Broughton Archipelago Logging Circuit
Industrial road through Vancouver Island's coastal giants
The Broughton Archipelago Logging Circuit weaves through the traditional territory of the ‘Namgis First Nation along Vancouver Island’s rugged northern coast, connecting Telegraph Cove to the isolated settlement of Alert Bay via a maze of active industrial roads. This 90-kilometer route passes massive old-growth cedar stumps, crosses salmon-spawning creeks on one-lane logging bridges, and offers glimpses of the Inside Passage through breaks in the coastal temperate rainforest. The highlight is Nimpkish Lake, where crystal-clear waters reflect towering mountains while industrial equipment works the surrounding hillsides.
Standard pickup trucks handle most sections during dry weather, but muddy conditions from October through April can trap vehicles for hours. Watch for loaded logging trucks on weekdays—pull over at designated spots and monitor radio channel 19 for traffic updates. Fuel availability is limited to Port McNeill, so plan accordingly. The coastal scenery includes orca and grizzly bear viewing opportunities, excellent salmon fishing in season, and access to remote hot springs reachable only by boat or floatplane from roadside lakes.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 56 mi / 90 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2100 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock pickup truck |
| Nearest town | Port McNeill, BC |
| Land manager | Western Forest Products |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| 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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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock truck or SUV handle this route, or do I need a lift?
A stock pickup truck is the minimum — stock ride height handles the gravel logging roads and water crossings fine under normal conditions. A lifted rig gives you more margin on the creek crossings after heavy rain, but it's not required in dry summer conditions.
When is the Broughton Archipelago Logging Circuit accessible, and does snow close it in winter?
Best window is May through September. Winter brings deep mud, washed-out sections, and occasional snow at elevation that can make the route impassable. Some sections may be gated seasonally by Western Forest Products.
Do I need a permit to drive this route, and are there any fees?
No recreational permit is required, but this is an active Western Forest Products logging road — industrial traffic has right of way at all times. There are no entry fees, but check WFP's Vancouver Island road status line before you go since gates can close without notice.
What's the hardest section of this trail and what should I actually be ready for?
The water crossings are the main variable — they're manageable in summer but can run fast and deeper after rain at this elevation. The bigger challenge is active logging truck traffic on blind corners; pull to the shoulder immediately and give those trucks all the room they want.
How far is the nearest gas station, and should I top off before heading in?
Port McNeill is your last reliable fuel stop before the circuit — top off there, full tank, no debate. The route runs 56 miles through remote coastal rainforest with zero services, and the nearest town is a long limp back on a bad day.
Trail track
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