Summary of Route
- Type: Out and back
- Rating: 2/5
- Season: Any, but Spring to October recommended
- Length: 23.5 km’s from start of gravel road
- Vehicle suitability: Stock 4x4 or Subaru with AT tires
The Route
The Murphy Lakes and Grasshopper Ridge overland route is a relaxing, scenic route that provides camping opportunities at west Murphy Lake and adequate views from Grasshopper Ridge.
Access can be had from the Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5), just north of Coquihalla Lakes Lodge at GPS coordinates 49.65027, -121.00174. After exiting the highway, proceed south on Coquihalla Lakes Road for approximately 200m before taking a left onto Tulameen FSR. Tulameen FSR is an excellent condition, wide FSR but does have significant industrial traffic Monday-Friday. Plan your trip accordingly or be sure to utilize a two-way radio if you are completing this drive on a weekday.
Fortunately, travel on Tulameen FSR is limited to 8.2 km’s, whereupon you will bear left at the below intersection. At all prior intersections stay on the main road and you will maintain your travel along Tulameen FSR. You are now on Lawless Britton FSR. Lawless Britton FSR is less maintained and narrower than Tulameen FSR; however, it remains in excellent condition.
Lawless Britton FSR is blocked at the 2.9 km mark, forcing you to bear right onto Lawless Grasshopper FSR. Road conditions deteriorate slightly but 4-wheel drive is not necessary. Continue along Lawless Grasshopper FSR for approximately 3.5 km’s until you see the obvious signage for Murphy Lakes West Recreation Site. Murphy Lakes West Recreation Site has multiple campsites with tables in a nicely cleared area allowing for decent sun exposure throughout the day. Access to Murphy Lakes requires a short 100m walk on a well-defined trail that would be easily travelled with a canoe cart.
After checking out Murphy Lakes, return to Lawless Grasshopper FSR. You will continue to follow this road, avoiding all lesser FSR’s, for approximately 3.1 km’s. At this point you will reach an intersection with the below signage. Bear right to continue towards Grasshopper Ridge.
The remaining 6.1 km’s of this drive are easily navigated and you will steadily climb in altitude to approximately 4740 feet. Views will begin to open up as you climb and beautiful colors can be had if this drive is completed in the late summer or early fall. Road conditions remain excellent; however, due to some portions of loose gravel on steeper sections, 2 wheel drive vehicles are not recommended. That being said, appropriate tires and maintenance of momentum will allow one to easily complete all of these climbs without switching to 4-wheel drive.
The best views are to be had in southerly direction as you reach the conclusion of Grasshopper FSR. Unfortunately, panoramic views cannot be had without a hike up Grasshopper Mountain to which no defined trail exists. Once on Grasshopper Ridge, numerous pullouts and side paths can be explored and provide ample opportunities for secluded camping.
Looking for other overland routes in this area? Consider checking out our Greenstone Mountain Lookout and Peachland to Merritt overland routes!