Drove by the Skookumchuck Hot Springs, aka St Agnes Wells, since the two hot springs were so close i passed on the visit. After a few more miles came to Hwy 99 aka the Duffy and headed to Pemberton on pavement.
From Pemberton travelled west, through spud Valley to the start of the Hurley. Hurley Pass as its know is a rough gravel, dirt, and boulder strewn road that climbs from the Pemberton Valley to Braelorne high in the mountains. Closed for much of the year due to snowfall it traditionally opens on the May long weekend but this particular year didn't open until mid June. It's worth the drive, the mountains are beautiful with year round glaciers all around. You can also take a side trip to the Lillooet River, pretty good fishing along the banks.
It's not particularly a long drive however, due to the condition takes several hours to complete the journey. Make sure you have plenty of fuel, and supplies, camping is available on any of the side trails for my favourite cost - nothing. Insect repellent is a must. Watch out for wildlife, and bears can be found along the way...
Braelorne is an old mining town, the mining head office is a Hotel of sorts and there's an eatery in town too. Population, 35 hearty souls but there's miners in them hills, still searching for gold. For me it's a quick drive through, heading south east past Carpenter Lake to Lillooet. The road from Braelorne is paved, then gravel, then paved again. I believe this is due to the several Native reservations one passes through but not positive to the exact reason. Travelling alongside the Bridge River there are several viewpoints along the road where one can take great pictures looking down from the road.
Shortly before reaching Lillooet (check the fuel tank, there's a long way to the next fueling station so a drive to Lillooet might be in order) there is a bridge. Named the Bridge River bridge is where the next portion of the off road adventure continues. Turn left, unless of course you're coming from Lillooet (turn right) and head up the hill for about sixty miles. This dirt road parallels the might Fraser River heading in a north western direction. You can see the highway from across the valley, there is also train tracks from the CPR visible.
After a couple of hours on the road you come across a signpost stating Big Bar reaction ferry. Turn here. It's advised you go down the hill in low gear. The trail is very sandy and if your vehicle is equipped with ABS this steep hill can be somewhat frightening. Halfway down the trail the river is visible and you can see the bright orange ferry waiting for its next passenger (you). Once you reach the bottom (told ya it can be scary) honk the horn, sometimes the ferry operator doesn't see your vehicle, and he'll cross the river to pick you up. Total capacity for the ferry is one truck, or a couple of motorcycles but I've never seen a lineup... By the bye, the "Captain" is a crotchety old fart, just ignore him, you'd be pissed if that was your job...
Once across you head up the dirt road, this time not so sandy so traction isn't a problem. You should continue to see wildlife here, California Bog Horn sheep, and plenty of deer. drive on and watch for signs to the Gang Ranch. I usually drive to High Bar, it's south of the ferry and camp there for the night. Free. There must have been a ferry crossing there, 'cause there's a road on each side of the river.
If you have the time, continue on, you will drive past a Native Reservation called Canoe Creek, please show some respect and drive slowly, it's very dusty in the dry Summer heat. Remember, You'll be camping by the Fraser River nearby, no sense in upsetting the locals when you're spending the night in their neighbourhood...
Around 90 minutes, could be more because there's Big Horn all along the dirt road you come to a sign that states "Williams Lake". Don't turn there... Continue on, down the hill, you can see the single lane bridge and the Mighty Fraser ahead. Cross the metal bridge, be sure to stop and take pictures of the "mighty Fraser", to the south you can see where I recommend you camp for the night - hint - it's free!
Once the bridge is crossed climb the hill, near the top you come upon a fork, keep left toward the Empire Valley or, if you want to continue on, turn right for the Gang Ranch. We stay left and drive to a viewpoint and nature sign that states "Churn Creek protected area. From here you have several options. Continue on the dirt road to the Empire Ranch (no), follow the same road but drive to the camping area you can see by the river (no) or, drive down the goat path you see to the left, yes, that rough skinny trail, don't worry, it looks bad but believe me it's worth the drive. Camping on the river is awesome, likely no one is down there and, best of all, it's FREE.
Spend the night, tomorrow we drive through the Gang Ranch and hopefully are able to get into the old Farwell Canyon Ranch.
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