The Bike Co. - Pemberton and Whistler Bicycle Rentals and Store

Synopsis: An out-and-back ride, this trail climbs from your parking spot at the 3500 foot level to its crest at an altitude of 7100 feet, following logging and mining roads high into the alpine areas above the Duffy Lake Road. Blowdown Creek presents the rider with some fantastic views, as well as the opportunity view wildlife such as deer, mountain goats, and possibly even grizzly bear. From Gott Pass the road drops into the South Cottonwood, part of the drainage of the Stein River valley.

Trailhead Access: Lying 45 km from town, this ride stretches the limits of the Pemberton riding area, but it merits inclusion due to its spectacular alpine nature. From Pemberton, drive east to the village of Mt. Currie, then turn right onto the Duffy Lake Rd. at the mileage sign reading 'Lillooet 96'. The first 8 or 9 km follows the meandering Birkenhead River (be sure to look for spawning salmon in September!) and then the road begins its long 4000 foot climb up and out of the Pemberton valley. Several kilometers after reaching Cayoosh Pass comes Duffy Lake, and just after passing the lake you will drive over two small bridges. About three kilometers past Duffy Lake you will reach a pullout beside a winter snow gate with a mileage sign just beyond it. Park at the mileage sign; the Blowdown Creek road, marked 'Not a Through Road', climbs up to the right.

The Ride: From the Duffy, the Blowdown Creek road climbs at a good middle ring grade for about 45 minutes to an hour. The road is a smooth double-track and there is no problem following it, as the few branches you will encounter are rough and overgrown. As you approach the end of the valley and the mountains begin to tower above you, you will reach a fork, with the right fork following the valley floor, and the rougher left fork startingthe steep granny ring climb through an unlogged side valley to Blowdown Lake and Gott Pass. Head up the left fork and you will find that, though loose in spots, this road is ridable all the way into the alpine meadows and beyond.

Just as you reach the treeline the road switchbacks hard to the left, and from this corner a rough muddy track continues straight on through some marshy meadows to Blowdown Lake (if you want to explore the lake, walk through the meadows to avoid damage). The main road switchbacks once more, then begins the final grind up to Gott Pass. From this point one can see down into the South Cottonwood Cr., and if you have the energy and the time you can explore this area as well.

The main road descends into the South Cottonwood gradually, wrapping around the left (north) side of the valley, while a rougher road drops straight into the meadows below. These two trails eventually join, forming a short loop (descend the rougher trail, don't try to ride up it), or you can continue down into the valley on the main road and follow the old mining roads that run through this valley. If you choose to ride into the South Cottonwood be prepared; this is serious backcountry riding and help could be a long time coming. The main road drops a long way into this valley, then turns and climbs back up to the treeline, before looping down to the main road again. Then you have to ride back up to the pass - there is no other way out!. When we rode this full loop last summer, our altimeter gave us a total of 6,900 feet of climbing over eight hours of riding. Plan on a day off after this one.

When you are ready to descend, simply retrace your steps from the pass to the Duffy Lake road.

Riding Time: Three hours to a full day.

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