The Hill

[diazr2]

I already posted this once but some how messed it up. But I am getting better at this forum honest. Anyway here is my post again:About a year ago I asked this forum about the road leading out of Bella Coola BC. It is a gravel highway called "The Hill" I got lots of responses from people who have traveled it and it just made my commitment to traveling it stronger. Well last fall 2013 me and the the Miss traveled to the Hill and crossed over it. The journey was an exciting and pleasant adventure. I just wanted to take a minute to thank everyone that helped me. The Hill was challenging but certainly worth every minute of preparation. Thanks again to the folks with the first hand knowledge. I remember one comment by one person. He said if I had my choice of driving in Los Angeles or the Hill I would take The Hill every time. Well now I have done both and I certainly agree. Thanks again folks your great!

[rhagfo]

diazr2 wrote:

rhagfo wrote:

diazr2 wrote:

pawatt wrote:
I think we did a stretch worse than that towing in Idaho but it was only 2 miles long. Would have been in big trouble if we met anyone.

That stretch of road from Bella Coola to Williams Lake is 115km the unpaved part is 45km that 45km goes up and over heckmans pass it has three switchbacks and all switchbacks are on an 18% grade. The pass is 1524m high(5000ft). With all that said as long as you don't go fast it's a pretty nice road. There are quite a few turn outs and I must admit everyone driving the road is OH so courteous ....

Just need to ask about your signature picture, is that a BC Ferry or the deck of a Washington State Ferry?

I Believe that one is a BC Ferry. Why do you ask?

We have given thoughts to taking our 5er to the San Juan's, we did it with our drop in camper years ago and it was beautiful.

[willutfid]

One in Idaho that's similar is Trail Creek pass. It's only three or four miles but is very steep and narrow and turnouts are pretty questionable. There's a sign at the bottom of the pass that states "Not recommended for RV's or trailers". Basically you hold your breath and hope you don't meet someone coming in the other direction.

[butchfuzion]

I'm not sure I would go up that with my dually let alone a fifth wheel. You are a brave soul.

[davidaf]

My hat is off to you. I'd take a pass on that one. LA no problem, steep, skinny, winding, shoulder less, with a mountain to bash into, nope not gunna happen. At least not this year. I'm used to the day to day bumper stress not the roll off the side of a mountain stress.

[diazr2]

rhagfo wrote:

diazr2 wrote:

pawatt wrote:
I think we did a stretch worse than that towing in Idaho but it was only 2 miles long. Would have been in big trouble if we met anyone.

That stretch of road from Bella Coola to Williams Lake is 115km the unpaved part is 45km that 45km goes up and over heckmans pass it has three switchbacks and all switchbacks are on an 18% grade. The pass is 1524m high(5000ft). With all that said as long as you don't go fast it's a pretty nice road. There are quite a few turn outs and I must admit everyone driving the road is OH so courteous ....

Just need to ask about your signature picture, is that a BC Ferry or the deck of a Washington State Ferry?

I Believe that one is a BC Ferry. Why do you ask?

[rhagfo]

diazr2 wrote:

pawatt wrote:
I think we did a stretch worse than that towing in Idaho but it was only 2 miles long. Would have been in big trouble if we met anyone.

That stretch of road from Bella Coola to Williams Lake is 115km the unpaved part is 45km that 45km goes up and over heckmans pass it has three switchbacks and all switchbacks are on an 18% grade. The pass is 1524m high(5000ft). With all that said as long as you don't go fast it's a pretty nice road. There are quite a few turn outs and I must admit everyone driving the road is OH so courteous ....

Just need to ask about your signature picture, is that a BC Ferry or the deck of a Washington State Ferry?

[diazr2]

pawatt wrote:
I think we did a stretch worse than that towing in Idaho but it was only 2 miles long. Would have been in big trouble if we met anyone.

That stretch of road from Bella Coola to Williams Lake is 115km the unpaved part is 45km that 45km goes up and over heckmans pass it has three switchbacks and all switchbacks are on an 18% grade. The pass is 1524m high(5000ft). With all that said as long as you don't go fast it's a pretty nice road. There are quite a few turn outs and I must admit everyone driving the road is OH so courteous ....

[pawatt]

I think we did a stretch worse than that towing in Idaho but it was only 2 miles long. Would have been in big trouble if we met anyone.

[partsman01]

I have driven from Williams lake along the road but not all the way to Bella coola, it was just in a truck, not sure if I would take my fifth wheel.

[diazr2]

mike-uswest wrote:
When we went on it, at the bottom, my wife got out and kissed the ground. I didn't see any problem.

Mike

When we started the climb I told my wife no matter what happens keep it quite I need to concentrate. It was a wasted statement she was so nervous she couldn't have talked if she wanted to. Guess it must have looked a lot worse from her seat. I had the mountain on my side On the way back I just didn't look down. 🙂

[mike-uswest]

When we went on it, at the bottom, my wife got out and kissed the ground. I didn't see any problem.

Mike

[diazr2]

GramaofAAAA wrote:
As this is the 5th wheel section, I just need to ask if you took your 5th wheel on this?? 🙂

Of course I did my fiver goes everywhere with me. That's the adventure part. Remember it's not about the destination but the journey. 🙂

[GramaofAAAA]

As this is the 5th wheel section, I just need to ask if you took your 5th wheel on this?? 🙂

[diazr2]

popeyemth wrote:
If you met another vehicle there you wouldn't have to get out to shake hands 🙂

No but I would have had to get out to clean up my pants:)