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11,703 ft · Ottertail Range, British Columbia

Mount Goodsir

Mount Goodsir is an 11,703 ft peak in the Ottertail Range, British Columbia. The standard route is the Southwest Ridge: 17 mi, 7,490 ft of gain, Class 5.

Mount Goodsir in the Ottertail Range, British Columbia

Mount Goodsir at a glance

  • Elevation11,703 ft3,567 m
  • RouteSouthwest RidgeClass 5
  • Distance17 mi7,490 ft gain
  • Time3 – 4 daysExtreme effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeOttertail RangeBritish Columbia

Climbing the Southwest Ridge

From Field, drive west on Highway 1 past the Yoho park boundary to Beaverfoot Forest Service Road, turn onto Ice Main Road at km 19.4 and park about 3.5 km in. Logging roads and a deadfall-choked Ice River trail lead to the old warden cabin, then a knee- to hip-deep marsh and Zinc Creek reach bivies near 2,300 m. The Southwest Ridge (III, 5.4) is long, sustained and exposed on rock widely called the loosest of the 11,000ers. Plan 3 to 4 days and carry bivy gear on summit day. Most parties pair it with the North Tower and Centre Peak. A Parks Canada backcountry permit and a Parks Canada pass are required.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (55–75 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy
  • Helmet
  • Harness
  • Rope
  • Belay Device
  • Carabiners

What to watch for

  • Loose rock
  • Steep exposure
  • Rockfall
  • Stream crossing
  • Remote location

Quests with Mount Goodsir

Peaks near Mount Goodsir

  1. Deltaform Mountain

    Deltaform Mountain

    11,240 ft · 9.5 mi away

  2. Hungabee Mountain

    Hungabee Mountain

    11,457 ft · 10.3 mi away

  3. Mount Lefroy

    Mount Lefroy

    11,230 ft · 12.2 mi away

  4. Mount Huber

    Mount Huber

    10,984 ft · 12.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Goodsir?

Mount Goodsir is 11,703 feet (3,567 m) tall. It is in the Ottertail Range, British Columbia. It is also known as Goodsir South Tower.

How does Mount Goodsir rank among the Canadian Rockies 11,000ers?

At 11,703 feet, Mount Goodsir is the 9th highest of the 54 Canadian Rockies 11,000ers. The highest is Mount Robson.

How hard is it to climb Mount Goodsir?

The Southwest Ridge is Class 5, which means technical climbing with a rope and protection. Yak rates the overall effort extreme: 17 miles with 7,490 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Mount Goodsir?

Most climbers plan 3 – 4 days for the Southwest Ridge, with at least one night on the mountain.

Is Mount Goodsir dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious and rockfall from loose rock. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.

Do you need a rope to climb Mount Goodsir?

Most parties bring one. The Southwest Ridge is Class 5, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.

When is the best time to climb Mount Goodsir?

The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Mount Goodsir with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list