Churn Creek Protected Area

• Attention Horse Riders - Please use only weed-free pelleted feed for horses or purchase hay from the Empire Ranch headquarters, since import of weeds is a major concern in the Protected Area.

About This Park

Churn Creek Protected Area includes some of British Columbia's rarest ecosystems - low, middle and high elevation bunchgrass grasslands. This unique and fragile landscape provides habitat for a diversity of rare flora and fauna. These grasslands can be viewed and accessed on existing cow trails and old roads. However, the trails are unmarked and unmaintained. The Protected Area abuts the west bank of the Fraser River, just south of Gang Ranch.

Churn Creek Protected Area was established in 1995 following recommendations in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land Use Plan. It is one of five large protected areas across BC that has been established primarily for the conservation of grassland ecosystems. The Protected Area also reflects the historic importance of the Churn Creek area to First Nations, ranching, hunting, mining, and recreation. This area supports an operating ranch, where carefully managed cattle grazing continues. In 1998, the provincial government purchased the historic Empire Valley Ranch located within the Protected Area, and added the land to the Churn Creek Protected Area.

Special Notes:

Churn Creek Protected Area offers opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, mountain biking and nature appreciation. Here is more information on horseback riding and ethics at Churn Creek. Low impact, dispersed, non-motorized outdoor recreation that does not detract from the values of the area is permitted, but recreation will be managed to protect the natural ecological integrity of the area. ATVs and motorcycles are prohibited, and trucks and cars must stay on existing roads only. Driving on the grasslands is strictly prohibited.

Hunting is permitted at Churn Creek during the allotted season. Please consult and obey the British Columbia Hunting Regulations.

Churn Creek Protected Area supports an operating ranch; watch for cattle and leave gates as you find them, either open or closed. . Keep off the hayfields in the Empire Valley Ranch area, even when travelling on foot. Driving over the hayfields is an offence. Do not trespass on private in-holdings within the Protected Area.

Weeds:

Bunchgrass communities provide excellent feed and cover for wildlife. However, non-native weed species can invade grasslands, particularly following a disturbance, and can severely degrade habitat values. Weeds such as cheatgrass can rapidly dominate large areas. Cheatgrass gets a "head start" by growing through the winter when bunchgrasses are dormant. Once established, its roots capture available water when bunchgrasses most need it in spring. Other noxious weeds to be aware of at Churn Creek are burdock, hound's tongue, leafy spurge and blueweed. Knapweed is also beginning to appear in the Churn Creek area.

To help prevent the spread of weeds, check that your vehicle, bicycle, horse, and pets are clean of vegetation fragments before you leave home. Many weeds stick to pant legs and other clothing. Check clothing before entering the Protected Area to prevent the spread of weeds. Use only processed feed (pelleted) for horses, or purchase directly from the Empire Valley Ranch Headquarters.

Location and Maps

• Location Map

The Churn Creek Protected Area is situated approximately 60 km southeast of Williams Lake on the western bank of the Fraser River, south of the Gang Ranch. From Williams Lake, it is approximately a 2 hour drive. Churn Creek is a remote area with difficult access, involving several hours' driving on rough clay and gravel roads, which become dangerously slick when wet.

The easiest route from the Williams Lake area is to drive up Highway 20 approximately 3 km and turn left onto Dog Creek Road. Continue on this road until you reach Dog Creek Valley, then follow signs for Gang Ranch, which will take you across the Fraser River Bridge. At the next intersection, take the left turn onto Empire Valley Road.

From the south, drive north on Highway 97 from Clinton; follow signs to Big Bar Lake Park. Turn right at the next T-intersection after the park. This leads you through Canoe Creek village and on to the Fraser River Bridge. Go left, as above.

NTS 1:50,000 topographic maps of the area include: 920/8, 920/10, 920/9, and 920/7.

Maps and Brochures

Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

• Park Map (231 KB PDF)
• Brochure (64 KB PDF)
• Brochure Park Map - black & white (375 KB PDF)

Nature and Culture

• History
• Culture
• Conservation
• Wildlife

Management Planning

Management Planning Information

• Approved Management Plan - The Churn Creek Management Plan has been prepared by BC Parks with the direct involvement of local First Nations and a local Advisory Group to guide management of the Protected Area. The area is managed for its nationally significant grassland conservation values, while the Empire Valley Ranch continues to operate at historic levels. Recreation includes access for hunting, horseback riding, and hiking, including a trail system to various scenic areas and a staging area for horseback riders.

Partnerships

Friends of Churn Creek Protected Area Society is a non-profit organization formed in 2009 to help BC Parks achieve the conservation and cultural heritage vision for Churn Creek Protected Area, as outlined in its management plan.

Activities Available at this Park

Cycling

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Hunting

Pets on Leash

Winter Recreation

Facilities Available at this Park

Cabins / Huts / Yurts

Campfires

Picnic Areas

Pit or Flush Toilets

Vehicle Accessible Camping

Walk-In/Wilderness Camping