Local Interest – Gray Creek Pass



Gray Creek Pass…

is a seasonal gravel road from Gray Creek to Kimberly, B.C. over a 6800 foot summit. It’s a beautiful drive but does not cut travel time significantly.

Update September 19, 2022

The Gray Creek Pass is currently closed due to the replacement of the Baribeau Creek bridge. You can still travel up to Oliver Lake and beyond but you will not be able to get all the way through at this time.

Update July 12, 2022

Last Saturday, July 9th, a pick-up made it through across the top of Gray Creek Pass – that puts this year’s opening about a month later than last year.

There is still snow on the road at the top of the pass as of writing this, so if you are in a car you may still not make it and will want to plan to go around for another week or so, or at least be prepared to have to turn around if the snow is still too much for your particular vehicle. Drive safely!

Update Nov 7, 2021

Gray Creek pass is closed for the winter (unless you’re driving a snomobile)! The pass opens when the snow is melted so opening date changes every year, typically some time near the beginning of July. Call Gray Creek Store at 250-227-9315 if you’re wondering if it’s open yet.

Update July 16, 2021

The Gray creek Pass is open.

Be prepared for smoke from the fires as well as most of the spur roads are closed due to the hot, dry conditions.

Update June 13, 2021

A snowy pass road (you’re won’t be driving over just yet) with Thanksgiving Mountain in the background. Thanks to Terry Turner for the picture and report!

Update July 20, 2020

Gray Creek Pass is open for the season! The washed out parts are newly filled and one pass goer says it’s loose and rocky and did not really recommend cars going over the washouts since they’re so low to the road, but bikes, motorcycles and trucks should be ok. Use caution.

Update June 22, 2020

Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge.

The latest update from Tom: the summit may be clear enough for traffic in the next 4 – 5 days or so. Unfortunately as of today BC Forestry is still saying it’ll be about 3 weeks before a temporary bridge can be built over the Redding Creek washout. So the pass likely won’t be passable until at least July 15th.

Update July 7, 2020

Gray Creek Pass is now open, but BEWARE! The parts that were washed out are newly filled and very soft and lumpy. One guy who went over did not recommend taking cars over the washouts, but motorbikes, trucks and bicycles should be ok. Use caution.

Update June 16, 2020

Important Update – Very large culvert washed out on Redding creek , about 150 ft wide and 50 ft deep. initial estimates are 2-3 weeks before a temporary bridge can be installed. Also there is still a couple feet of snow at the top of the pass.

Update March 15, 2020

Still closed. Opening date is typically end of June or early July.


Update June 16, 2019

Vehicles have made it over the Gray Creek Pass. It was reported three says ago, so the pass was officially open June 13th this year! Drive carefully and remember, due to the road and it’s conditions this is more of a scenic route than a shortcut. If you have any first-hand information on the Pass’ condition please give Gray Creek Store a call at 250 227 9315, email gcs@graycreekstore.com or message us on Facebook.

Update May 30, 2019

Pass is not clear yet, but there’s hope. Lovely alpine flowers about 12 km up the pass on the Gray Creek side! The pass is usually open some time between end of June and early July.

Update October 29, 2018

The Gray Creek Pass received fresh snowfall on October 28, 2018 virtually ending wheeled traffic and opening the snow machine season.

An early October snow closed the road for a few days but bright sunshine soon cleared the route enabling many to enjoy the golden larches brightening the slopes until October 28.

These are some of the last pictures taken this season on October 18th. Thank You Clayton S!

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Latest Update! September 25, 2018

The Gray Creek Pass is open once again!

Two gentlemen came over yesterday and told us that it was Beautiful and Dry!

UPDATE! AUGUST 13, 2018

Due to the current forest fire situation, the Gray Creek Pass is CLOSED.

Please watch for Updates as the situation changes.

Gray Creek Pass Update June 25, 2018

Good News to Everyone!

The Gray Creek Pass Is Open!

We received word late Friday that the signs would be turned on Monday, June 25, 2018!

Travel Safe and don’t forget to check out Oliver Lake!

Gray Creek Pass Update June 11, 2018

Two days of a heavy snowfall have delayed what appeared to be an early opening of the Gray Creek Pass.

Last week Forestry reported  that the snow was melting well with all of May’s and early Junes sunshine and there  were no slides or subsidences on the driveable portions, on our side almost to Oliver Lake Recreation site.

June 30, 2018 will see the start of the BC Epic 1000 Cycle Race leaving Merritt BC for the tough 1030 kilometre ride to Fernie BC

This is the third  year of this race and over 60 are expected for the Grand Depart from Merritt.  It may be possible for the front runners to reach Gray Creek late on July 1st.

You can follow individual runners on   trackleaders.com

Gray Creek Pass Update October 26, 2017

The Gray Creek Pass is now Closed for the Season!

Tom says it’s time to get your snowmobile ready for the winter rides up the Pass!

Gray Creek Pass Update October 2, 2017

The Gray Creek Pass is open until the snow moves in!

Completion of the new concrete bridge at Baker Creek is now complete. This new bridge was completed on Sept 29, 2017 which has meant that the Pass was once again open for those wanting to enjoy the fall scenery!

Gray Creek Pass Update June 23, 2017

The pass is open for the season! Crews just removed 3 feet of snow that was still at the top of the pass, so the road might be slick and mucky at the top. Also be aware that the road is quite rocky on the Kimberly side.

     


*Gray Creek Pass Update Nov 11, 2016

The Gray Creek Pass is now Closed!

Rain at lower elevations results in snow at higher ones. Please be aware and read all signage when looking to travel the pass.


*Gray Creek Pass Update : June 21, 2016

The Pass is now Open!

Tina Zimmerman emailed Tom to say that she had opened up the Gray Creek side and turned the sign around. The very top patch still has snow that would be difficult for small low clearance cars to get through for the next couple of days but that should melt fairly quickly. The grading on the Gray Creek Side side should be finished up today as well.


*Gray Creek Pass Update : June 20, 2016

Thomas Mehren says that their group of 9 managed to make it over from Gray Creek to Kimberly. There was about 50 meters of snow at the top and several of the party pushed their bikes through but they did make it!

On June 15th, Gary Jenzen made it to a couple of swithbacks from the top on the St Mary’s side. He sent us these pictures too!

GC PASS2  GC PASS 1  GC PASS 3


*Gray Creek Pass Update : May 19, 2016

On May 8th and 9th Felix-Antione and his dog Coco took 2 days to walk over and enjoy the spectacular scenery as they traversed the old powerline road.

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2015 is the 25th Anniversary of the official opening of the Pass.  Do you have photos you can share? Send ’em to gcs@graycreekstore.com!

Also: The pass is now officially part of the Trans Canada Trail – click here to check out the Trans Canada Trail – Gray Creek Pass web page!


*Gray Creek pass Update: June 10, 2015

Tom: “I drove to the summit this morning at 8 am June 9th and a car or truck had come up from the Cranbrook side and been able to get over the snow and made it down the western side probably the evening of June 8th.
 With today’s 95 F temperature at lake level the pass will be fully open by tomorrow June 10th. This is the earliest ever – the previous early opening was June 14th – and that was when the late snow just to the west of the summit would be plowed.
 
Alpine flowers just to the west of the summit are just opening.”

Gray Creek Pass Update: May 23, 2015

There be Boulders! And snow even with this early summer heat.

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Gray Creek Pass Update: May 7, 2015

Ken from Cedar Grove Campground had a hiker who just went over the pass. The hiker says there’s still 2 meters of snow at the top (he needed snow shoes) and there are 2 boulders blocking the road on the west side of the pass.


Gray Creek Pass Update: February 9, 2015

Still snowy – the pass is usually open July 1st but this depends on snow melt (May 1st this year?)

Did you know   This is the season when you can see pink snow  at higher elevations – an algae activated by the sun.

 Last year, 2013 the pass was open for vehicles on July 1st, but our estimate for 2014 is somewhat later.
 
The earliest ever opening was June 14th and the latest ever July 23rd.

Gray Creek Pass Update:

November 13, 2014 – Local travellers report

Gray Creek Pass - November 12, 2014
Gray Creek Pass – November 12, 2014

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The snow was about a foot and a half when we were up at the summit!


October 31, 2014 – Local travellers report

A fellow who stopped in to the store today reported the summit has 2 to 3 inches of snow.  He made it through with chains and said it was one of the most beautiful drives he has taken!


September 9, 2014 – Local travellers report

Jim and I were the guys on the BMW R1200 adventure bikes that stopped into talk to you about the Gray Creek Pass yesterday morning. We headed up shortly afterwards and about 3 hours later we were high fiving at Jim’s place in Kimberley. It was a great ride! A bit rough in spots and lots of steep down hill grades where our bikes are especially good at holding a slow speed without braking. We timed the weather perfectly as well. We could smell the rain coming, but it held off until we were enjoying a BBQ a couple of hours after we parked for the night.

Thanks for your helpful information and advise on the Pass. That was another excellent adventure checked off the list.

Best Regards,

Bob Race.


July 5 ,2014

Local Travelers reported the road was in excellent shape, we went over the Pass to a tributary road 5 kms on the other side, one large boulder on the road, no ice on Oliver Lake, there was a Ptarmigan nesting near the Sphinx Mountain cairn, amazing flowers in the basin

amazing visibility … could even see Fisher Peak

 PASS JULY5  JULY42014PASSA  july52014 PASS download


July 2, 2014

We have an official first hand account that Gray Creek Pass is open! No major damage to the road. Drive carefully, take it slow and enjoy the scenic drive. See you at the bottom on the Gray Creek side (you just might need a slushie or something to celebrate the journey)!


June 29, 2014  

Sunday June 29th 2014  a pickup from the Kimberley side apparently drove downhill into the last snow just below the west side of the 6800 foot summit.  It got stuck so had to be pulled downhill by another vehicle.
 
This has cut through and the tracks will melt fast so the Pass will be open Monday June 30th.
With the predicted heat of July 1st there should soon be no sign of snow near the road.

June 26, 2014  Tom drove to the summit Wed afternoon June 25th.   Met a Forestry pick up that had done the same.  The road has wintered well – no slides, washboard, potholes or mud.   There is snow in the bush at Oliver Lake but tables and camping area bare.  Snow just below the summit is about 18″ deep – in the days when this was plowed the road would be open now.   Avalanche lilies, yellow violets and white crocus are blooming well near the summit.  There were 13 bear poops on the road past the second crossing of the South Fork – they must be feeding on the lush roadside alders.  Tom’s guess for opening is July 2 – or sooner if ATVS help the melt by making tracks in the snow.

Gray Creek Pass June 25th 2014 004 Gray Creek Pass June 25th 2014 001 Gray Creek Pass June 25th 2014 002


June 25, 2014  Folks made it to the 17 km mark and then hit snow.  From the Gray Creek side just past Oliver Lake..stay tuned!


June 9, 2014  Report from Paul at Kokanee Chalets – made it up to the 16km mark on his motorcycle from the Gray Creek side.  Snow on peak 4 km long.  Snow depth from 6″ to 14″.  Soft road sides – stay to the inside.  Thanks for checking.


May 28, 2014 Report from the BC Jeep Club – made it to the 3rd bridge from the Gray Creek Side.  GPS blue line shows location.

3rd Bridge location on Gray Creek Pass - from Gray Creek Side
3rd Bridge location on Gray Creek Pass – from Gray Creek Side

Oct. 19, 2013 Report from a traveler:

There was about one foot of snow at Gray Creek Pass. We met a jeep at Oliver Lake that had just come over from Kimberley.
I drove 4.5kms east of the pass to the turnoff to Fat Bob’s cabin and the Sphinx Mountain trail-head  For the first 4 kilometers, the Gray Creek Pass Road  was compact, rutted with lots of washboard. It wasn’t difficult going down the road but coming back was touch and go  …  I traveled the entire distance in low range, 4th gear and thought my truck was going to fly apart over the washboard. I needed the speed and power. Just about lost it on a couple of switchbacks. There was another vehicle at the pass and the driver said “We could hear you coming for quite some distance”.
2013 1019 pic of pass

Oct. 4, 2013 Report from Tom Lymbery:  Pass Pics – Thanks to Terry!

2013 1003 TRUCK IN SNOW 2013 1003 PASS WITH SNOW


Oct. 3, 2013 Report from Tom Lymbery:  It is early – but I wouldnt say Oliver Lake is really frozen – looks more like slush ice. It is early for snow and there has been quite a bit more since.  Two mororcyclists reported that when they tried the Pass from the Kimberley side yesterday they found at least 6″ of snow and had to turn back.  They thanked us for keeping Pass updates on www.graycreekstore.com


Oct. 1, 2013 Report from Tom Lymbery:   Up at the 5000 foot elevation there is 6″ of snow up to the pass on the Gray Creek side.  The ground is not frozen, so it may melt.  Tom wonders how soon until the higher elevation larch trees will turn to gold.                                                   


Sept 10, 2013 Report from Tom Lymbery:  I drove to the summit yesterday – road OK after rain.  No surface washed away at all.  Blowdown destroyed a picnic table at the Oliver Lake site, but other table OK.  Huckleberries at summit and Oliver Lake are ripe, but small & scattered.  Bushes have changed color.


Aug. 7, 2013 Report from Tom Lymbery: I crossed the Pass to the 2nd crossing of Redding Creek.  Grading and culvert repair completed on the 18 km from Hwy 3A at Gray Creek to the summit is excellent. Oliver Lake – please take 5 minutes to walk through the trees to this beautiful alpine lake – and 20 minutes to walk all around this gem. Culverts at 27 k have been repaired with stony fill as there is no gravel there.  This is the roughest section. Baker Creek Bridge has been re-decked and no longer has a 5 ton limit. Road is ok for 2 wheel drive, but no low clearance vehicles.


July 30, 2013 – Report from Pass Officials: Full CLOSURE Mon, Tue, Wed July 29-31 as indicated below.  Aug. 1-6 Grading crew on Gray Creek side.  Expect temporary/minor delays.    Aug.1 minor work mini excavator – minor delays.


July 23, 2013 – Report from Pass Officials:
There will be temporary delays WED, THUR, FRI July 24-26 at the 13 km mark on the Gray Creek side.  FULL CLOSURE MON,TUE,WED July 29-31 at 6.5km on the Gray Creek side. No Access – only walkers and people who can carry their pedal bikes over the construction!  Thanks for checking and stay tuned…


July 10, 2013 – Report from Pass Officials: Kimberly side at 6.5 km road narrow.  There is a fill failure – stay to inside.  At the 12.9 – 13.1 km mark tension cracks in fill – stay to inside.  Sorry to disappoint, but currently it is not suitable for trailers or motorhomes until repairs are done which should happen between 1 to 2 weeks.  Thanks for checking and stay tuned!!


July 4, 2013 – Forestry has repaired the culverts at 27 km from the Gray Creek side, and the pass is open. Another milestone – the first couple to walk over made it to Kimberly today!

Keep in mind the pass is steep and road conditions can vary so be prepared to take it slow and enjoy the natural beauty. If you’re coming from the St. Mary side turn right on the highway  and you’ll find Gray Creek Store almost immediately. Let us know how the pass is doing (and perhaps reward yourself with a slushie or something for all the good driving)!


 June 28, 2013 – The snow if off the summit and this morning vehicles are trying to drive through, but a double culvert down the Kimberley side has plugged and washed some road away.  Two motorbikes from Gray Creek Side couldn’t make it past.  As well, two vehicles were there and unable to cross.  Just looking at it, pedal bikes wouldn’t be able to make it over either.  This is about 27k from the Gray Creek Side.  This has washed out before so it is need of better repair.

Rocks on Road June 28, 2013
Rocks on Road June 28, 2013

Gray Creek Pass Snow LIne June 28, 2013

June 20, 2013 Melted 1 km past Oliver Lake – reported to have a 60 foot stretch of 4 feet deep snow.  With heavy rains the last couple of days, appears there may be a washout at 3km on the Gray Creek Side…stay tuned and thanks for checking!


June 12, 2013 Melted to 16 KM mark.  This is just past Oliver Lake.  As per pass Engineer Tina, doesn’t look like any major issues for this year!  Stay tuned and thanks for checking!


May 26, 2013 – Snow at the 11 km mark which is about 4000 feet!  Stay tuned..and thanks for checking.

Still Snow
Still Snow

Report from Pass Officials:

Pass was closed for most of the 2012 year.  Excess rain has caused road washouts and unstable banks.  Engineers are assessing required work and an application for funding will be made.  Contact our MLA and voice your thoughts over the funding and maintenance of the Gray Creek Pass Road!