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Nahatlatch Provincial Park and Protected Area

 
Activities Availabe At This Park Facilities Available At This Park
Activities Availabe At This Park

Park Info

Nahatlatch Provincial Park and Protected Area

As one of BC's newest protected areas, Nahatlach Provincial Park is characterized by scenic mountain peaks and glaciers, old growth forests, and a lake and river system like no other. Nahatlatch protects one of the largest intact wetlands remaining in the Lower Mainland. A series of small streams flow into, out of, and between the three lakes in the park; Frances, Hannah, and Nahatlach. Their waters drain into the Nahatlach River, which is 20 km upstream from its confluence with the Fraser.

The powerful Nahatlach River features a spectacular series of rapids, ideal for river rafting and kayaking. Those seeking a more tranquil experience will enjoy canoeing around and between the placid lakes, swimming in the backwater pools, and fishing along the lakeshores. Other activities for summer recreationists include backcountry hiking, and bird and wildlife viewing, and camping in a rustic setting.

Please note: This park is cooperatively managed by a community, society or other partner. Services and facilities may differ from those offered in other BC Parks

Park Size: 1,695 hectares

Special Notes:

  • Access to this park is via an active logging road (usually busy Monday thru Friday). Sections of this road are narrow, hilly, rough and can be very dusty. Drive carefully.
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General Visitor Information

  • Watch for logging trucks on access road.
  • Caution is advised when canoeing/kayaking the river.
  • ATV's are not allowed in the park.
  • Water is available from the lakes and various creeks in the area.  All water should be treated or boiled before consuming.
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Location

To reach Nahatlach Provincial Park, turn west at the main intersection in Boston Bar, where a big sign directs traffic off of Highway 1 to North Bend. Drive over the bridge to the west side of the Fraser River and follow the Nahatlatch Forest Service Road. The park entrance is located on the Nahatlach Forest Service Road approximately 25 km northwest of Boston Bar. It is identified with a park information shelter.

To Nahatlach (Zeroed from North Bend School):


0 km

North Bend School

9 km

Road Junction, Go Left. (Park’s directional sign)

11.7 km

Road Junction, Go Right. (Park’s directional sign)

13 km

Road to the right to private property and river access. Stay on main road.

14.5 km

4 Barrel Mainline Road, Nahatlatch River Resort, Keefer Road. Keep Left.

23 km

Log Creek Bridge and Forest Service Campsite, Log Creek FS Road. Go Left.

23.5 km

Kookpi Creek Forest Service Road. Continue Straight.

24 km

Frances Lake Campsite (Entering Provincial Park)

26 km

Hannah Lake Campsite

26.6 km

Ranger Station Campsite

29.5 km

Nahatlatch Lake Campsite

31km

Salmon Beach Campsite

31.1 km

Rough Boat Launch Area

33.5 km

Squakum Creek Campsite

35 km

High Bench Lookout

40.2 km

Road to river and old trapper’s cabin and REO rafting take out

41.1 km

Continue Straight

42 km

FRBC Road, salmon spawning area, new gate

42.4 km

Continue Straight

42.5 km

Bridge over Tachewana Creek

43 km

Road hard left down to creek, another road possible to river

44 km

Continue Straight

46.2 km

Continue Straight

48 km

Gated bridge over Nahatlatch River, trail to Mehatl Creek falls from log sort

48.2 km

Road off left to Grizzly Falls ( 2 km to falls)

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Nature & Culture

  • History – Nahatlatch Provincial Park was designated to park status July, 1999.
  • Cultural Heritage – The park area is the traditional territory of the Nlaka 'pamux Nation, who have occupied the area for thousands of years.
  • Conservation – The park lies in a transition zone that exhibits both coastal and interior characteristics. Lower elevations are noted for stands of coastal western hemlock and interior Douglas-fir. Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir, and mountain hemlock can be found at higher elevation, and above those, alpine tundra. Many of the stands in the subalpine environment are old growth forests.

    Nahatlatch protects one of the largest intact wetlands remaining in the Lower Mainland. Flowers, trees and shrubs are part of the park's natural heritage. Please do not damage or remove them.
  • Wildlife – In combination with the Mehatl and Stein protected areas, Nahatlatch offers habitat for species that are dependent on old growth ecosystems and a high degree of wilderness. A variety of wildlife can be found in the park, including grizzly bears, black bears, lynx, cougars, wolves, coyotes, and deer. Smaller species and birds include beaver, bald eagles, and osprey. Spotted owls are found in the valley. Park users should always be aware of bears and other wildlife in our park environment. Never feed or approach bears or other wildlife.
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Map / Brochure

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

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Activities Available At This Park

Canoeing

Canoeing

Kayaking and canoeing opportunities are available on all lakes and from the west end of the park on the Nahatlatch River to Nahatlatch Lake. It is not advisable to canoe on the river below Frances Lake.
Cycling

Cycling

Cycling is available on the logging roads in the area but visitors should use extreme caution due to the narrowness of the road and traffic from logging trucks. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing

Fishing

Fishing in this area is for trout. Historically the area is not known for successful fishing. The lakes do not seem to have any hot spots. One area of Nahatlatch Lake where some visitors have had limited success is in the area underneath the rock lookout. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking

Hiking

There are no designated hiking trails within this park. Visitors have the opportunity to hike in the area surrounding the park, but should do so with caution.
Hunting

Hunting

Hunting is permitted only during lawful game hunting season. Check with Hunting and Trapping Synopsis for regulations.
Pets on Leash

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.

Swimming

Swimming

The lakes are very cold but provide opportunities to swim. The lake bottom is usually rocky with small areas of sand. During high water, until mid August, there are little or no beach areas. Visitors should use caution when swimming near the outflow of the lakes. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks. Swim at your own risk.
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Facilities Available At This Park

Boat Launch

Boat Launch

There is a small rustic boat launch next to the Salmon Beach campground. The launch has a dirt surface and can accommodate a small motor boat or car top boat. Power boats are rarely used on these lakes.
Campfires

Campfires

Firewood can be purchased from the Park Facility Operator or you may bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, it is prohibited to gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. If you rely on campfires for cooking, be prepared to bring a portable stove should a campfire ban be implemented. Due to high winds funneling through this valley, visitors are requested to keep their campfires small.
Pit or Flush Toilets

Pit or Flush Toilets

Each designated campground has one pit toilet. Swakum has two pit toilets.
Vehicle Accessible Camping

Vehicle Accessible Camping

There are six different camping areas, located at various points on the road side of the lakes. Each site has a rustic picnic table, rock fire ring and pit toilet. The park is open year round when accessible. Sites at Francis and Hanna Lake can accommodate one camping party each. The ranger cabin site accommodates one party with the opportunity to stay inside the cabin. Nahatlatch has three camp sites. Salmon Beach has two camp sites. Squakum has eleven camp sites. All sites are situated in treed areas, on the shores of the lake. Most visitors camp in either tents or campers. Because the access road to the park can be very rough, very few camp in trailers or 5th wheels. Long weekends are very busy at this park. The closest phone and shopping facilities are at Boston Bar.

Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $20.00 total which includes:
-Party of up to 6 people / night ($13.00)
-Plus One Vehicle Fee ($7.00)


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