Summary of Route
- Type: Through route; lakeside camping
- Rating: 2/5
- Season: Any, but fall recommended
- Length: 36 km’s
- Vehicle suitability: Any AWD vehicle
The Route
The Gillis Lake to Murray Lake overland route presents an easy opportunity for lakeside car camping that is far enough from the lower mainland to avoid most crowds yet still within easy access. Completing this drive in the fall is recommended as you will be treated to gorgeous colors as poplar’s surround portions of this road. Road conditions are excellent throughout this route; however, the final approach to Murray Lake does require basic line selection.
As of October 2023, the Juliet Creek exit from the Coquihalla is closed and we accordingly recommend taking the Coldwater Road exit (GPS coordinates 49.88076, -120.9024) and completing this route north to south. Once the Juliet Creek exit re-opens, this route can be completed in either direction.
After taking the Coldwater Road exit, bear left and head north on Coldwater Road for approximately 3 km’s until GPS coordinates 49.90618, -120.91265. Turn left at this intersection, crossing the Coldwater River. Our km counter for the remainder of this drive starts from this location. Once across the Coldwater River you will want to take an immediate left turn, followed by a right turn shortly thereafter. This will put you on the Maka Murray FSR, which you will follow for the duration of this overland route. For the most part, stay on the most well defined road and you will reach both Gillis and Murray lakes. Follow signs for Gillis Lake and Murray Lake as depicted below.
After approximately 6 km’s of travel you will gain views of Gillis Lake. While there is access to Gillis Lake at the east end of the lake (GPS coordinates 49.929989, -120.95355) the established recreation site and easier access can be found at the west end of Gillis Lake. If you are completing this route in a non-4x4 vehicle, you will want to bypass the east end campsites and head directly to the west end. As you approach the west end of Gillis Lake you will see a sharp turn-off on your left. Follow this road for a short distance to reach Gillis Lake. The Gillis Lake west end campsite presents adequately spaced campsites with picnic tables and an outhouse. Most of these campsites do not receive direct sunlight and the water quality of Gillis Lake is less pristine than that of Murray Lake. If you are only camping for one night on this route, we recommend continuing on to Murray Lake.
After checking out Gillis Lake, return to Maka Murray FSR. After several km’s of travel views will open up briefly and one can spot Stoyoma Mountain in the distance. In the past, several routes provided access to the base of Stoyoma Mountain and the Cabin Lake recreation site; however, the atmospheric river of 2022 has washed out multiple bridges and vehicle access is impossible. Fortunately, when we completed this drive in October, 2023, we spoke with a government individual who indicated that there were plans to replace the bridge at Spius Creek (GPS coordinates 49.93622, -121.11210) and restore access to Stoyoma Mountain. We note that the bridge at Prospect Creek (GPS coordinates 50.04166, -121.15060) and the further north Spius Creek bridge (GPS coordinates 49.96773, -121.08104) are also gone. Access to the lower Spius Creek crossing that is undergoing repair can be found along this route at the 17.9 km mark (GPS coordinates 49.85689, -121.04466).
After leaving the views of Stoyoma Mountain, you are now travelling along Murray Lake FSR. Colors begin to change and while views are limited this section is truly beautiful in the fall.
After approximately 24 km’s of travel you will find the turn-off for Murray Lake on your right. This access road is in poorer condition than the road you have been for the duration of the drive; however, with the exception of needing to straddle a small channel that has been carved into it, presents no real challenges and should be navigable in almost any vehicle. The Murray Lake campsite presents several spread out sites with picnic tables and outhouses. These sites are significantly more open than those found at Gillis Lake and accordingly receive more sunlight. Water access is easy and a vehicle can be backed up to the lakeshore if needed. Water condition always appears better and fish were highly active for our late afternoon arrival and into sunset. Cell service appears to be possible intermittently.
After enjoying Murray Lake, either follow the rougher dirt road along Murray Lake or return to the wide, gravel road that you have travelled for the entirety of this trip. After passing Murray Lake you will begin to climb in elevation and gain excellent views of the valley. If construction is ongoing at the Juliet Creek Coquihala highway exit, use caution as you approach the end of this road as industrial vehicles will be present. That being said, we have had no difficulties passing through this area and utilizing the on-ramp to the Coquihalla, for both north and south travel, in our multiple visits to this area.
Looking for other routes in this area? Consider checking out our Murphy Lake or Greenstone Mountain overland routes!