Blackwater Road to Kluskus Lakes Extension
Deep wilderness access to pristine Nechako lake country
Beyond the main Blackwater Road lies this lesser-known extension that pushes deeper into the Nechako Plateau’s lake-studded wilderness, accessing a chain of pristine fishing lakes where few vehicles venture. The track deteriorates rapidly past Eliguk Lake, becoming a maze of overgrown logging spurs and creek crossings that can swallow a truck whole during spring breakup. The route passes through traditional Dakelh territory and reaches remote Kluskus Lakes, where ancient pictographs mark fishing camps used for thousands of years.
Difficult rating due to challenging navigation, multiple water crossings, and rapidly changing conditions. High-clearance 4WD essential with GPS navigation and recovery gear. Best accessed June through October when creek levels drop. No permits required but notify BC Ministry of Forests before attempting. Nearest services are in Vanderhoof, 90 miles away, and cell coverage is nonexistent past the first 20 miles. The payoff is access to some of BC’s most untouched wilderness and world-class lake trout fishing in complete solitude.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 68 mi / 109.4 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3200 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Vanderhoof, 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 lifted rig?
Stock high-clearance 4WD is the minimum — a factory Tacoma or 4Runner with AT tires can manage it, but low-hanging skid plates and side steps will take hits on the rougher sections. A modest lift (2-3 inches) and all-terrain tires will save you headaches, especially near the creek crossings where approach angles matter.
When does the trail actually open after winter, and what's it like in early June?
The trail is typically passable June through October, but early June is a gamble — snowmelt turns the Nechako Plateau into a mud bog and creek levels run high and fast. Late June or July is the safer entry point for most rigs; check with the BC Ministry of Forests or local Vanderhoof sources for current road conditions before you leave pavement.
Do I need any permits or is there a fee to run this trail?
No permits or fees are required to drive this BC Forest Service road — it's public land managed by the BC Ministry of Forests. Dispersed camping is allowed, but follow Leave No Trace and check for any active fire or forest closure orders before heading out, especially mid-summer.
What's the hardest section on this trail and what should I actually be ready for?
The creek crossings are where this trail earns its 'Difficult' rating — water depth and current vary significantly with season, and there's no guarantee a crossing that was knee-deep last year is the same this trip. Come prepared to scout on foot before you commit, and know your vehicle's wading depth; a winch and traction boards are not optional accessories out here.
There's no cell service for the entire 109 km — how do I handle emergency communication and where do I fuel up?
Fuel up in Vanderhoof before you leave — there's nothing useful along this route, and 109 km of backcountry driving burns more than you think. For comms, a satellite messenger (Garmin inReach or SPOT) is the only real option; file a trip plan with someone who knows when to call for help if you don't check in.
Trail track
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