Rising sharply from the surrounding wilderness of British Columbia’s Sea to Sky corridor, the NW Ridge of Cypress Peak offers an invigorating alpine scramble that’s as rewarding as it is accessible. This route carries climbers above the familiar forest line, immersing them in a raw, open landscape sculpted by wind and snow. From the moment you leave the gravel road at the end of the Forest Service Road (FSR), the path drops steeply into the greenish-grey roar of Roe Creek—a clear and cold barrier daring you to cross. The creek’s steady flow demands attention, but once on the opposite bank, a talus slope awaits, offering a rugged climb underfoot. In early summer, this slope can still be cloaked in snow, smoothing the ascent and opening multiple choices for a steeper, more direct line.

The climb follows a large basin beneath Cypress Peak’s imposing North Face, where the terrain feels exposed but inviting. A careful rightward traverse brings you toward the ridge itself—a spine of rock and scree that narrows as you ascend, pushing climbers into a rhythm of confident steps, steady balance, and mindful placement.

A singular 60-foot crux punctuates the ridge climb, boasting broad, generous holds and ledges that remove much of the anxiety from exposure. This stretch feels engaging but manageable for those comfortable with alpine moves, screened by the watchful presence of the summit above.

Overall, the route is a brisk and rewarding outing—car to car in 5 to 6 hours for a well-coordinated team. Talus fields, snow patches, and scree slopes interlock with these natural features, crafting a dynamic landscape that demands attention but rewards effort with panoramic views stretching toward surrounding peaks and distant coastal waters.

Early summer is the prime window, when lingering snow patches ease foot placements on otherwise loose talus and offer a cooling contrast to the warmth of midday sun. Summer hikers without snow will navigate a more intricate path around the glacier’s fringes, relying on experience to find solid footings. Protective gear is minimal but essential—helmet for rockfall, and when snow lingers, reliable ice axe and crampons add a layer of safety and confidence.

This scramble does not boast vertical climbing complexity, but its alpine environment, combined with shifting terrain and seasonal variations, makes preparation, attentiveness, and respect for mountain conditions critical. With clear skies and steady weather, the NW Ridge to Cypress Peak stands as an invigorating alpine journey that balances straightforward ascent with the rich, tactile experience of wild mountain travel.