A campfire ban is currently in effect for this park. For more information about campfire bans and about provincial parks with park closures and campfire bans in effect, visit the BC Parks campfire ban webpage.
As of June 15, 2009:
The park is open except for the area immediately upstream of the viewing platform remains closed off. Please observe this closure as potential hazards from the fast flowing river are still a factor.
Visitors please note that during times of high water the potential for trails to be flooded or eroded is increased. Please use caution on all trails in this park located along the Adams River.
Until Fall 2009, Wade Rd. which is the access above Adams River bridge on the east side of the river, will be closed to public access due to the new bridge construction
Park Info
This is a fascinating place to visit at any time of year, but particularly in early October during the run of the Adams River sockeye salmon. Every 4th year is a "dominant" run, with millions of fish to be seen (2006 and 2010 will be dominant runs). The Adams River Salmon Society coordinate the celebration known as the ‘Salute to the Sockeye’ during the dominant years. The following years are “sub-dominant” runs of sockeye: 2003, 2007, 2011. These years often have substantial returns of sockeye and offer excellent viewing opportunities. During the last three weeks of October in years where there isn’t a ‘dominant’ or ‘sub-dominant’ return, a small number of salmon begin their spawning cycle. The best place to view spawning salmon will be in the channel next to the parking lot.
Note that this park does not offer any camping facilities whatsoever. The 26 km trail system is used for cross-country skiing & snow-shoeing in winter, for hiking and mountain biking in summer.
In addition Huihill Creek was recently added to Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park as a result of recommendations made in the Kamloops Land and Resources Management Plan. It is now officially a portion of Roderick Haig-Brown Park.
Special Features: The Adams River has one of the largest Sockeye salmon runs in North America. The Adams River squeezes through a narrow canyon portion of the valley to create spectacular rapids that are enthusiastically used by rafters and kayakers. This park has a beautiful waterfall on Bear Creek that is viewable from the Flume Trail System.
Park Size: 1076 hectares on 11 km of river
Special Notes:
KEEP ALL DOGS OUT OF THE WATER! Ensure that nothing harasses the fish--they are extremely sensitive to any kind of disturbance, and dogs are perceived as a particular threat.
There is no drinking water provided on site, and the water from the river is not drinkable.
The trails in the lower portion of the park are near the river and subject to flooding each spring. As a result, trail maps may be inaccurate and caution should be taken along the river banks.
General Visitor Information
Damage from past flooding, combined with high water levels has
made some portions of the river's banks dangerous. Please use caution along the river.
A popular whitewater rafting and canoeing river, the Adams is very dangerous. Wear life-jackets at all times and exercise extreme caution as there are numerous log-jams and sweepers that are not always visible in advance. Navigation below the bridge is not recommended. Inner tubes and air mattresses are not recommended for travel on the Adams River. Several people have been killed while using these devices.
Poison ivy grows along dry, exposed sloped in this area: do not touch! The plant can be identified by glossy green leaves in groups of 3, with white berries close to the stem. The leaves turn scarlet in autumn and then fall off. Poison ivy is harmful at all times of the year.
The park is located on both sides of the Adams River, between Adams Lake and Shuswap Lake. From Hwy #1 at Squilax, east of Kamloops, the access is 5 km on paved roads. Scotch Creek, Sorrento, Salmon Arm, Kamloops and Chase are the closest communities to this park.
Nature & Culture
History - The park was established in 1977 to conserve and protect the spawning beds used by various species of salmon. It was named after the conservationist and magistrate, Roderick Haig-Brown (1908 - 1976), for his dedication to conservationism in the province. Pictographs on the canyon walls indicate the presence of people long before the Europeans. An historic flume for floating logs to the Adams River from Skmana Lake dates back to the early part of this century. Some of the original timbers that supported the flume are still in place. Adams Lake Lumber (Interfor) employees re-constructed a portion of flume to the original design. It can be viewed above the first bridge in the Huihill trail system.
Cultural Heritage - Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park encompass a river-eroded landscape with a variety of cultural heritage sites. Archaeological studies of the area have uncovered evidence of large settlements. Home to the Shuswap people, kekulis (pit houses), artifacts and pictographs can be seen in the area and are strictly protected.
Conservation - The park encompasses the spawning beds of the sockeye, chinook, coho and pink salmon. The wooded area surrounding the river contains a natural assortment of trees including the Douglas-fir, cottonwood, birch, alder, ponderosa pine, hemlock and cedar. The park is also home to numerous forms of birds and mammals including whitetail and mule deer, black bears, beaver, river otter and mink.
Visitors in October, 2010 and every fourth year following will marvel at the spectacle of two million sockeye salmon spawning in the Adams River. For more information, visit the Adams River Salmon Society. The year after each large run is also worth a visit as over 300,000 fish return.
Wildlife - Wildlife is abundant in this riverside area, and includes whitetail and mule deer, black bear, beaver, river otter, and mink. During the salmon run, eagles are often seen.
Professionally guided whitewater rafting as well as whitewater canoeing and kayaking take place on the Adams River. Life jackets and helmets should be worn at all times while on the river. This river has dangerous sections that include numerous sweepers and log jams that are not always visible in advance. Always exercise extreme caution. Navigation below the Adams River bridge is not recommended
Cycling
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia. Bikes are not permitted between "The Ledge " and "Horses Mane" in the canyon area or the Bear Creek Flume Trails.
Fishing
Angling for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and white fish is a popular activity. Productive sites include the canyon and the river mouth. Single barbless hook catch and release only. The Adams River is closed to salmon fishing. Note: There are special regulations for the Adams River. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
Hike the 26 km of trails - the lower, upper and flume trails. Click here for detailed information on the trail system(s). 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.
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.Please keep dogs out of the water, as they disturb the salmon.
Wildlife Viewing
There are excellent opportunities to view salmon from the viewing platform
and trails on the lower trail system. The Upper Trail System offers
a great view of the river canyon and the rafters and kayakers that navigate
it.
Winter Recreation
Many of this parks trails are suitable for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months. The trails are not maintained in the winter months.
Facilities Available At This Park
Picnic Areas
There are picnic tables located approximately 150 m east of the main parking lot next to the viewing platform.
Pit or Flush Toilets
This park only has pit toilets - no flush toilets. There is a wheelchair accessible pit toilet located in the southeast corner of the main parking lot.
Wheelchair Access
Some facilities and hiking trails in the park are wheelchair accessible. A short trail leads to the viewing platform which was constructed for wheelchairs.
