This park is currently closed due to fire hazard.
Please Note: During a campfire ban, smoking is restricted in all public areas of a park or protected area. Please read this Information Bulletin [PDF].
Finlay-Russel Provincial Park and Protected Area
About This Park
Finlay-Russel Provincial Park and Protected Area consists of an 85 km corridor along the Finlay River between the Fox River confluence, immediately west of Kwadacha village(Fort Ware) and the Toodoggone River confluence. The Park area also includes 20 km of the Upper Pelly Creek Valley and the northern end of the Russel Range. The Finlay-Russel Provincial Park protects important fish and wildlife habitat and a section of the First Nation trail from Kwadacha to Caribou Hide and the Stikine country.Due to the remote setting of this park, visitors should be well-equipped as there are no supplies of any kind easily accessible. Supplies, vehicles and gasoline should be checked prior to travelling to the park. Vehicles should be 4x4’s and be equipped for off-pavement use. Suitable clothing should be worn and equipment for outdoor living carried. Visitors should be experienced, self sufficient and have appropriate maps.
Established Date: April 4, 2001
Park Size: 109,205 hectares park/ 13,566 hectares protected area
Stay Safe:
- Due to the remote setting of this park, visitors should be well -equipped as there are no supplies of any kind easily accessible.
- Supplies, vehicles and gasoline should be checked prior to travelling to the park.
- Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park. Drinking out of streams or lakes within the park is not recommended unless the water has been filtered or treated.
- Campfires are not permitted. Portable stoves should be used for all cooking in the backcountry areas.
- Suitable clothing should be worn and equipment for outdoor living carried.
- Boating is limited to canoes, kayaks and rafts.
- Visitors should be experienced, self sufficient and have appropriate maps.
Location and Maps
Please note: Any maps listed are for information only – they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation. Limited road access from Ft. Ware and road conditions are unknown, access to interior by air. Mackenzie is the closest community but is still a days drive on rough roads.
Nature and Culture
- History: Finlay-Russel Provincial Park and Protected Area encompasses 122,771 hectares and was established on April 11, 2001. Finlay-Russel Provincial Park, a Class A Park, was first identified for Protected Area Status through the Mackenzie Land and Resource Management Plan process to protect important fish and wildlife habitat and a section of the First Nation trail from Kwadacha to Caribou Hide and the Stikine country.
- Cultural Heritage: High First Nations cultural values; continued sustenance use.
- Conservation: Important fishery values along the Finlay River and at Fishing Lakes bull trout, rainbow trout and Arctic grayling. Important habitat for caribou, moose, sheep and goats.
Management Planning
Management Planning Information- Approved Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan [PDF 1.79MB] for Damdochax Protected Area is available online in pdf format.
Activities Available at this Park
Cycling
Cycling is permitted; however, trails are not maintained. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing
Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
First Nation Heritage trail from Kwadacha to Caribou Hide and the Stikine country. Condition of trail is unknown. Trail involves a major crossing of the Finlay River. Visitors must have appropriated topography maps and be well prepared.
First Nation Heritage trail from Kwadacha to Caribou Hide and the Stikine country. Condition of trail is unknown. Trail involves a major crossing of the Finlay River. Visitors must have appropriated topography maps and be well prepared.
Horseback Riding
Horses and horseback riding are permitted. Horse travellers must be well prepared and experienced in backcountry travel as this park is very remote and isolated.
Hunting
Hunting is allowed in the park during the open season. Please check with the BC Hunting and Trapping regulations for more information.
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.
Wildlife Viewing
There is no viewing platform but the area is an important habitat for caribou, moose, sheep and goats. This area has good wilderness recreation, most notably hunting and fishing opportunities. Boating is limited to canoes, kayaks and rafts.
Winter Recreation
There are snowmobiling or ski-dooing opportunities in the park but this is a very remote area, that is far from any major centre. Be prepared for winter conditions.
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