As of May 14, 2009:
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Silver Tip and Whitworth Horse Campgrounds are now open for the season.
- Ross Lake campground is located on a reservoir. The level of the water in the reservoir fluctuates greatly. July and August are the only months when the lake is at full pool. Other times there is no water at all on the Canadian side.
Latest Trail report:
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Park Info
Approximately two hours from the Greater Vancouver area, Skagit Valley is part of a larger protected area complex that includes the US North Cascades National Park and the Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. This large tract of territory contains the Ross Lake Reservoir, an important source of hydroelectricity for Seattle City Light.
The Skagit Valley was carved by retreating glaciers and is characterized by excellent outdoor recreation opportunities in a natural, wilderness-like setting. Visitors can enjoy hiking along 50 km of trails, river fishing, camping, and picnicking.
Park Size: 27,948 hectares
Special Notes:
- Ross Lake campground is located on a reservoir. The level of the water in the reservoir fluctuates greatly. July and August are the only months when the lake is at full pool, other times there is no water at all on the Canadian side.
For a recorded message on water levels and general information for Ross Lake, please phone: 604-869-7080.
- For access and information on the US parks year-round, please phone 1-360-873-4590 and for the Marblemount Wilderness Office (open April to mid-October), please phone 1-360-854-7245.
- It is illegal to operate an uninsured/unlicenced motor vehicle in any provincial park, recreation area or campground.
- Nearest sani-station facility is located in Hope, B.C.
Stay Safe:
- The Skagit River is susceptible to extreme water level velocities during the spring and summer run-off season.
- Access is by a loose surfaced (gravel/dirt) public road. Please observe good speed.
| Campground Hours 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.) |
Ross Lake campground - open May 1 - October 12
Silver Tip campground - open May 14- October 12
Whitworth Horse camp - open May 14 - September 7
Please note: Gate is closed during the off-season. Please note: Opening date may change due to snow pack or other weather conditions. |
| Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: |
Ross Lake campground – open May 1 – October 12
Silver Tip campground – open June 26– October 12
Whitworth Horse camp – open June 26– September 7
Please note: Opening date may change due to snow pack or other weather conditions.
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| Campground Reservable Dates: |
Not applicable |
| Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: |
– Ross Lake = 88
– Silver Tip = 43
– Whitworth Horse camp = 11 |
Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable:
(all remaining sites are first-come, first-served) |
Not applicable |
| Note: The Park is open year round unless inaccessible due to weather conditions, especially during the off-season. If the park or campground are closed for other reasons, information is noted in the Attention Visitor Notice at the top of this page. |
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General Visitor Information
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Location
The Silver/Skagit Road, which joins Highway #1 three kilometres west of Hope, provides access to the Park. It is 37 km from Highway #1 to the entrance portal and a further 23 km to Ross Lake Reservoir and the Canada-USA border.
The Silver/Skagit Road is a well maintained, loose surface road that provides access to several active logging areas before the Park entrance. Motorists are advised to drive with extreme caution and to use headlights at all times. Watch for wildlife and be aware of logging trucks and other industrial equipment. Extra caution should be taken after rain when road surfaces can become muddy and slippery.
Note: There are no commercial facilities in the Skagit Valley that provide food, lodging, gas or any other goods or services. Visitors should be equipped with supplies and fuel before leaving Hope or Silver Creek for the Skagit Valley Provincial Park.
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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
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| Canoeing |
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Canoeing and kayaking is possible at Ross Lake but NOT recommended on the Skagit River.
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| Cycling |
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Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
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| Fishing |
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| Hiking |
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This park has hiking and/or walking trails. 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. (see
Trail Details)
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| Horseback Riding |
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Horseback riding is permitted on the Skagit River Trail, Centennial Trail and to the height of land on the Skyline II Trail. There is an eleven-unit horse camp near Whitworth Meadows near the Skyline II Trail head. There are approximately 50 kilometres of horse trails.
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| Hunting |
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Open to hunting from September 10th to March 31st during a lawful game hunting season. Horses may be brought in for hunting. You will require all applicable
hunting licences. However, there is no park specific hunting permit needed
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| Interpretive Programs |
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There are interpretive programs being offered in this park. Check the information shelters for postings or check with Park Operator.
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| Pets on Leash |
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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.
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| Swimming |
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There is swimming and a sandy beach at Ross Lake. There is no roped-off swimming area. See
Special Notes for water levels. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
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Facilities Available At This Park
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| Boat Launch |
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There is a single wide cement boat launch at Ross Lake campground. There is overnight parking available for vehicles and boat trailers. Boats can be left in the water or beach overnight at owners risk. Waterskiing is at your own risk and not advisable because of numerous stumps and woody debris in lake. See
Special Notes for water levels. Motorized vessels are NOT permitted on the Skagit River. Personal water craft are not allowed on Ross Lake Reservoir.
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| Campfires |
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Campfires are permitted in the campground fire rings only.
While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don't gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
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| Drinking Water |
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Cold water hand pumps are located in all the campgrounds. A cold water tap is located in the horse camp. The taps and hand pumps are shut off during the winter.
All water is tested weekly and suitable and suitable for drinking unless posted otherwise.
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| Group Camping |
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There is a group campsite located across from the Ross Lake campground, close to the International Point day-use area. There is one covered shelter. The site can accommodate from 15 to 50 people. Click here for reservation information.
Group Camping Fee: $15.00 per party / night
Youth Group Camping Fee: $50.00 per group / night
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| Picnic Areas |
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This park has a day-use/picnic area at International Point located at Ross Lake Campground on Ross Lake. The day-use/picnicking area has pit toilets, picnic tables and parking. There are no barbeque attachments on the picnic tables and no campfire rings available. There is a 1.5 ha grassy area and sandy beach. There is a 12 sided information kiosk which relates the history and natural values of the park.
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| Pit or Flush Toilets |
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Pit toilets are available in all campground and day-use areas - no flush toilets.
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| Playground |
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This park has an unsupervised playground at the Ross Lake campground. There is also a pleasant 1 1/2 hectare grassy area.
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| Vehicle Accessible Camping |
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This park offers vehicle accessible campsites on a first-come, first-served
basis - campsite reservations are not accepted. There are three separate
campgrounds in this park, Silvertip at 42 km (43 sites), Ross Lake at 60
km (88 sites) and a horse camp at 54 km with 11 pull-through sites (near
Whitworth Meadows). There is parking available for 2 vehicles at each site.
There is no extra parking available. The gate is located at Kilometre 58
and is closed and locked during the winter months only (Oct to May) yearly.
If there is no staff to direct you to a campsite, choose a site with no camping
receipt posted on the campsite number post. Staff will come around to collect
fees. There are no fees during the winter closures. The closest store and
pay phone is in Hope approximately 60 km away.
There are no winter camping opportunities offer in this park as only 5 km of the 50 km access road is maintained during the winter months.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $15.00 per party / night
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| Walk-In/Wilderness Camping |
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Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.
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| Wheelchair Access |
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There is a wheelchair accessible pit toilet available at the Whitworth Horse Camp.
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