**UPDATE 2022: Unfortunately this popular and iconic firewatch tower burnt down this summer
Eagle Pass Mountain is visible driving east after Sicamous and is quite the popular summertime hike (especially on weekends) given it’s accessibility.
Directions to Trailhead
Crazy Creek Forestry Road is the first turn off of HWY 1 but it is unmarked. The turn is 6.1km east of Craigellachie, 42km west of Revelstoke, 105km east of Vernon, 8.5km west of the Enchanted Forest – essentially, figure out the turn before leaving / GPS it.
8.4km after the turn onto the forestry road there is a left turn which currently has a legible sign. The road is officially called crazy eagle pass forestry road but it is again, unmarked. The crazy part is accurate through. If you have a 2WD then it’s time to park and get on the hiking boots. The road from here (for the remaining 5km) is 4×4 only. The road is actually in excellent condition but there are drainage cutouts that require high clearance. It should be possible with an SUV and experienced driver (last visit we saw an Outback and a Honda CRV attempting the climb).
Hut ‘reservation’ Etiquette
Eagle pass mountain has a highly sought after hut at the peak (a bit of a controversy surrounding it, google it for the latest). Given its location you can imagine the incredible overnight experience. The problem is that it is big enough for 2 (perhaps 3-4 good friends). There is one bunk bed inside and a couple extra mattresses. A large table takes up most of the remaining area.
There is currently an informal system for reservation. Specifically, it is first one there wins. Some are nice enough to leave a note at the trailhead but aside from this you really don’t know if you’ll have the hut until you arrive.
When we last hiked Eagle Pass in summer 2020 there was a note at the trailhead. Knowing this we strapped on the back-country tent. If there had not been a note it would have definitely been a gamble. This was especially the case for us as the parking lot was empty but a group had been dropped off earlier. For sure on a summer weekend it would be a good idea to bring a tent just in case. There are a few places 3/4 into the hike with nice meadow areas for camping.
Hiking Options
The trail starts in the trees and heads gradually upward. There are numerous streams with water flowing even in late summer. Half way through the tree section there is a fork indicating an offshoot trail to Twin Lakes. A hike to the Twin Lakes could be considered a separate day hike or it is also possible to loop up to the summit (some routefinding required).
The summit trail exits the trees into beautiful meadow areas but the steady incline doesn’t abate. The last 10-20 minutes before the top are notably strenuous. It takes approximately 2 hours total to get to the top.
For the return journey it is possible to climb over the visible saddle below the peak (Neil’s pass) and join up with the Twin Lakes trail.
