Nass Valley Road (Highway 113)
Ancient culture meets recent volcanic history.
Highway 113 cuts through the heart of Nisga’a Nation territory, past volcanic lava beds that tell the story of Canada’s most recent volcanic eruption just 250 years ago. The route starts paved from Terrace, transitioning to well-maintained gravel as it follows the Nass River upstream past ancient Nisga’a villages and salmon spawning grounds. The road terminates at Kincolith on the Portland Canal, where massive runs of eulachon (oolichan) still draw traditional harvesting each spring.
Stock vehicles handle this route easily, though the final stretch to Kincolith gets rougher and requires higher clearance. Open year-round but winter conditions can be severe — check with Nisga’a Nation before traveling. Fuel available at New Aiyansh, but plan accordingly for the full loop. This isn’t just a drive; it’s a journey through living Indigenous culture where protocols matter. Respect the land, the people, and the protocols, and you’ll experience one of BC’s most culturally significant routes.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 124 mi / 200 km |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1800 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Terrace, BC |
| Land manager | Nisga'a Nation / BC Ministry of Transportation |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Nass Valley Road without modifications?
Yes. The trail is rated moderate and a stock high-clearance vehicle is the minimum. Pavement transitions to gravel, but nothing here requires a lift or lockers under normal conditions — just watch for washboard and pothole sections on the gravel stretches.
Is Nass Valley Road (Highway 113) accessible in winter?
The best season runs April through November. Winter conditions bring snow, ice, and potential road closures — the remote location and limited services make an off-season attempt genuinely risky. Check with BC Ministry of Transportation before pushing past those dates.
Do I need a permit to drive through Nisga'a territory or visit Nisga'a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park?
No permit is required to drive the route, but the lava beds sit within Nisga'a Lands and a provincial park — respect posted rules, stay on designated trails, and do not remove volcanic rock or artifacts. Some cultural sites may have specific access protocols; check with the Nisga'a Lisims Government if you plan extended exploration off the main road.
What's the hardest section of the route and what should I actually expect?
The gravel portions north of Cranberry Junction toward New Aiyansh are the roughest — expect loose rock, washboard, and sections that deteriorate after rain. Nothing technically extreme, but sustained gravel driving for 100+ km means tire condition and a full-size spare matter.
How far is it between fuel stops on this route, and is dispersed camping available?
Fuel in Terrace before you leave — there are limited services in New Aiyansh but don't count on them; carry extra fuel for the full 200 km run. Dispersed camping is available along the route, and the lava bed area has established camping options, but sites fill in summer so arrive with a plan B.
Trail track
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