PARK INFORMATION

Although officially named Spruce Lake Protected Area (SLPA) with approx. 71,000 ha at present, this park will likely be renamed in the future. Likewise, its boundaries seem destined to change. All of this will happen before a park management plan is devised. When this happens, some activities will be limited to certain trails and zones within the Spruce Lake Protected Area. Big Creek Provincial Park (approx. 66,000 ha) borders the SLPA to the N and its borders will not be changing. Check out the BC governments Land and Resource Management Plan for the Lillooet area, which includes the SLPA.

For both Spruce Lake Protected Area and Big Creek Park: it is hoped that more resources will become available in the future for necessities such as trail maintenance, signage, foot bridges, campground development, food hanging, etc. Currently, most trail maintenance is conducted by local outfitters but they could use help with this daunting task. Please lend a hand by removing any debris from trail ways where possible.

Park signs placed along park boundaries

Some signage is present indicating the park boundaries along roads, Jewel Creek trailhead, Slim Creek trailhead and a handful of trail signs within the park usually at major trail junctions (of which some have been uprooted and moved). The Spruce Lake vicinity is the best signed within the map area, as this area is most frequented by park visitors. Please keep off private property in the Spruce Lake area – watch for the signs. Most trails and trailheads in both parks have no signs at all. This combined with the fact that many trails suddenly disappear in the many meadow areas make our Southern Chilcotin Mountains Trail Map – GPS Based – indispensable. This map also indicates the UTM positions of major trailheads.

All existing footbridges are also shown on the map. However, due to the lack of footbridges, many creek crossings are required to be done on foot or horse. All major creek crossings along trails and routes are indicated on our map. Many creek crossings are not possible during periods of high flow, usually in early summer, while some others are not possible until mid-late summer. More information on this can be found on the map. Do not attempt to cross a creek if you do not have the appropriate equipment, experience and ability. To do so is extremely risky. Act on the safe side – change your plans, turn back and visit a different part of the park.

Currently, there are use conflicts between horse and mountain bike activities on the trails. Use caution when mountain biking, especially when descending - be wary of on-coming or nearby horse and foot traffic and keep a safe distance.

Currently there are no fees charged for entering or camping within the park. BC Parks staff maintain periodic presence in both parks from spring to fall.

Campfires: if a campfire is to be used, caution must be exercised. The forests of this area are usually very dry and flammable. Forest closures due to wildfire risk have taken place here in the past – if this happens all park visitors must exit the park asap and no persons are permitted entrance until the closure is lifted. Watch for signs.

No motorized vehicles are permitted within park boundaries.

A valid BC fishing license is required when fishing anywhere in the map area.

Hunting for certain animals is permitted within both parks and most hunting takes place from Sept. 1 – Nov. 30. Please check the synopsis before fishing or hunting.