Memekay River FSR to Amor De Cosmos Creek
Forgotten Vancouver Island valley few bother to find.
Most people burn through Campbell River heading north to Port McNeill without a second glance at the Memekay River valley — that’s exactly why it’s worth stopping. The Memekay River FSR departs Highway 19 north of Campbell River and pushes west into the Vancouver Island Ranges, threading through second-growth and pockets of old-growth timber along a river that feels genuinely forgotten. The road deteriorates progressively as you push toward the Amor De Cosmos Creek junction, where a series of creek crossings and deeply-rutted clay sections will test your commitment. Fallen timber across the road after any significant windstorm is a given — a chainsaw is not optional on this one.
This is a high-clearance 4×4 route with active logging traffic; check with Island Timberlands or the BC Forest Service for current road status before you go, since industrial hauling can close or damage FSRs without notice. Spring is brutal — the clay sections are virtually impassable until June at the earliest. Mid-July through September is the window. No facilities, no cell signal, no rescue coming fast. Carry extra fuel (Campbell River is your last stop), a full recovery kit, and enough food for an extra night. The payoff is old-growth silence and riverside camping spots that see almost no visitors.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 41 mi / 66 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2600 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Campbell River, BC |
| Land manager | BC Ministry of Forests / Island Timberlands |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| 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
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or do I need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD can get through in dry conditions, but mud, washouts, and rutted logging road sections make at least 2-3 inches of lift and all-terrain tires a serious advantage. Lockers or limited-slip help on the sloppier sections. Don't attempt this in a crossover or soft-roader.
When does the Memekay FSR typically open up and is it passable before July?
Spring snowmelt and heavy rain keep this trail a mess well into June — soft ground, deep ruts, and active washouts are common. July through September is the reliable window. After mid-October, expect rain-soaked mud and deteriorating conditions fast.
Do I need a permit or are there any fees to run this trail?
No permit or fee is required for recreational travel on BC Forest Service Roads. The route crosses land managed by the BC Ministry of Forests and Island Timberlands — active logging may be happening, so watch for haul trucks and yield accordingly.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The deepest trouble typically comes from mid-route washouts and creek crossings that have undercut the road bed — what looks like a minor dip can swallow a bumper. Mud holes on shaded sections stay wet all season. Travel with at least one other vehicle and have a recovery kit rigged and ready, not buried under gear.
How far is the nearest fuel stop and is there any water I can treat along the route?
Campbell River is your last reliable fuel — top off before you leave town, roughly 40+ miles from the trailhead area. There's no cell service the entire route, so any emergency communication needs a satellite device. Water is available from Memekay River and Amor De Cosmos Creek; treat or filter everything before drinking.
Trail track
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