Chemin de la Rivière Mistassibi — Réserve faunique des Laurentides Northern Forestry Circuit
Boreal mud, moose, and zero cell signal.
The Mistassibi River drains one of the most remote corners of the Réserve faunique des Laurentides, and the forestry road that parallels its upper reaches is exactly the kind of route that separates overlanders from tourists. Starting near the Chicoutimi-Nord access gate on the reserve’s northern side, you’re immediately in dense boreal forest with no cell signal and no bailout options for long stretches. The route crosses several unnamed tributaries and a handful of timber bridges in variable condition — checking current status with SÉPAQ before you go is non-negotiable. Logging traffic is real and unpredictable; yield to the semis and pull wide.
This is genuine backcountry Quebec. Spring and early summer turn the clay-heavy sections into axle-deep mud traps that will swallow under-prepared rigs whole. Late July through early October is your window. You need a capable 4WD with a locker or LSD, a lift, and recovery gear — a buddy vehicle is strongly advised. Fuel in Alma or Chicoutimi before entering; there’s nothing inside. SÉPAQ charges a daily access fee for the reserve. You get moose, loons, pike-filled lakes, and a real taste of Quebec’s boreal interior as your reward.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 68 mi / 109 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2650 ft |
| Best season | July-October |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance with locker |
| Nearest town | Alma, Quebec |
| Land manager | SÉPAQ — Réserve faunique des Laurentides |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | sepaq.com |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
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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 manage in dry summer conditions, but the boreal mud sections — especially after rain — will punish open differentials. A rear locker is strongly recommended; without one you're gambling on the weather holding.
When does the trail open and what kills access outside the July–October window?
Spring breakup (May–June) turns the logging road base into axle-deep mud that makes passage nearly impossible. Snow can arrive by late October and the reserve closes sections seasonally — July through early October is the reliable window.
Do I need a permit to drive this circuit and is there a fee?
Yes — access through Réserve faunique des Laurentides is managed by SÉPAQ and requires a daily access fee per vehicle. Purchase it in advance at sepaq.com or at the reserve entrance; driving without it can result in a fine.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The mid-route low-lying stretches along the Mistassibi River corridor hold moisture longest and develop deep ruts after any precipitation — these are where recoveries happen. Water crossings have no bridges; depths vary with season and can reach door-sill level on a full-size truck after heavy rain.
Is there any fuel or resupply on the 109 km route, and how far is the nearest gas?
There is zero fuel, food, or services on the route — nothing. Alma is the last real resupply point before entry; fill up there, carry a minimum 10-litre jerry can, and pack all food and water for 3 days as a baseline.
Trail track
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