Maccarib Pass in Jasper is usually hiked, skied, or snowshoed as part of a loop route into Tonquin Valley.   For years, though, we skied this as a long cross-country ski day from Marmot Basin up toward the Pass and back.   In winter, we often skied right on the creekbed for much of the route, gaining as much as 732m over 18.5km.   A good turn-around spot is at a viewpoint at the top of the pass. but the extent of the skiing in a single day depends on conditions.

To ski, hike, or snowshoe Maccarib Pass, drive up the Marmot Basin Road to the signed Portal Creek trailhead.   The route ascends a narrow canyon of Portal Creek and proceeds along the north slope toward Peveril Peak.

The trail crosses a bridge over Circus Creek and goes across rockslides to the Portal Campground.   Past the campground, the grade steepens, climbing through subalpine forest and then emerges into the alpine about 2k from the top of the pass.   For a day trip this is far enough and too far for some.   Beyond, the trail descends gradually toward Moat Pass and then angles back down into the Tonquin Valley (20 km from the start).   On a backpacking trip, the Maccarib Campground is at 19.5 km from the start, right on Maccarib Creek.

We find the Tonquin Valley wet, muddy, and buggy except in the late season so we enjoy the views, but then we return to the higher terrain to camp, or we return all the way back out in a single day (to the top of the pass and back).   In winter, the skiing down the passes can be a fast route back.   We did it in light gear, but some of the steeper and narrower sections are best done with alpine touring gear.   In summer, hikers should check with the Parks Office since the area is sometimes part of grizzly bear routes and the corridors are tight, not much room for avoiding wildlife.   <A hiker was killed by a grizzly there many years ago.>

When we backpacked into the Tonquin Valley we came in by Maccarib Pass and went out via the Astoria River.   We much prefer the Portal Creek route and would do this both ways next time, even though it is longer.

The first few kilometers are forested, but then the views open up and they are wonderful at the pass and beyond.   It is a long way in, but on a nice day, it is one of the prime routes in Jasper.