Wood ticks are most prevalent between March and June. These parasites reside in tall grass and low shrubbery and seek out warm-blooded hosts. Although they are potential carriers of disease, they are a natural part of the environment and can be easily avoided. Your legs should be protected by wearing trousers tucked into socks or gaiters. After outdoor activity, thoroughly examine yourself. Check your pets for ticks as well.
Bring your own drinking water, as potable water is not available in the park.
Elephant Hill Provincial Park
About This Park
A natural dry grassland area, with typical wildlife species including rattlesnakes. This protected area provides an area of ungrazed and areas of lightly grazed grasslands in some of the driest conditions of province. The grassland hills are closed to vehicle traffic, and no camping or day-use facilities are provided. Walking and wildlife viewing activities are popular in the park.
Park Size: 995 hectares, including 2 prominent grassland hills
Special Notes:
No motorized use will be permitted in the strict preservation zone other than on the existing road to the communications facilities site on top of Elephant Hill.
Recreation opportunities include walking and wildlife viewing.
ATV use is prohibited on park roads.
Location and Maps
5 km southeast of Cache Creek, accessed via the TransCanada Hwy #1 and Hwy 97C towards Ashcroft.
Nature and Culture
- History - The park was created April 30, 1996 as a result of recommendations made in the Kamloops Land and Resource Management Plan. The park will be managed according to the Interim Management Direction Statement for Elephant Hill Park.
- Cultural Heritage - The area has an abundance of native archaeological sites. The early ranching history of the area is evidenced by nearby Semlin Ranch which dates from the early 1860's. Specific cultural heritage sites within the park are unknown.
- Conservation - The park protects unique dry grasslands and associated wildlife species and plants on both Elephant and Rattlesnake hills. The south-facing slopes providing some of the driest conditions in all of British Columbia.
- Wildlife - The rare Western rattlesnake, gopher snake and Sharp-tailed Grouse inhabit the area along with mule deer, coyote, and birds such as the Common Merganser, Chukar, Belted Kingfisher and Rosy Finch.
- General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information
Activities Available at this Park
Hunting
Pets on Leash
Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
