Memekay River FSR to Amor De Cosmos Creek

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.