Powder Mountain to Hudson Bay Mountain
Technical alpine mining road traverse above treeline
This high-altitude traverse links two of northern BC’s ski mountains through some of the roughest terrain in the Babine Range, where old mining roads from the 1960s copper claims still scar the alpine slopes above 6,000 feet. The route climbs from Powder Mountain’s base through a series of increasingly technical switchbacks, crossing Goat Creek at mile 8 where a washed-out bridge forces a sketchy rock-hop crossing. Above treeline, the old mining road becomes a barely-defined track through loose scree and stunted alpine fir.
This is expert-level terrain that’ll humble cocky drivers – loose rock, steep grades, and weather that changes in minutes. You need a built rig with lockers, armor, and serious recovery gear. The mining road sections are deceptively technical, with off-camber turns over thousand-foot drops. Best attempted July through September when snow clears, but even then expect patches at elevation. No services for 60 miles, so carry extra fuel and water. The reward is some of the most remote mountain country in BC, where you’ll see more caribou than people.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Mixed, Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 34 mi / 54.7 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6800 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with lockers |
| Nearest town | Smithers, BC |
| Land manager | BC Crown Land |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| 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 run this trail?
No. This trail requires a modified 4WD with lockers — front and rear. Stock rigs will get stuck or damaged on the loose rock and steep technical sections above treeline. Minimum 33-inch tires and solid skid plate coverage are strongly advised.
When does this trail actually open, and is July always safe?
July is the earliest realistic window, but snowpack in the Babine Range varies year to year — early July can still have significant snow blocking the high alpine sections near 6,800 ft. Check with locals in Smithers before committing; late July through September is the most reliable window.
Do I need any permits or fees to run this trail on BC Crown Land?
No permit or fee is required to access this trail on BC Crown Land. Standard BC backcountry rules apply — pack out what you pack in, respect active resource roads, and yield to industrial traffic if present.
What's the hardest section and what should I expect?
The most technical terrain comes on the exposed ridge traverses between the two mountains where the old mining road deteriorates into loose shale, off-camber shelf road, and broken rock — all above treeline with no recovery room on the downhill side. A winch and a co-driver who can spot are not optional on this trail.
There's zero cell service — how far is the nearest fuel and should I carry extra?
Smithers is your last fuel stop before the trail, and there's nothing between the trailhead and the end point. At 34 miles of slow, low-gear technical driving, fuel burn is high — carry at minimum 5 extra gallons in a jerry can. Nearest emergency services are also in Smithers, so a satellite communicator is essential.
Trail track
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