Coquihalla Canyon Recreation Area

The old Kettle Valley Railway carved through here in 1916, blasting tunnels through solid granite that now serve as waypoints on this technical canyon run. You’ll navigate tight switchbacks above the rushing Coquihalla River, with the highlight being the series of hand-hewn rock tunnels near Othello — named after Shakespeare, not the board game. The route demands precise wheel placement on loose talus slopes, and the Quintette Tunnels require careful clearance calculations for taller rigs.

This is solid intermediate territory requiring high-clearance 4WD with skid plates — the granite can be unforgiving on oil pans. Best tackled May through October when the river crossings are manageable, though early season means muddy approaches. No permits needed, and dispersed camping is available along the river flats. What you get is a slice of railway history mixed with legitimate technical driving, plus some of the cleanest mountain water you’ll find for refilling tanks.