Atlin Mining Road (Telegraph Creek)
Gold Rush trails through active placer mining country
The Atlin Mining Road traces old pack trails through some of British Columbia’s most remote gold country, connecting the historic mining town of Atlin to Telegraph Creek via 113 kilometers of rough track through the Cassiar Mountains. You’ll cross active placer claims along creeks with names like Discovery and Ruby, where miners still work the same gravels that drew thousands north during the 1898 Klondike stampede. The route climbs through alpine meadows and descends into deep valleys where grizzlies fish for salmon and the autumn colors stretch unbroken to the horizon.
This is serious backcountry requiring high-clearance 4WD and self-sufficiency for mechanical problems. Sharp rocks and creek crossings demand good tires and skid plates, while washouts from spring runoff can block sections for weeks. No services exist between Atlin and Telegraph Creek, so carry extra fuel, food, and emergency gear. Best traveled July through September when most creek crossings are manageable, though early season offers fewer bugs and better wildlife viewing. You’ll experience genuine wilderness and see active mining operations that keep the old ways alive in Canada’s last frontier.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 70 mi / 113 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4100 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Atlin, BC |
| Land manager | Province of British Columbia |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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