Blaeberry River FSR to Howse Pass (British Columbia)
Thompson's fur trade pass, still earns its reputation.
David Thompson used Howse Pass to cross the Continental Divide in 1807, and the Blaeberry River FSR tracks almost the same line he walked. Starting east of Golden off Highway 1, the road climbs north along the Blaeberry River through increasingly rough terrain — cottonwood flats give way to rocky river benches, then the valley walls close in. The road deteriorates hard past the 30-kilometre mark, with loose shale sections, tight switchbacks above the river, and at least three significant creek crossings that run high through early July. The pass itself sits on the boundary of Banff National Park, meaning vehicle access ends at the BC boundary — but that’s 60-plus kilometres of proper backcountry road before you even get there.
This route demands a capable high-clearance 4WD with a locker, recovery gear, and a spare. The FSR sees some logging traffic in the lower sections but goes dead quiet past the 20-kilometre mark — you’re genuinely on your own out here. No permit required for the FSR portion. Best season is mid-July through September. Golden is your fuel and resupply point before you go in. The Columbia River views coming back down at dusk, with the Purcells lit up across the valley, make this one of the most underrated drives in the Rockies.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Gravel, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 42 mi / 67.6 km |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5800 ft |
| Best season | Mid-July to September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with locker |
| Nearest town | Golden, BC |
| Land manager | BC Ministry of Forests |
| 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 handle this trail, or do I need a locker?
A stock high-clearance 4WD can get you partway, but the rocky sections and river crossings make a locker effectively mandatory. Running it without one puts you at real risk of getting stuck far from help with zero cell service.
When does the Blaeberry River FSR typically open and close each season?
Mid-July to September is the reliable window. Snow can linger well into June at elevation, and fall storms can make the crossings dangerous fast — September is not a hard deadline, but push past it at your own risk.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp along the Blaeberry River FSR?
No permit is required to drive the FSR. Dispersed camping is allowed under BC Forest Service rules — no fee, no reservation, but you're on Crown land so pack out everything and follow fire restriction orders posted for the region.
What's the hardest section of this trail and what actually makes it technical?
The upper stretch approaching Howse Pass is where it earns its difficulty rating — loose rock, rutted two-track, and multiple water crossings with no easy bailout. The crossings aren't deep in late summer, but they're rocky-bottomed and current is real; one wrong line and you're hung up or taking on water.
Is there any place to refuel between Golden and the end of the trail?
No. Golden is your last fuel stop before you commit to 67+ km of backcountry. Fill up completely in town, and if your rig drinks fuel on technical terrain, carry a jerry can — there's nothing out there and a tow from that drainage will cost you.
Trail track
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