Trail Overview

This trail provides access to the two radio towers on the top of the plateau. It traverses up the narrow valley and opens up onto the plateau about two thirds of the way to the top. The trail is mostly rounded rocks in the valley and rocks and gravel at the upper section. The lower section has narrowed due to vegetation growth and will likely add to your trail stripe collection. The very top is mostly tundra type vegetation so be considerate where you drive. It is impossible to get lost or off track as it is the only defined trail. There is an unmapped trail branching to the north near the top end.

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Difficulty

One section has been encroached by vegetation that will likely produce some trail stripes. Almost all of the trail is one vehicle wide with very few places to pass, especially on the steep valley section. Washouts on the valley section have left the trail with medium to large (12-18 inch) rocks making up the trail base. Lockers are helpful but not required. There are several large puddles in the top area but with hard bottoms.

History

The US Army used the plateau to construct an unmanned long-wire radio repeater station during WWII. The Canadian Armed Forces also used the plateau to later build an early radar station also during WWII. There is some interesting history at http://www.c-and-e-museum.org/Pinetreeline/rds/detail/rds77-5.html

Technical Rating

207 Overland

Jul 17, 2026

Open

Rough/Deteriorated

Trail has closed in to about the width of a narrow side by side by heavy bushes and tree growth. Expect lots of scratched paint. If you are fine with that, the trail is a blast. Very steep, with loose and some extra large boulders on the steepest parts. Both our vehicles were on 35s and aired down to maximize traction on the falling rocks. For our vehicles, a Toyota and a Jeep a more accurate trail rating would probably be a 6.5-7 out of 10. With careful line choice we were able to complete the round trip without damage from the rocks but vehicles with less clearance and smaller tires may struggle a bit more while a purpose built rock climber would have no issue whatsoever. We experienced an 18 degree pitch with a simultaneous 16 roll angle at one point. Last thing to note. Once you start the actual climb or decent, there is only maybe two spots where another vehicle or side by side could pass by you safely. One you start, you are committed. 3 hour round trip timeframe is accurate.

Geoff Chislett

Jun 23, 2024

Open

Rough/Deteriorated

It’s ROUGH! We have 3 very well equipped rigs and it took a long time to get up the trail. We saw 2 others turn around before they got to the toughest part of the trail. A lot of very large boulders and very steep incline. App suggests it a 4/10? It’s not. Much closer to an 8-9.