There are several routes to get to the top of Mount Mara but each year we go up from Pruden Pass and ascend the northeast slope to the top.   This year we went out to the west summit then went back through the gully and back up to the east summit before returning by the same northeast slope.   Because we start at a higher elevation this is the easiest route to the summit.   There are pieces of trail along the way, but there is no trail on the northeast slopes until a point just past the pond on the benchland so hikers have to strike off and just bear southwest to the pond.

The pond is seasonal, drying out in summer.

On the shores of the pond are the remains of the Damgaard Homestead (1912 – 1919).  We can also see remnants of an out-building and field markers.   Our route went south along the benchland to the start of the trail up the hill.

There is a wide plateau on top of Mount Mara with open forest to hike through.

The trail drops into the large gully and then climbs to the south end  at the top of cliffs overlooking the river valley.   We had a good view of the floodlands near Tranquille.

To the west is the Tranquille River with Red Plateau rising above the Dewdrop Range.

The east summit is only 800 m away but it is better to take an indirect route on the traverse.

From the east summit we had views of the Lac du Bois Grasslands.

To the southeast is the Thompson River and the North Shore of Kamloops.

We will be back to hike Mount Mara next spring and for as many years as we can.

More information:

• On Mount Mara
• Mount Mara Area