Coal Mine Road

The feel

Coal Mine Road is an old mining road that four wheel drive vehicles, ATVs and snowmachines can travel. The first mile has been armoured, and the miles beyond can be muddy in wet weather.

Eight lakes lie along it, all managed as recreational fisheries and stocked with at least two species of game fish. Last Lake is at mile 1.9, Brodie Lake at mile 2.1, Paul's Pond and Rangeview at mile 2.7, Dick's Pond at mile 4.1 and Ken's Pond at mile 4.7. Lake signs mark them.

What to expect

Water and access

From the Richardson Highway south of Delta Junction towards Glennallen, turn east at mile 242.1. Coal Mine #5 and Backdown Lakes are reached by an ATV trail east, 1.6 miles from the start of the road. Paul's Pond is on the north side at mile 2.7 and Rangeview on the south side.

Species and timing

Rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, Arctic char, lake trout and landlocked salmon.

Hazards

The road is not maintained and can be muddy in wet weather beyond the first mile. It is not suitable for large motorhomes.

Season and access

Drifting snow closes the road in winter, and it stays impassable to ordinary vehicles until mid-June.

Mingo says

Go after mid-June, once the winter drifts have cleared enough for ordinary vehicles. Give wet spells a miss, since the road past the first mile turns muddy.

Before you go

• Bring a truck with good traction or a four wheel drive vehicle, or an ATV.
• Leave the motorhome at home: the road is not suitable for large rigs.
• Turn east off the Richardson Highway at mile 242.1.
• Watch for Lake signs, and for the ATV trail 1.6 miles in if you want Coal Mine #5 and Backdown Lakes.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.