Iskut River Road

Branching off the Stewart-Cassiar Highway north of Iskut, this 80-kilometer dead-end road follows the Iskut River deep into the Stikine Plateau’s volcanic landscape. The route passes several active placer mining operations and dozens of abandoned claims from various gold rushes spanning the 1860s to the 1980s. Mile 35 hits the first serious river crossing at Cascade Creek — it’s bridged now, but spring floods regularly wash out the approaches. The road ends at the base of the Spectrum Range, where obsidian cliffs rise straight out of the valley floor like broken glass.

This is legitimate backcountry requiring 4WD, recovery gear, and serious bear awareness — the Iskut drainage has one of the highest grizzly densities in BC. Road conditions vary wildly depending on mining activity and maintenance schedules. Best from July through September when river levels stabilize. No permits required, but check with local First Nations offices in Iskut for current access protocols. Excellent dispersed camping along the river, but pack everything out — this country doesn’t forgive careless visitors.