Old Corduroy Road (Wells Gray Provincial Park)
Historic logging road to wilderness waterfalls
The Old Corduroy Road earned its name from the actual logs still embedded in muddy sections where 1920s loggers built the original skid road. This 35-kilometer route penetrates deep into Wells Gray Provincial Park’s northern wilderness, passing through old-growth cedar groves and crossing multiple creek beds before reaching the remote Canim River drainage. The road terminates near spectacular but little-visited waterfalls that require short hikes to reach.
High-clearance 4WD is mandatory for the final 15 kilometers where rocks, roots, and deep ruts challenge everything from your vehicle’s approach angles to your spare tire supply. Expect mud holes year-round and stream crossings that can rise quickly with rain. Summer and early fall offer the best conditions, but bring chains and recovery gear regardless. No services exist beyond Clearwater. This route rewards those seeking true wilderness camping and the satisfaction of reaching places most overlanders never see.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 22 mi / 35 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3800 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Clearwater, BC |
| Land manager | BC Parks |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | bcparks.ca |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Tacoma run Old Corduroy Road without modifications?
A stock 4WD with genuine high clearance can make it, but it will be working hard. Mud, exposed roots, and rough corduroy sections will punish low-clearance rigs — a lift and all-terrain tires are a serious advantage here.
When does Old Corduroy Road actually open up each year?
June through September is your window. Spring snowmelt keeps the trail saturated and unpredictable into late May, and early snowfall can shut it down by October. Check with BC Parks in Clearwater before you go — conditions vary year to year.
Do you need a permit to drive or camp on Old Corduroy Road?
No permit is required to drive the trail, and dispersed camping within Wells Gray Provincial Park is allowed without a reservation. Follow BC Parks backcountry camping rules — pack it in, pack it out, no fires where restricted.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The original corduroy log sections and water crossings are where things get serious — expect deep ruts, submerged roots, and at least one crossing that will test your approach angle and momentum decisions. Recovery gear is not optional on this trail.
There's zero cell service — how far is it to the nearest fuel and help if something goes wrong?
Clearwater is your last stop for fuel, supplies, and cell service before you drop into the backcountry. It's roughly 35 km of trail one-way with no bailout options mid-route, so carry a satellite communicator and plan fuel for the full round trip plus buffer.
Trail track
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