Potato Range FSR — Merritt to Nicola Highland Loop
High grassland loop above the Nicola Valley.
The Potato Range sits in the high country east of Merritt, and the FSR network up here is exactly what Nicola Valley locals drive when they want to clear their heads. From the main Plateau FSR off Highway 5A, you climb through ponderosa pine into rolling bunch-grass highlands with views stretching clear to the Cascades on a good day. The loop connects several old range roads and logging spurs, passing cattle troughs and stock ponds that double as wildlife waterholes — expect mule deer, moose, and the occasional black bear. The road surface stays mostly hardpack gravel but turns greasy fast in the rain, and the steep-sided draws on the north end of the loop will test your confidence on a wet day.
Moderate difficulty overall, but the north-slope sections earn their reputation when wet. A stock 4WD with decent tires handles it in dry summer conditions; after rain or in shoulder season you want lockers or at minimum limited-slip. No permits, no fees, no crowds. Fuel in Merritt — it’s the last guaranteed stop. Water is available at seasonal creeks but treat it. Best window is June through October; the upper plateau road is often snowbound into May and gets icy by November. Dispersed camping is wide open up here.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 52 mi / 83.7 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5800 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Merritt, BC |
| Land manager | BC Ministry of Forests |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Tacoma handle this trail without modifications?
Yes — a stock 4WD high-clearance vehicle is the minimum and will get through fine under normal summer conditions. Lifted rigs aren't required, but you'll want decent all-terrain tires since the dirt sections can get rutted and loose after rain.
When does the Potato Range FSR typically open and close each season?
June through October is the reliable window. Snow can linger on the upper plateau into late May and return by November, and the clay-heavy sections turn into a greasy mess when wet — avoid it during or right after heavy rain regardless of month.
Do you need a permit or pay any fees to run this trail?
No permit or fee required — it's BC Crown land managed by the Ministry of Forests. Standard BC backcountry rules apply: pack out your trash, respect fire bans, and check for any active forest closures before you go at bcwildfire.ca.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect there?
The steeper FSR climbs heading onto the plateau are where things get honest — loose gravel on inclines with limited room to pass oncoming logging trucks. Nothing technically extreme, but you need to be paying attention and keep your speed in check on the descents.
Are there reliable water sources along the route, or do I need to carry everything from Merritt?
There are water crossings on the route and seasonal streams on the plateau, but don't count on them being running or clean enough to use without filtration — carry at least a day's worth from Merritt and treat anything you pull from the field. Gas up in Merritt before heading out; there's nothing on this loop.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.