Ghostpass Lake

Ghostpass Lake in Sunshine Valley, British Columbia is one of those long, quiet grinds that rewards people who actually like putting in work. The trail is an 18 km out-and-back with about 1,223 m of elevation gain, topping out around 1,461 m, and it usually takes around seven and a half hours. It’s rated difficult for good reason, so expect a full-day effort with very little casual strolling.

The route to Ghostpass Lake starts out on a mostly clear, well-marked trail that eases you in before the real climbing and creek crossings begin. The first creek crossing is usually knee-deep even in summer, and the second one is a bit more manageable, but you’ll still want solid footwear and trekking poles. As you get closer to the lake, the trail gets rougher, with more blowdown, overgrowth, and a wilder feel that reminds you how far you’ve come from Sunshine Valley.

Recent reports highlight that the middle and final thirds of the Ghostpass Lake trail are slow going because of downed trees and brush, so plan extra time and don’t treat the stats lightly. This is best tackled from June through October, watching for lingering snow early season and lower water levels later in summer. Roads to the trailhead can be seasonally closed, so always check BC Parks updates before you drive out, pack for a remote backcountry day, and leave this one to experienced hikers who are comfortable with route-finding and getting their feet wet.