North Mount Nutt

North Mount Nutt is one of those Mission-area hikes that sounds simple on paper and then absolutely humbles you in real life. This 13.4 km out-and-back with about 1,397 m of gain tops out around 1,285 m and easily earns its “Very Difficult” label, with most parties taking around 7 hours or more. It’s remote, rough, and quiet, and that’s exactly the appeal if you’re chasing a hard day out away from the crowds.

The route usually starts from Gold Creek parking, following East Canyon Trail before cutting sharply onto the Mount Nutt Trail toward the south peak. Up to the south peak and false summit, it’s steep but more defined, with improving views over the Stave Falls and Golden Ears area as you gain elevation. Beyond that, pushing on toward the true North Mount Nutt summit becomes a choose-your-own-adventure ridge, with partial views that some hikers feel don’t quite match the effort required.

Recent hikers have added flagging from the false summit to the south peak, so that section is now easier to follow, but from the south peak to the north peak you’re mostly bushwhacking through steep forest with patchy tape and real route-finding. Expect slow travel, scratches, and lots of deadfall, and bring GPS and extra flagging if you’re continuing past the maintained section. Access roads toward this Mission trail can be affected by seasonal closures and snow, so check BC Parks advisories, aim for a dry window between late spring and fall, and only commit to North Mount Nutt if you’re very experienced and actually enjoy off-trail thrashing.