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 conserves forests
of ponderosa pine at the northern limit of its range, and diverse low
elevation lakes and marshes. The uplands, marshes, and lakes are rich ecosystems
supporting abundant wildlife.
A spectacular display of colour illustrates the park's rich geology in
the Chasm Creek Valley and part of the Bonaparte River Valley. Successive
lava flows form layers in varying tones of red, brown, yellow and purple,
which have been revealed in the steep lava-layered canyon walls through
erosion over the past 10 million years.
At the end of the last ice age, 10,000 years ago, water from the melting
glaciers carried so much silt that it carved the 8 km long, 600-metre
wide and 300-metre deep Chasm. An esker (ridge of gravel) formed by the
glacier stretches 40 km upstream, northwest from the head of the Chasm.
Chasm Provincial Park protects the unique river canyon of the Chasm Creek
Valley and part of the Bonaparte River Valley. In 1995, the park was recommended
for expansion through the Cariboo Chilcotin Land-Use Plan. It was enlarged
from 141 hectares to 3067 hectares to protect more of the area’s
colourful geological formations and ponderosa pine forests. The unique
features of Chasm Provincial Park offer hiking opportunities and spectacular
backdrops for the avid photographer.
Facilities include a pull out viewing area and a larger parking area
with a toilet.
Park Size: 3,067 hectares
General Visitor Information
Stay Safe: There are steep cliffs at this park. Please
do not climb over the chain link fence. Watch children closely. Fences are
provided only near the parking area and lookout. Hike at your own risk.
Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the
park.
The park is located
along Chasm Creek. It can be accessed by taking Highway 97 to 16 km north
of Clinton, and then driving 4 km to the park on a paved road east of Highway
97. It can also be accessed from further north off Highway 97 about 15 km
southwest of 70 Mile House. Please refer to the Cariboo Forest Region Recreation
Map (East) published by the Ministry of Forests for more information. Topographical
map number 1:50,000 92P/3 shows land contours in detail. The closest communities,
towns and cities are 70 Mile House, 100 Mile House and Clinton.
Nature & Culture
History - This park
was established in 1940 to protect the Painted Chasm. In 1995, the
park was recommended for expansion through the Cariboo Chilcotin
Land-Use Plan. It was enlarged from 141 hectares to 3067 hectares
to protect more of the area’s colourful geological formations
and ponderosa pine forests.
At the end of the last ice age, 10,000 years ago, water from the
melting glaciers carried so much silt that it carved the 8 km long,
600 m wide and 300 m deep Chasm. An esker (ridge of gravel) formed
by the glacier stretches 40 km upstream, northwest from the head of
the Chasm. Layers of volcanic lava can be distinguished in the steep
canyon walls.
Conservation - Chasm Provincial Park protects a lava-layered canyon
formed by glacial melt water erosion. The park also conserves forests
of ponderosa pine at the northern limit of its range, and diverse
low elevation lakes and marshes. The uplands, marshes, and lakes are
rich ecosystems supporting abundant wildlife.
Wildlife - Bighorn Sheep
inhabit the steep wall of the canyon. Moose, mule deer, black
bear, coyote, small mammals, songbirds and birds of prey inhabit this
area.
Online Management planning information for this park is not available
at this time.
Activities Available At This Park
Cycling
Cycling is permitted. Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets
are mandatory in British Columbia.
Hiking
This park has informal hiking trails (generally following old roads – there
are no signs to mark the routes). An old road, which leads along the southern
edge of the chasm, offers occasional spectacular views and a very pleasant
experience of dry pine and fir forest. There are steep cliffs at this park.
Watch children closely. Fences are provided only near the parking area and
lookout. Hike at your own risk.
Horseback Riding
There are horseback riding opportunities in this park.
There is a viewpoint. The view is of a spectacular display of colour
which illustrates the park's rich geology in the Chasm Creek Valley and part
of the Bonaparte River Valley. Successive lava flows form layers in varying
tones of red, brown, yellow and purple, which have been revealed in the steep
lava-layered canyon walls through erosion over the past 10 million years.
Facilities Available At This Park
Picnic Areas
There is a viewpoint and parking area for day-use activities, but no
developed picnic area. The view is a spectacular display of colour illustrating
the park's rich geology in the Chasm Creek Valley and part of the Bonaparte
River Valley. Successive lava flows form layers in varying tones of red,
brown, yellow and purple, which have been revealed in the steep lava-layered
canyon walls through erosion over the past 10 million years.
northern limit of its range, and diverse low
elevation lakes and marshes. The uplands, marshes, and lakes are rich ecosystems
supporting abundant wildlife.
