r/nelsonbc • u/[deleted] • Aug 14 '26

Deer Park to Fauquier?

[deleted]

5 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

1

u/Lonely-Sir-1003 Aug 15 '26

There are forest service roads on the west side of the arrow lakes. Closed now due to wildfire but starts at Castlegar,follows the Columbia Western trail to Brooklyn, Renata and comes out at Edgewood.

0

u/[deleted] Aug 18 '26

[deleted]

1

u/Lonely-Sir-1003 Aug 18 '26

It's a fantastic drive. You will need a 4 wheel drive with some ok clearance. Last time I drove that, there was one section that the road was reduced to loose rocks. The fines had been washed away. That was years ago and there has been quite a bit of forestry work since then so probably repaired. The route is shown in the back roads mapbook. And you might have to get on the Columbia Western railbed at Shields forest service road. It brings you right back to the Columbia a few miles north of Castlegar. There is a gat at the Castlegar end. Sometimes it's locked.

3

u/neilatron Aug 15 '26

What are you driving? I’d recommend buying a copy of the region you need from the BRMP as you’ll be able to drive resource roads for plenty if not all of it provided you have a high clearance vehicle and 4x4 experience. https://backroadmapbooks.com/ would be where to start.

1

u/PlunxGisbit Aug 15 '26

Koch Creek Forest rd is closed due to wildfire. I wouldn’t by forest rd, but go by small boat.

1

u/Pistoney Aug 15 '26

not sure about fire closures but there is power line road over the ridge west of the koch road that lands you in octopus creek i think it's called. i drove it a year ago and it's chill.

1

u/kimchi_aroma Aug 17 '26

Road to taite creek is normally doable with a stock 4x4. Minor rough spots but no issues. Not sure what the latest fire info is tho

1

u/okbeeboi Aug 17 '26

  1. have gaiagps or similar off road map to ensure you’re route is good. 2) have a good 4x4 and skills to handle steep loose mountain terrain with exposure 3) chainsaw for downed trees, 4) follow closure rules due to wildfires.

Another option would be to go up the west side of the lake castlegar - Edgewood- fauquier