Trail Overview
Located just off Highway 20 en route to Bella Coola, this short but scenic forest service road (FSR) leads to the stunning Raven Lake -- one of several tranquil lakes in the area. Just minutes from the highway, Raven Lake offers an incredible natural escape, teeming with wildlife. Visitors frequently spot beavers, black bears, frogs, and various birds. The lake is also known for great fishing and incredible stargazing at night, thanks to its remoteness from city lights. The route begins as an easy, well-maintained gravel road but includes two artificial barriers restricting vehicle access to the Raven Lake Rec Site. These can be cleared with a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle. After the final dirt berm, it's smooth driving to the lake.
Difficulty
The first 14km of the route is simple gravel road, rated around a 1-2 in difficulty. However, about 500m before reaching the Raven Lake rec site, you'll encounter a "ROAD CLOSED" sign and a 2-foot-high dirt berm. With a stock Sasquatch-package Ford Bronco, we were able to cross with only minor scraping.Roughly 200 feet past the first berm, you'll reach a second "ROAD CLOSED" sign and a deteriorating dirt pile that is easier to traverse. Beyond this point, the road to the Raven Lake Rec Site is straightforward.Note: These closures are due to seasonal flooding from nearby lakes during fall through spring. If you're unable to cross the berms, you'll need to approach from the north -- which can triple travel time.
