Downton Creek FSR
Cascades Natural Resource District
Gate at Entrance
The first bridge is in a constant state of change with various gates, closures and blockades installed in the last few months. It is currently open, but may be subject to close at any timeRoad Details
| Location | LILLOOET TSA |
|---|---|
| Length | 16.97km |
| Condition |
0km to 8.7 km (Last update 31d)
Good Condition
8.7 km to 17.0 km (Last update 31d)
Somewhat Degraded
|
| Owner | District Manager Cascades (dcs) |
| Closures | No Posted Closures |
| Waypoints | Download GPX |
Road Description
A now decommissioned FSR that runs along the Downton Creek. In 2021 the first bridge structure was deemed unsafe for vehicular travel and barricaded by district officials. Since then, the barricades have been moved by persons unknown allowing enough space for Tacoma sized trucks and smaller to squeeze through. Please note the bridge is still considered unsafe for travel by vehicle, so drive at your own risk. The barricades may be pushed back at any time, access is not guaranteed.
Road Bulletins
No specific update since last one. Pin tripping isn’t terrible for veteran SWBC peak baggers but might be intolerable for the averaged. 10cm accumulated snow at 1540 m elevation trail head for Melvin
Road in pretty good condition, bridges are all in, the first 5km are steepish, rocky and a bit wet but any kind of SUV could easily make it, after that it eases off and no cross ditches or any clearance is needed to the Downton Lakes trailhead up DOWNTON CREEK BR 02, just that after the Seton trailhead/9km it's light to moderate pinstriping for that last 4km.
Mike K reports that bridge repairs are ongoing for Downton Creek. However, according to the resource district manager/engineer these repairs are being carried out by a mining operating to access their site. The repairs are not up to public standards and so will necessitate a gate.
See: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/wvXsn48PRTdDwpkb/
See: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/wvXsn48PRTdDwpkb/
4 barricades now, and some deck boards pulled. There are some planks stretched out for bikes/dirt bikes to get across. After the bridge the road is fine too.
The bridge beams are heavy and solid, it's the abutment that MoF is apparently concerned with.
The bridge beams are heavy and solid, it's the abutment that MoF is apparently concerned with.
Just after the blocks, bridge is destroyed
Barricade blocks are far apart-probably passable for an F250. Look like they may have been set by a crane-equipped hwys truck. Question is : Is Downton subject to a seasonal open/closed policy?
Blockade is still Open but the road is cover in snow, for anyone driving the road will need high clearance vehicle and winter tires. We parked at 1600mt elevation where there is an open spot.
Measured the lock blocks before the 0KM bridge at 95" apart (+/-) - for reference, we saw a couple of full size trucks (F150/Silverado) had made it past. Road in decent shape to Seton TH, should be fine to there in most 2wd even - hardest part is probably the far side of the first bridge. After Seton TH to Holly Lake turnoff it's narrower, couple spots where a bit of clearance helps but no major washouts or waterbars. Some very small thin alders will brush against your vehicle, but wouldn't consider it too "pinstripy".
As Sean, mentioned the road is in overall great shape, although I only drove as far as the Mount Seton trailhead.
The lock blocks at the 0km bridge on Downton Creek FSR are still pushed apart, easily wide enough for a Nissan Frontier (could drive straight through without a spotter). Probably 18" width to spare so a full size truck can likely squeeze through. Road in 2wd condition to Seton trailhead, if you can get your Prius across the bridge you're good all the way. Didn't drive beyond Seton TH but have heard Holly Lake TH is accessible as well, not sure on road condition on this stretch.
