Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area
About This Park
The Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area was established in order to protect the Coast-Cascade Dry belt landscape and provide break opportunities for travellers along the new Coquihalla highway. The Area presents a beautiful setting for wildlife viewing.
Of Special Interest: This area is a transition zone between the coastal and southern interior environment with four different biogeoclimatic zones with granite peak features and historic features such as the Kettle Valley Railway and Coquihalla Highway weaving through the area.
Park Size: 5,750 hectares
Location and Maps
The Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area is located along the Coquihalla Highway approximately 45 km north of Hope.
Nature and Culture
- History - The Coquihalla Valley has long served as the major transportation route from the coast to the interior beginning with the Hope-Nicola Trail in 1876. The Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area still contains some remnants of the Kettle Valley Railway which ran through the area from the early 1900s through to 1961. Modern access has been highlighted by the construction of the Coquihalla Highway and the subsequent establishment of a series of protected areas along the route in 1986.
- Conservation - The Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area lies in the transition area between the coastal and southern interior environment. As a result, the area is very diverse, containing four different biogeoclimatic zones and a wide variety of wildlife species.
- General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information
Activities Available at this Park
Fishing
There is fishing at Falls Lake for Rainbow Trout. Falls Lake has a surface area of 25.6 ha and an average depth of 10 metres. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
The Falls Lake Trail parking lot is located approximately 1 km west of Hwy 5 from the Falls Lake Turn off. The trail is 1.5 km in length and offers a scenic view of the lake and fishing for small rainbow trout.
Horseback Riding
Some horse riding occurs on existing gravel roads and pipeline right of ways.
Hunting
This park is open to hunting. All applicable hunting licences are required. However, there is no park specific hunting permit needed.
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
Backcountry skiing occurs in the Falls Lake area on the pipeline access roads and right of ways.
Snowshoeing is available. Heavy annual snowfall occurs. Please be safe!
Winter camping is allowed but please be aware of the extreme winter conditions that can occur at this Recreation Area. No Facilities are provided. Winter camping has traditionally been occurring at or near Falls Lake.
Be properly equipped with, and experienced in the use of, avalanche safety gear if venturing into avalanche terrain. Coastal winter weather can change rapidly, affecting visibility and travel conditions. Be aware and prepared. Please practice “No Trace” camping ethics.
Winter camping is allowed but please be aware of the extreme winter conditions that can occur at this Recreation Area. No Facilities are provided. Winter camping has traditionally been occurring at or near Falls Lake.
Be properly equipped with, and experienced in the use of, avalanche safety gear if venturing into avalanche terrain. Coastal winter weather can change rapidly, affecting visibility and travel conditions. Be aware and prepared. Please practice “No Trace” camping ethics.
Facilities Available at this Park
Pit or Flush Toilets
Pit and flush toilets are located throughout the park. Flush toilets are located at the toll booths and Zopkios Ridge Highways Rest Stop (Managed and Maintained by the Ministry of Transportation and Highways)
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
There is walk-in camping available at Falls Lake approximately a 2km hike. Rustic camping with no facilities provided. PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT.
Winter Camping
Winter camping is allowed but please be aware of the extreme winter conditions that can occur at this Recreation Area. Backcountry skiing and snowshoeing opportunities exist. No Facilities are provided. Winter camping has traditionally been occurring at or near Falls Lake.
Be properly equipped with, and experienced in the use of, avalanche safety gear if venturing into avalanche terrain. Coastal winter weather can change rapidly, affecting visibility and travel conditions. Be aware and prepared. Please practice “No Trace” camping ethics.
Be properly equipped with, and experienced in the use of, avalanche safety gear if venturing into avalanche terrain. Coastal winter weather can change rapidly, affecting visibility and travel conditions. Be aware and prepared. Please practice “No Trace” camping ethics.
