The Key Valley Railway was more than a logging railway as it carried mostly lumber from the mill, out to Pakesley, much of that was stored there to dry, before shipping. There was said to be almost seven miles (11 km) of siding in the lumber yard. They hauled camp supplies in from the CPR by the carload. The railway also served Cole's mill, about a mile out of Lost Channel and carried lumber produced at George Bruce's mill and others, brought to the Channel from up the lake. About 8 locomotives were used on the railway at different times and there was a truck mounted on flanged wheels, outfitted with bench seats to transport the workmen.