Tlell River to Masset — Haida Gwaii North Island Interior Track via Tow Hill
Ancient islands, basalt shores, and zero traffic.
Haida Gwaii sits 80 kilometres off the northern British Columbia coast and feels like another planet — temperate rainforest pressing to the beach, totem poles emerging from the moss, and roads that blur the line between track and stream. The north island interior route from Tlell follows the east coast logging network before cutting inland through old-growth stands to the Agate Beach area and Naikoon Provincial Park’s famous Tow Hill, a 109-metre basalt intrusion jutting from the sand at the northern tip. The blow hole near the base is audible before you see it. Side tracks access remote beaches where no other traffic exists and agates wash ashore with every tide.
The tracks are mostly packed gravel and reclaimed logging road — manageable in a high-clearance 2WD in dry weather, but Graham Island averages 1,400mm of rain annually and saturated conditions can make even gravel roads genuinely slippery. A capable 4WD with all-terrain tyres is the smart call year-round. No fuel north of Masset; fill before you leave. The best window is May through September, though fog and rain are possible any day. Naikoon Provincial Park manages the Tow Hill area and a basic campsite exists there. No permits needed for driving the logging roads, but they are active — watch for industrial traffic.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 68 mi / 109 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1050 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD recommended |
| Nearest town | Masset, British Columbia, Canada |
| Land manager | BC Parks — Naikoon Provincial Park / BC Ministry of Forests (logging roads) |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | BC Parks — Naikoon Provincial Park |
| Verified | |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run this trail, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner can handle this route in dry summer conditions. Mud seasons or wet stretches on the logging road sections will punish low-clearance rigs — lockers or a limited-slip rear end are a real advantage here, not a luxury.
When is this trail passable and does heavy rain shut it down?
May through September is your window. Haida Gwaii gets hammered with rain year-round, but the logging road sections turn into axle-deep muck outside summer — some sections become impassable even in May during a wet year. Check recent trip reports before committing; there's no bailout once you're deep in.
Do I need a permit to drive through Naikoon Provincial Park or use the logging roads?
No permit is required for recreational vehicle access through Naikoon Provincial Park or on the active and deactivated logging roads on this route. Camping within the park boundary falls under standard BC Parks dispersed camping rules — no fee, no reservation, pack out everything.
What's the hardest section of this route and what should I actually be ready for?
The roughest stretches are the inland logging road sections between Tlell and the north shore — deactivated roads can have wash-outs, deep ruts, and downed timber with no recent maintenance. Tow Hill itself is approachable, but getting there after sustained rain means the track can be slick clay over hardpack, which bites even experienced drivers.
There's no cell service — how far is it to the nearest fuel and should I carry extra?
Masset is your last fuel stop before and your first after — there is nothing on route. At 68 miles of rough backcountry driving, fuel consumption climbs fast; carry at minimum a 5-gallon aux can. The ferry crossing to Haida Gwaii adds a variable to your schedule too, so don't arrive on island running close to empty.
Trail track
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