Cabin Lake - Prospect Creek FSR

Summary of Route

Type: Out and back; sub alpine lake camping

Rating: 5/5

Season: Summer/Fall

Length: 42.5 km one-way

Vehicle suitability: Stock 4x4

The Route

The Cabin Lake - Prospect Creek FSR is a fantastic overland route, presenting varied scenery, 4x4 challenges, a stunning lakeside campsite, and nearby summit opportunities.

In the past, access to Cabin Lake could be found through a selection of various FSR’s, depending on where you were approaching from. Unfortunately, the atmospheric rivers of recent years eliminated bridges on all approach routes. Fortunately, as of the summer of 2025, we’re happy to report that the necessary bridges have been replaced on the Prospect Creek FSR access. While we detail the route below, Google maps does appear to know the only accessible route on a “Cabin Lake” query.

Access to Cabin Lake can be had approximately 18 km west of Merritt, British Columbia, off of Sunshine Valley Road (GPS coordinates 50.14173, -121.00756). Sunshine Valley Road begins as a paved road but promptly turns to well groomed gravel. After approximately 1.2 km of travel, bear right onto Spius Creek Road. Stay on Spius Creek Road for approximately 1 km, turning right to cross over Spius Creek at GPS coordinates 50.13532, -121.02862.

The next section of this route is relatively confusing without a map due to the numerous intersecting roads without clear signage. If you’re using GAIA or another map system, you’ll be aiming for Petit Creek Road and staying on it until it changes into Prospect Creek FSR. For those without an offline map, taking your second left after crossing Spius Creek and continuing to travel with Spius Creek on your left will ensure you’re travelling in the right direction.

Once over Spius Creek, you will be travelling for approximately 21.3 km along Petit Creek Road/Prospect Creek FSR until turning left at the below intersection to cross the first of two newly completed bridges, followed by a nearly immediate left onto Miner FSR and the crossing of the second newly completed bridge. Road conditions for the entirety of the Petit Creek Road/Prospect Creek FSR section are excellent.

Once on Miner FSR, road conditions initially remain excellent; however, you will quickly encounter the first of two washouts. The first of these occurs at approximately the 1.4 km mark on Miner FSR and is depicted below. While narrow, it is relatively straightforward.

Once through the first washout, Miner FSR road conditions return to excellent until the next washout at the approximate 2.3 km mark. This washout is substantially more difficult. While on first impressions the exit portion of the washout appears to be more challenging, the entrance should not be underestimated as a wrong line will cause your driver front tire to dramatically drop and cause significant shift in vehicle weight. As the driver side of this washout is eroded, we recommend trying to avoid this. While we did not utilize our rear locker and completed this section in a Tacoma that was stock except for 33 inch AT tires, this obstacle should be approached with caution for those in stock vehicles.

Once through the second washout, road conditions deteriorate slightly but remain fair for an additional 11.8 km. Pinstriping can be expected in this section. Stay on the most well maintained road and you will be travelling in the correct direction.

After approximately 13.1 km of travel on Miner FSR, you will reach the end of Miner FSR and transition into what GAIA has labelled as “Cabin Lake Road - 4x4”. This section of the Cabin Lake overland route takes one along a narrow shelf road that while bumpy and somewhat disconcerting due to the exposure, is a relatively good condition road that any 4x4 should be able to manage.

You will travel along this road for an addition 4.3 km until you reach your ultimate destination of Cabin Lake. Once at Cabin Lake, there are a number of fantastic campsites to choose from, with the ultimate site being located on a peninsula leading into Cabin Lake. This site was, unfortunately, occupied when we visited. Once set up at camp, consider completing the nearby Stoyoma Mountain trail or the Conair Memorial Trail.

Due to the high elevation (1,833 meters) of Cabin Lake, this route can only be completed in the summer. That said, bugs are notoriously bad here and early fall is our recommended time to visit.

If you’re looking for nearby overland routes, consider nearby Mount Thynne or Shovelnose Mountain.