Telegraph Creek Road was constructed during the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1860s, when settlers from all around North America came to present-day British Columbia to it strike it rich. Steamboats travelled upstream from the Pacific Ocean to where the town of Telegraph Creek now sits, which was developed as a communications hub around the turn of the century. The importance of the town’s namesake telegraph cables soon diminished, however, as undersea cables and radio transmissions made the overland wires obsolete. Now, the road is best known as an overland adventure route to Telegraph Creek, British Columbia’s most remote town that’s still accessible by road.
Planning Your Ride on Telegraph Creek Road Telegraph Creek Road starts at the tiny settlement of Dease Lake just off the Stewart-Cassiar Highway . The pavement extends for just five miles outside of town, before tracing the Stikine River for 93 miles to Telegraph Creek. Along the way, it passes through stunningly beautiful evergreen forests and winds its way along precipitous riverside cliffs.
While there are some fairly steep sections, with up to a 20% grade, the ride is not particularly challenging. In wet weather, the road can get a little slick with mud, but nothing moderately experienced riders can’t handle.
Fuel Fortunately, this ride is short enough that you won’t need to worry about carrying extra fuel. Just be sure to top up at Dease Lake, and you’ll have no trouble making it to Telegraph Creek on a single tank.
Accommodations and Food The night before or after your ride, you can pitch your tent at the Allen Lake Forest Service recreational site in Dease Lake. If you want to make this a two-day trip, there are three campsites along the way at Glenora, Winter Creek, and Dodjatin. At the end of the trip, there are a few small motels in Telegraph Creek, as well as the Hyland Creek B&B , which has beautiful rustic cabins .
Plan on packing a lunch, as there’s nowhere to get food along the route. However, there are plenty of amazing overlooks where you can enjoy a sandwich and get some great photos.
Sights Telegraph Creek is home to the Tahltan First Nation , and you can take a walk around town and talk to some of the locals to learn about their history. There are no formal museums, but first-hand accounts can be just as good. Some historic buildings from the Hudson Bay Company era are still standing, now used as a cafe, store, and hotel.
If you’re looking for a serious hiking adventure, the Telegraph Creek Trail extends for 164 miles from its namesake town to Atlin. It’s overgrown and not maintained, but it’s there if you’re up for the challenge.
It’s also possible to arrange tours on the Stikine River, either as day trips or multi-day camping trips. For an even bigger adventure, rent a kayak here and paddle down to the mouth of the river, where you can take a floatplane back to your bike.
Stewart-Cassiar Highway – Photo Credit: Adam Jone s / CC BY Atlin, British Columbia – Photo Credit: Jerrye and Roy Klotz / CC BY Stikine River – Photo Credit: Sam Beebe / CC BY Featured Image is of the Stikine River Canyon – Photo Credit: Gerth Michael / CC BY
