A campfire ban is currently in effect for this park. For more information about campfire bans and about provincial parks with park closures and campfire bans in effect, visit the BC Parks campfire ban webpage.
Park Info
The park's landscapes vary from dramatic mountains and alpine lakes in the south, to gentler volcanic hills and lava formations, to the flat, forested Chilcotin Plateau in the north.
The spectacular scenery in the south makes it a popular destination for horseback riding, backpacking, hunting, wildlife viewing, and mountaineering. Because of the park's remoteness, visitors must be experienced in backcountry travel and completely self-sufficient.
This park teems with wildlife; you might see mountain goats, California bighorn sheep, moose or predators such as wolves, black and grizzly bears. Please do not stress them by approaching closely.
Park Size: 65,982 hectares
General Visitor Information
The trails of Big Creek Park are unmaintained and most are rough. Creek crossings may be impossible during high water. This is a remote wilderness. Tell a reliable person of your trip plans and your expected return time.
Grizzly bears inhabit the park. Please read and follow all precautions for safe travel in grizzly country.
Accessing the park involves travel on active logging roads. Drive at your own risk. Roads become very slippery following rain, and washouts may result. Please use headlights at all times, and carry chains and a shovel even during summer. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended.
Although Big Creek Park is located only 100 km south-west of Williams Lake as the crow flies, there is no road access to the park boundary. Two routes link to trails into the park. They follow logging roads, so watch for industrial traffic and use headlights. Roads become very slippery when wet: four-wheel drive, shovel and tire chains are recommended.
Southern route:
To access hiking and horse trails at Relay Creek and Tyaughton Creek: drive approximately 69km on Carpenter Lake Road west of Lillooet. Turn right on Marshall Lake Road. Zero odometer here. Stay left at 3km. At 11.6km, stay right on to the Mud Creek Main Road.14.8km, cross bridge. 17.5km, stay left. 24.5km, stay left. 25.6km, cross bridge. 29.6km, stay right. 36km, cross bridge. 36.8km, stay right. 41.2km, turn left onto the Mud Creek – Paradise Creek Road. Drive down the hill to 43km, Tyaughton Creek Forest Recreation Site. Turn right just past the recreation site. Do not take trailers onto this road. This road is not maintained and may be washed out at any point, proceed with caution. 52.7km, stay left. 54.3km, stay left. 54.9km, stay left. 57.2km, stay left. 57.7km, cross small creek at the edge of a logging landing. It is not recommended taking 2 wheel drive vehicles beyond this point. 64.7km, stay left. 65km, drive past the old mining camp. 66.3km, Relay Creek Forest Service Recreation Site.
Northern route:
Few park visitors use this access. However, there is a rough trail that parallels Big Creek, and which is best suited for horseback riding. Follow the logging road (2000 road) that leaves Highway 20 at Riske Creek. Travel to approximately 51km, turn left onto the 2400 road. Stay on this road until you reach a green gate. Park here, follow the road approximately 2.5km past the gate, turn right and follow the old road/trail to Lorna Lake and the Dil-Dil Plateau.
Maps:
1:50,000 topographic maps of the park are available at most map retailers: 92-O/2, 92-O/3, 92-O/6, and 92-O/7.
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing
Fish for rainbow trout in Lorna Lake or Big Creek. It is not an exceptional fishery, as the water is cloudy. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
Owing to the area's extensive history of recreational use, there is a large network of unmaintained trails. Hiking and horse trails may be used to access the park via Relay Creek and Tyaughton Creek. Trails are unmarked and usually very wet.
Horseback Riding
Big Creek Park is a popular destination for horseback riding, but because of the park's remoteness, visitors must be experienced in backcountry travel and completely self-sufficient. Please use only weed-free pelleted feed for horses, since import of weeds is a major concern in the Protected Area.
If you must bring your dog to Big Creek Park, it must be under control at all times. It is illegal to allow your dog to harass wildlife or livestock. You are responsible for its behaviour and must dispose of its excrement.
Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Facilities Available At This Park
Campfires
Campfires are permitted. However, no firewood is provided. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don't gather firewood from the area around your campsite. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Wilderness, backcountry and walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.
