Provincial Road 391 Spur — Cranberry Portage to Athapapuskow Lake East Shore Mining Road
Old mining spurs, big northern lake, zero crowds.
Cranberry Portage sits at the junction of two watersheds in northern Manitoba, and the spur roads threading east from town along Athapapuskow Lake’s shore tell the story of the region’s mining past better than any museum. The lake itself is massive — over 200 square kilometres — and the access tracks that push into the spruce forest along its eastern bays were originally cut to service now-abandoned prospect sites and logging operations. The road surfaces range from well-maintained gravel close to town to rutted two-track with standing water in the low sections. The route passes several boat launch points and dispersed camping spots overlooking the lake before degrading into proper two-track as you push north past Cranberry Flats.
This is a solid high-clearance route rather than a white-knuckle technical run — the challenge is the soft shoulders, the occasional blowdown across the trail, and the fact that recovery help is a long drive away. A lifted 4WD pickup or capable SUV handles it fine in dry conditions; wet conditions turn the clay-based sections into a mess that’ll humble unprepared rigs. Best season is June through October. Fuel up in Flin Flon or The Pas. Cell service disappears fast off PR-391. The payoff is genuine northern lake country camping with walleye and pike fishing that most Manitoba anglers never tap because they stick to the paved corridors.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 34 mi / 54.7 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1050 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Cranberry Portage, Manitoba |
| Land manager | Manitoba Crown Lands — Northern Region |
| 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, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock 4WD Tacoma or 4Runner with decent clearance will handle it fine under normal conditions. The trail is moderate — ruts and soft spots exist, but nothing requiring a built rig. Mud season is the exception; soft boreal soil can swallow low-clearance trucks fast.
When does this trail typically open and close for the season?
June through October is the reliable window. Spring breakup (April–May) turns the dirt and clay sections into a mess, and freeze-thaw cycles make the water crossings unpredictable. Snow can fly in October, so don't push the back end of the season without checking conditions.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp along it?
No permit is required to drive the route. Dispersed camping falls under Manitoba Crown Lands — Northern Region rules, which generally allow free camping without a permit, but you're expected to follow leave-no-trace practices and fire regulations, which can include fire bans during dry stretches.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what should I actually be ready for?
The deeper mining spur sections toward the Athapapuskow Lake east shore are where the road narrows, softens, and gets overgrown — expect branches dragging the sides of your rig and potentially waterlogged low points after rain. Water crossings are unbridged and depth can vary; walk them before you drive them.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead and is there any cell service on route?
Fuel up in Cranberry Portage before you leave — it's the last reliable stop, and there's nothing on the trail. Cell service is nonexistent for the entire 34-mile route, so download offline maps, file a trip plan with someone, and carry a satellite communicator if you have one.
Trail track
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