +11700 m / +38400 ft | +4900 m / +16200 ft |
The MHR is slightly shorter but involves more off-trail travel (I chose to omit the overgrown trail before Jarvis Lakes from the GDR total). The average elevation of both routes is almost identical. This is notable since the overall terrain is generally higher along the GDR, with most of the mountains 1000+ ft higher than those of the MHR. However, this allows for much more travel atop the mountains of the MHR themselves. This is why the MHR is able to spend a slightly greater percentage of its off-trail distance in open terrain types like Grasslands and Barren (rock) and less in thicker terrain (Forest and Shrub)*. This doesn’t come without cost however, which is shown in the amount of vertical gain required by each route. The MHR climbs and descends considerably more than the GDR on a mile-for-mile basis while off-trail (1.67x more), and since the MHR also covers more off-trail distance it racks up much more vertical overall (more than double).
Note that this analysis is based on the current recommended path for each route, and the actual numbers will vary substantially based on the actual walking path of hikers. It’s also likely that the recommended routes will change in the near future as they are refined by further reconnaissance. For more resources on the Great Divide Route, feel free to visit Kasy K’s excellent site.
*Since the MHR covers more off-trail distance, the actual distance spent in Forest and Shrub terrain is almost identical between both routes. This doesn’t capture subtleties like open forests, game trails, etc., but on a broad scale it implies that the amount of bushwhacking on both routes is similar.
The Route
The tracks and waypoints can be easily exported and loaded into your offline navigation app/device.
These maps are only 1:50000 scale. Feel free to recreate your own at different scales or base maps.
The suggested route is divided into segments shown in light and dark red. The segment divisions are largely arbitrary and are mostly in place to make future track edits and waypoint updates easier than a single massive track.
Note that some of the waypoints are marked with arrows which point toward another waypoint of the same name. This indicates a section of the track line which I did not travel and hasn’t been ground-truthed, generally because I hiked a different line between the two points which was subpar. Feel free to stray from the track line here if you find a superior path (this applies to the entire route of course, but especially in these areas).
In much of the forested or bushy terrain I had good success connecting meadows and game trails, so I'd recommend defaulting to the tracks provided here. However, there will still be many cases where the track simply chronicles my arbitrary bush-crashing path and any similar route will do.
I often didn’t record a GPS track when travelling through what I felt was open and obvious terrain, and only created the continuous tracks here for the sake of visual clarity. Remember that this is a wilderness route and as long as you know where you are, where you need to get to, and what obstacles lay in between, finding your own path is absolutely encouraged. Please let me know how it goes!
–A special thanks to Kevin Sharman for additional route beta and assistance during my 2024 hike
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