Stamp River Provincial Park
|
|
|
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.
Park Info
Relax by the waterfall at this peaceful riverside park or explore the area by foot on hiking trails that weave their way through the lush forest, past waterfalls and river rapids. Named for the pioneer who built Port Alberni’s earliest sawmill, this park is an amalgamation of Stamp Falls and Money’s Pool provincial parks.
One of the park's main attractions is the annual run of thousands of Pacific salmon circling in the pool below Stamp Falls before ascending the fish ladders on their way to spawning beds. Lookout points along the river offer excellent views of the salmon fighting their way up the falls and fish ladders. This natural phenomenon occurs every year, starting in late August with sockeye and continuing with coho and Chinook right into December.
The salmon are a draw for black bear as well, who head to the river for an easy meal. As always when in wilderness areas, safety precautions should be taken. While fishing within the park boundaries is not permitted, this park is a popular base camp for anglers fishing other parts of the Stamp River, as well as visitors traveling to and from the Pacific Rim.
Park Size: 327 hectares
Special Notes:
- Sections of this river contain waterfalls, strong currents, fast running water and other hazards.
- No swimming or boating in the park.
- Domestic animals must be on a leash at all times in the park.
- Domestic animals are not allowed on beach areas or in park buildings.
- Interpretive signage about the fish ladder, salmon runs and salmon species can be found on the trail leading to the fish ladder. There are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs offered at the park.
Stay Safe:
- Sections of this river contain waterfalls, strong currents, fast running water and other hazards. Swimming and boating is strongly discouraged.
- Riverbanks can be very slippery. Stay away from cliff and riverbank edges. Use caution when on trails.
| 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.) |
Year round Winter fee from October 16 to April 30 with no services provided |
| Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: | May 1 – October 15 |
| Campground Reservable Dates: | May 15 – September 8 |
| Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: | 23 |
| Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable: (all remaining sites are first-come, first-served) |
11 |
| 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. | |
Location
Stamp River Provincial Park is located northwest of Port Alberni on central Vancouver Island. Follow Hwy #4 past Port Alberni and turn onto Beaver Creek Road. Follow signs to the park.
Nature & Culture
- History - Stamp River Provincial Park was established when Stamp Falls and Stamp River Money's Pool parks were amalgamated.
- Conservation/Wildlife - Beginning in August, thousands of sockeye, coho and Chinook salmon circle in the pool below Stamp Falls before ascending the fish ladders on their way to spawning beds. Sockeye salmon begin running in August and the run continues with coho and Chinook right into December. The salmon are a draw for black bears that head to the river for an easy meal. When in wilderness areas, take safety precautions to avoid wildlife.
Management Planning
Management Planning Information
- Approved Purpose Statement and Zoning plan available online.
Map / Brochure
Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
- Park Map (pdf)
- Brochure (pdf)
- Brochure Map (pdf)
- Park Trail Map (pdf) - this map was prepared by the local volunteer group that assists with trail conditions in the park.
Reservations
For parks that accept reservations, all vehicle accessible campsites (with the exception of
group sites) must be reserved through Discover Camping.
Campsite Reservations:
Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.
Activities Available At This Park
Cycling | ||
Fishing | ||
Hiking | ||
From the fish ladder, trails continue through the forest. There is also a loop trail that overlooks the river.
Riverbanks can be very slippery. Stay away from cliff and riverbank edges. 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 | ||
Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Wildlife Viewing | ||
Facilities Available At This Park
Campfires | ||
Firewood can be purchased from the Park Facility Operator. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. 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. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.
Drinking Water | ||
A cold water tap is located near the entrance to the campground.
View the Annual Drinking Water System Reports: Stamp River Report
Pit or Flush Toilets | ||
Vehicle Accessible Camping | ||
Winter Camping | ||
This park offers winter camping but no services are available during the off-season.




