Dease Lake to Iskut River High Road (British Columbia)
Shale ridges above the Iskut — bring lockers.
Northwest of Dease Lake on the Cassiar Highway corridor, this seldom-traveled high road climbs out of the Stikine plateau and runs along the ridges above the Iskut River drainage — Tahltan ancestral country where the land is bigger than anything you’ve seen and the road is honest about what it is: a rough mining access track that doesn’t care about your comfort. The first serious pinch point comes about 18 km in where a shale slide has narrowed the road to one vehicle width on a 40-degree sidehill slope. There are no guardrails. There is nothing between you and the valley floor. Pay attention.
This is a serious high-clearance run — a lifted, skid-plated truck or capable SUV is mandatory. Lockers front and rear are strongly advised after any rain, when the shale surface turns greasy. Cell service is zero. The nearest fuel is Dease Lake to the north or Bob Quinn Lake south on the Cassiar — plan accordingly and carry at minimum 20 liters extra. Best window is late June through September before early snowfall closes the upper sections. Dispersed camping along the ridge gives you one of the most spectacular stargazing spots in the province. This is deep BC wilderness — few people come up here, and the ones who do tend to come back.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance |
| Surface | Gravel, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 47 mi / 75.6 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5400 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Lifted high-clearance 4WD with lockers |
| Nearest town | Dease Lake, BC |
| Land manager | BC Ministry of Forests / Tahltan Nation |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| 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 Tacoma or 4Runner run this trail, or do I actually need lockers?
The tagline isn't joking — lockers are strongly advised, not optional. The shale ridge sections get loose and off-camber fast, and a stock rig without lockers is a liability up there, not just a hassle.
When does the Dease Lake to Iskut High Road open up after winter, and is snow a real concern in June?
Best window is late June through September. Snow can linger on the high ridges well into June at 5,400 ft elevation, and early-season mud on the lower gravel sections can be just as problematic as the snow itself.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp along it?
No formal permit is currently required, but this route crosses Tahltan Nation territory — respect the land, pack out everything, and follow any posted closures or signage without argument. Land management falls under BC Ministry of Forests and Tahltan jurisdiction jointly.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually be ready for?
The exposed shale ridge sections are where rigs get into trouble — loose rock, no guardrails, steep drop-offs, and surfaces that shift under your tires mid-corner. Add a loaded roof rack or trailer and the off-camber angles get serious. One bad line here isn't a recovery situation, it's a helicopter situation.
How far is the nearest gas station, and can I complete the 47 miles without a resupply?
Dease Lake is your last guaranteed fuel stop before heading out — fill up there, no exceptions. There is zero cell service on this route and no services between the trailhead and Iskut, so carry extra fuel if your rig is thirsty or you're towing.
Trail track
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