The Mount Terry Fox trail provides a long climb to the top of the mountain that was named after Terry in 1981. Several viewpoints overlooking the Robson Valley provide pleasant rest-stops along the way. Seventeen switchbacks of varying length lead up to a pine-covered ridge-top, which the trail follows. In the near future, this may be reduced to 11 or so switchbacks if a plan can be implemented to use a logging road for higher-altitude public vehicle access to the trail. Near timberline, the trail is indistinct; follow rock cairns and occasional tree markings and watch for detectable parts of the trail on the ground.

Above timberline, follow the height of land over a couple of minor summits, past a radio repeater and on up to the main peak. At least 4 hours are required and there is no water until a small lake in the alpine is reached, just beyond the radio tower. The views from the top of the mountain are excellent.

A circle trip is possible for strong hikers by descending a few hundred feet into the alpine basin at the headwaters of Terry Fox Creek, which flows north just beyond the radio tower. From there, one can traverse northeast across Terry Fox Creek basin and scramble up between some turrets of rock on the side of a secondary peak forming the divide between Terry Fox Creek and Marathon Creek, just north of the main summit. On this ridge is a brass plaque attached to a large piece of quartzite rock, commemorating Terry Fox. From the plaque, follow the ridge toward the summit, descending to the right just before the end of the ridge to avoid some steep and exposed rock. Just below the line of turrets mentioned above, turn toward the main Mt. Terry Fox summit again and access it via a col a few hundred feet below. From there, the return trip can be made along the summit ridge to the radio tower and back down to the trail.

From Valemount travel north on Highway 5 to Stone Road, which is almost opposite the Mount Terry Fox rest area. Turn right on Stone Road, then immediately left on Tinsley Road. Cross the CNR tracks and follow signs leading to the Mount Terry Fox Trail parking lot.

Hiking Time:

Allow a full day for the round trip to and from the summit.