Summary of Route
- Type: Out and back; abandoned mines, big views and an alpine lake
- Rating: 4/5
- Season: Summer
- Length: 16.4km one way from start of gravel road
- Vehicle suitability: Modified 4x4
The Route
The Silver Peak – Silver Skagit Road overland route is an excellent, albeit challenging, route that presents opportunities to examine abandoned mines, and enjoy an alpine lake with big views throughout. Stock 4x4’s are likely to make it only 12.7km’s of the route; however, this distance will still provide access to several camping sites with expansive views and make the remainder of the route more easily walkable. Where intersection instructions are not provided, follow the road in better condition.
Access is found just west of the town of Hope on the well-marked Silver Skagit Road (GPS coordinates 49.36234, -121.47185). Once on Silver Skagit Road, travel for approximately 6.2km’s until you reach a fork in the road. Bear right, crossing over Silverhope Creek as if you were going to Silver Lake Provincial Campground. After crossing Silverhope Creek, take your next right turn, which occurs after traveling approximately 1km (GPS coordinates 49.31919, -121.42560). Turn right again approximately 50m’s onto this offshoot, as depicted below. Once on this FSR off shoot, road conditions initially are excellent and views almost immediately begin to open up.
Unfortunately, within 2.3km’s of travel you will reach the first crux of this route. If you have not aired down, now is the time to do so. This crux requires navigating around a large boulder on the FSR, followed immediately by a somewhat sketchy crossing of landslide debris and a subsequent easy rock field. Without a spotter, this was quite difficult in the shorter wheelbase Xterra and full-size trucks are not recommended.
After completing this first crux, road conditions again improve. Within 1.8km’s (GPS coordinates 49.32771, -121.46131) you will find a short FSR off-shoot that presents a wonderful spot to camp for views of the valley.
Continuing on, bear right at the next intersection (depicted below) and continue to climb. In approximately 1.4km’s (GPS coordinates 49.32021, -121.46741) we recommend parking your vehicle and walking to examine the second crux of this route. After these coordinates, few easy turnaround spots can be found prior to the second crux. The second crux lasts for approximately 100m and involves large rock beds with off height travel. Some brief portions are exposed where water has eroded the hillside.
Reaching the top of this section, an abandoned structure can be found on your left (GPS coordinates 49.31559, -121.46711). After checking out this structure, continue driving (or walking) as views return shortly and more interesting sites await. While the remainder of this route is not an easy drive, if you have successfully navigated the second crux you should be able to complete the entirety of this overland route.
Approximately 2km’s after the second crux you will encounter the first mine on your left (GPS coordinates 49.30922, -121.45969). Several more of these mines carved into the mountainside can be seen as you approach the end of this route. Fortunately for those walking, the hill climb ends shortly after this first mine with only a brief down and up section to the final campsite and alpine lake.
