Clearwater River Road will not re-open

Page 145. After the devastating washout of the Clearwater River Road in July 2020, there was much hope that the road would be repaired and re-opened. It was a hefty price tag that climbed to $1.5 million by 2024. The Minister of Environment who is responsible for BC Parks considered the issue for 2 years and finally decided that the cost could not be justified by the limited usage. It was a blow to many users – the rafting companies, hikers, backcountry campers, and anglers.

August 25, 2025 update. The Wells Gray trail crew has cleared over a hundred deadfalls from the River Road between the washout and the end of the road at the Mahood River. There are some rockfalls which cannot be cleared without heavy equipment which cannot access the road. A rough bypass trail has been built at the washout. So the River Road is passable for mountain bikers and hikers. Use the road with caution and watch ahead for hazardous conditions.

July 2026 update. This year’s trail crew spent several days clearing deadfalls and making various improvements to the Clearwater River Road including the trail that bypasses the washout at km 11.4. The old road is open and passable for mountain bikers and hikers with a few hazardous conditions such as rock slides. The gate at km 9.4 is closed, probably permanently, due to a rock slide just beyond it.