Summary of Route
- Type: Out and back; alpine car camping
- Rating: 4/5
- Season: Summer
- Length: 15km one way from start of gravel road
- Vehicle suitability: Stock 4x4
The Route
The Blowdown Pass – Blowdown FSR overland route is a challenging 4x4 route that allows vehicle access to the alpine and a final elevation of 2,150m. Accepting significant pin-striping and being comfortable with exposure are necessary for this route.
Access occurs approximately 51.5km’s north east of Pemberton, British Columbia, shortly past Duffey Lake off of highway 99. GPS coordinates for the turnoff are 50.44364, -122.25315, which can be punched into Google Maps. For the most part, follow the FSR in best condition, bearing right at the first intersection where you will see a sign indicating "Duffy Branch 01 Forest Service Road".
The FSR access is in excellent condition until shortly after the 10km mark and any SUV and most crossovers should be able to travel this far. There are several suitable spots to camp along this initial 10km stretch with decent views to be had.
Approximately 400m after the 10km mark on Blowdown FSR you will bear left onto an obvious overgrown side-road (below first image). Airing down is recommended at this point. The remainder of the drive is on a narrow, overgrown road with cliff exposure (albeit somewhat hidden behind young conifers). We attempted this approach in rainy conditions and it is not recommended. Full-size trucks are not recommended for this road and all vehicles will experience pin-striping.
Immediately upon entering the overgrown road, route difficulty increases but was manageable even when wet. After approximately 1km of travel the crux of this route occurs (GPS coordinates 50.36841, -122.18436, below images). Approximately 200m prior to this obstacle one of the few bail out opportunities can be found at GPS coordinates 50.36909, -122.18742. It is strongly recommended that this pull-out opportunity is utilized and the crux obstacle walked first as turning around after this point is extremely difficult.
Once you have completed the crux, the road slowly begins to widen and visibility improves. After another 1.5km’s of travel you will reach an intersection. Bear left on the road in better condition as the right option eventually deteriorates into a single track path.
Should you wish to visit Blowdown Lake (covered in our post here), park your vehicle and enjoy the short walk to a beautiful alpine lake with abundant rainbow trout.
Following the left road, you will begin to climb into the alpine. Expansive views open up behind you; however, be sure to keep your eyes on the road as portions of this section have unrestricted exposure.
This route concludes shortly prior to the actual pass as the road has been blocked. The end of the route presents an easy turn around spot with camping opportunities for several vehicles.
Looking for other high-elevation overland routes? Consider checking out our Kafir Peak or Mount Thynne overland routes!