Cascade Recreation Area

New! BC Parks Backcountry Registration System allows you to pre-pay your overnight fees for backcountry and/or marine site usage, where designated. This system will not be used for vehicle accessible (ie front country) campgrounds or controlled back country permits (ie Bowron Lakes canoe circuit and Berg Lake Trail).

About This Park

Adjacent to the northwest portion of E.C. Manning Provincial Park, the Cascade Recreation Area lies within the Hozameen Range of the Cascade Mountains. This pristine backcountry wilderness area has enjoyed very little development over the years. Since there are no developed roads within the Cascade Recreation Area, summer visitors come via foot or horseback while winter enthusiasts enjoy snowmobiling in the northeast corner of the Granite Mountain area.

Summer activities include hiking, horseback riding and nature appreciation. During the summer months one can access the area from either the Cascade Recreation Area parking lot, located 12 km east of the West Gate, or the Whipsaw Creek Road, 32 km east of the east gate. Logging trucks frequently use the Whipsaw Creek Road. USE CAUTION ON THIS ROAD AT ALL TIMES.

Winter enthusiasts enjoy snowmobiling in the northeast corner of the Granite Mountain area. Other than the snowmobile area, winter access is not recommended due to the high avalanche hazard. The Whipsaw Creek Road located 48 km east of the Visitor Centre is the only road into the snowmobile area and is frequently used by logging trucks.

Park Size: 11,858 hectares

Special Notes:

Some dangers exist when different users share the same trails. However, all recreationists who are aware of others and practice "tread lightly" will help reduce conflicts and environmental damage, making everyone’s visit more enjoyable.

In recognition of the park and recreation area’s conservation values and to avoid conflict with existing users, heli-hiking, heli-skiing, snow-cat accessed activities, motorized trail biking and other forms of motorized use, except snowmobiles as provided in the Master Plan, will not be permitted. Snowmobiling is permitted in the Granite Mountain area.

Location and Maps

Adjacent to the northwest portion of E.C. Manning Provincial Park, the Cascade Recreation Area lies within the Hozameen Range of the Cascade Mountains. The closest communities, towns and cities are Hope and Princeton.

Nature and Culture

Management Planning

Management Planning Information

Online Management Planning Information

Activities Available at this Park

Cycling

Mountain biking is permitted in the northeast portion of the recreation area. Helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Fishing

Fishing opportunities are limited in this park. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Hiking

Specific to this area are: Whatcom, Hope Pass and Dewdney trails ranging from 13 k to 36 k in length one way. Trail conditions are available on the E.C. Manning Park
web site. For your own safety and preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is a popular summer activity. Due to the rugged terrain the trails are only suitable for experienced equestrian riders and horses. With the exception of the Snass View Camp, horses are allowed at all wilderness camps within the Cascade Recreation Area. A staging area is located at the Cascade Recreation Area parking lot, which is the trailhead for the Dewdney Trail in E.C. Manning Provincial Park.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted in the Cascade Recreation Area. Please read the BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations synopsis for further details..

Pets on Leash

Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

Winter Recreation

Snowmobiling is permitted in the Granite Mountain area in the northeast area of the park.

Facilities Available at this Park

Cabins / Huts / Yurts

There is a 24 foot by 30 foot log cabin with loft and porch at Tulameen Camp on the Dewdney Trail. It is presently used exclusively in the summer months by the BC Backcountry Horsemen who have a stewardship arrangement that requires the group to have people in the area to assist with the maintenance of facilities in the recreation area. The exclusive arrangement prevents other users from using this facility during the summer months. Be prepared to camp.

Campfires

Campfires are permitted at wilderness and horse campsites. summary

Pit or Flush Toilets

This park only has pit toilets.

Walk-In/Wilderness Camping

There are 7 wilderness/walk-in camping areas at this park which are usually accessible from late June to mid-October:

Backcountry Camping Fee: $5.00 per person / night for all persons 6 years of age or older.

Snass View Camp has a pit toilet, fire ring, food cache and 10 natural campsites.
Warburton Camp has a pit toilet, fire ring, picnic table, food cache, 4 natural campsites, a horse corral and a hitching rail.
Tulameen Camp has a small 12 foot by 18 foot log hay barn, horse corral, pit toilet, log cabin for use by BC Parks and the Backcountry Horsemen of BC. Adjacent to the cabin is a wilderness camp with 2 natural campsites.
Salt Lick is a wilderness camp with a pit toilet, fire ring, food cache and 8 natural campsites.
Marmot City Camp has a pit toilet, fire ring, and 10 natural campsites.
Fido Camp is a wilderness camp with no facilities.
Hubbard Camp is a wilderness camp with a fire ring, food cache, 8 natural campsites, a horse corral and a hitching rail.

NOTE: the Grainger Creek camp in E.C. Manning Park is very close to the park boundary.