Pine Pass to Williston Lake Mining Circuit

The Pine Pass to Williston Lake Mining Circuit follows century-old pack trails through the Hart Ranges, connecting Highway 97 at Pine Pass to the W.A.C. Bennett Dam. This 72-kilometer loop road was punched through in the 1960s to access coal seams and natural gas deposits, passing abandoned mine shafts at Carbon Creek and crossing the Parsnip River arm of Williston Lake. The route climbs through mixed forest and alpine meadows, with stunning views of the Continental Divide peaks and the largest man-made lake in BC.

Stock high-clearance vehicles can handle dry conditions, but this becomes a muddy nightmare when wet. Creek crossings flood out during spring runoff, and several steep climbs require low-range. Road conditions deteriorate rapidly after the first snows. Best window is July through early September. Bring extra fuel — nearest gas is 150+ kilometers away. Dispersed camping along the reservoir offers excellent fishing for lake trout and northern pike, plus northern lights viewing in late season.