Anhuluut’ukwsim Laxmihl Angwinga’Asanskwhl Nisga’a (a.k.a. Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Park)

About This Park

The dramatic landscape blended with the rich native culture makes this park a special experience. The park offers visitors a chance to explore many unique and interesting features of a volcanic landscape and to learn about the culture and legends of the Nisga’a people.

The Nisga’a Visitor Centre offers guided walks to the volcanic crater.

Just outside of the park, there are five communities, four of which are Nisga’a villages. Their names are Gitlakdamix (New Aiyansh), Gitwinksihlkw (Canyon City), Lakalzap (Greenville), Kincolith and Nass Camp. All communities are road accessible from the park. Within the communities there are amenities like: grocery stores, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, gift shops, gas stations and health services.

Special Features:
Anhluut’ukwsim Laxmihl Angwinga’asanskwhl Nisga’a (Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Park) is the first provincial park within the Province of British Columbia established to combine interpretation of natural features and native culture. The park is included in the landmark treaty, the “Nisga’a Final Agreement”, between the Government of Canada and the Nisga’a Nation. Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Park is also the first provincial park to be jointly managed by a First Nation and BC Parks.

The Nisga’a alkali basalt flow is one of the youngest and most accessible volcanic features in British Columbia. The guided volcanic tours offer the park visitor a chance to hike 3 km through a scenic old growth forest and past a variety of volcanic features to a viewpoint overlooking the crater. To protect the special features of the area, unguided access to the volcanic cone is prohibited. The hike is rated as moderate with some hills and steep stairs.

Geological History:
As the lava spilled from the crater an estimated 250 years ago, it followed a creek bed downslope to Lava Lake and down the Tseax Valley to the Nass River. The lava travelled at different speeds depending on the steepness of the slope. Some types of lava flow and interesting features include:

• Tree cast - formed by burned out tree trunks leaving holes in the lava.
• Lava tube - formed as the top layer cooled and hardened. The crust insulated the lava flowing inside which eventually flowed out leaving the crust as the roof and walls of the tube.
• Pahoehoe - lava that often has a smooth surface or is ropey in form.
• AA - rough and jagged lava.
• Blocky - large chunks of lava.

Mushroom harvesting is NOT permitted within the park. Check with Nisga’a Lisims Government for licensing requirements for harvesting mushrooms on Nisga’a Lands

Lava rock may be sharp, unstable and surfaces may be thin especially along lake and stream edges, so explore with care.

Campground Dates of Operation All dates are subject to change without notice
Opening and Closing Campground Dates: (campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water, security, etc.)	May 10 to September 3 Off-season: no fee, no services, user maintained
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees:	May 10 – September 3
Campground Reservable Dates:	Not applicable
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:	16
Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable: (all remaining sites are first-come, first-served)	Not applicable
Note: The above information is for the campground only. Park users can still walk into the park if conditions such as weather permit. Check the "Attention Visitor Notice" above for park alerts. Self-registration, running water, fire wood available, sorry no sani-dump facilities, Visitor Centre located next to the campground.

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.

• Location Map

The easiest way to access the Lava Beds is to take Highway 16 to Terrace, then north for 100 km on the Nisga’a Highway, which is paved for the first 70 km. The alternate route is through Kitwanga on Highway 16. From Kitwanga, head north for 78 km on paved Highway 37 to the Cranberry River. Here the unpaved Nass Forest Service Road leads west to New Aiyansh, a distance of 86 km.

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 - [PDF 196KB - updated June 2008]

Nature and Culture

• Cultural Heritage - The history of the region is tied to legends handed down from past generations. The Nisga'a house system is composed of four main families: Wolf, Raven, Killer Whale, and Eagle. Each family owns stories and passes them on to the next generation.
  
  One of the most well known stories is about the genesis of the volcano. Legend has it that children had shown disrespect to the life-giving salmon by putting stones and burning sticks into their backs and watching them swim. The elders warned the children repeatedly to stop but they did not listen. Soon the ground began to rumble. The volcano and the lava flow then covered the valley bottom, redirected the mighty Nass River and destroyed two villages. This resulted in 2000 Nisga’a people perishing.
• Conservation - This park has important special features such as the lava flows, which are as recent as 250 years ago. This region also contains cinder cones, tree moulds, lava tubes and caves, spatter cones, and Lava Lake. Some lava flow features are very delicate and need protection. Lichens cover the majority of lava flow and a single footprint can set back hundreds of years of growth. Please stay on the trails.
• Wildlife - If you plan on exploring the Nass Mountain Range, you will be in the company of moose, goats, marmots, bears and many other species of wildlife. Always use good judgement when in the presence of wildlife. When visiting the Vetter Falls viewpoint, visitors might get a chance to catch a glimpse of a “phantom” steelhead.

Management Planning

Management Planning Information

• Nisga’a culture, volcanic landscape, wilderness and wildlife values combine to make an outstanding protected area next to the mighty Nass River.
  The Anhluut’ukwsim Laxmihl Angwinga’asanskwhl Nisga’a Master Plan [PDF 2.77MB] is available online in pdf format.

Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

Cycling

Fishing

Hiking

Hunting

Interpretive Programs

Pets on Leash

Swimming

Wildlife Viewing

Winter Recreation

Facilities Available at this Park

Boat Launch

Campfires

Drinking Water

Picnic Areas

Pit or Flush Toilets

Vehicle Accessible Camping

Walk-In/Wilderness Camping

Wheelchair Access