Anderson Flats Park

Park overview

Anderson Flats, also known as Mission Flats or The Forks, is located within the traditional territory of the Gitxsan First Nation (People of the River of Mist) and is identified as Lax Lit Hetwit House territory.

Anderson Flats Park, established in 2007, is a 99 hectare area situated at the confluence of two of the most important rivers in northwest BC, the Bulkley and Skeena Rivers. The landscape of the park has been shaped by these rivers over thousands of years, creating the floodplain and terraced terrain. The park includes 1300 metres of river frontage on the Bulkley and Skeena Rivers, and 17 hectares of floodplain. Forested terraces comprise the remaining upland area of the park.

This park offers scenic and recreational values including regionally and provincially significant fishery values. It also provides easy public access to the riverfront on both the Bulkley and Skeena Rivers with excellent recreational fishing and day-use recreation opportunities from June through September for all visitors including children, seniors and individuals with limited mobility.

The Skeena and Bulkley Rivers are both Class II waters. This provincial designation is indicative of highly productive streams that are carefully managed to preserve unique fishing opportunities. Both rivers contribute significantly to the province’s reputation as a world class fishing destination. Scenic values are exceptional and include views of the Rocher de Boule Range with the majestic Hagwilget Peak to the south.

Advisories

Safety info

Public safety concerns may exist along the upper section of Hazelton Station Road due to steep banks, sharp corners and potentially restricted visibility.
The seasonally variable river floodplain may present safety concerns for vehicles accessing the floodplain. During heavy precipitation river levels can fluctuate quickly and dramatically. Visitors, particularly children, need to be careful when near the river.
Wild animals are potentially dangerous, especially bears. Keep your distance and observe posted warnings.
Wildfires are always a possible threat and are potentially dangerous in the open grassy areas, please take precautions and monitor your campfires at all times.

Special notes

Motorized off-road use (ie. ATV, snowmobile) is not allowed within the park.
To preserve vegetation, do not gather firewood within the park. Please provide your own firewood. Please be aware of provincial campfire regulations.
Please respect the signed area along the Skeena riverbank where ecological rehabilitation work is underway to preserve and restore the sensitive cottonwood plant community. Tread carefully around riverbank trees, their root systems and other vegetation. These sites contribute greatly to the ecological diversity, bank stability and overall beauty along the Skeena River.
Garbage facilities are not provided. Please pack out what you pack in. Keep this site clean for everyone.
An old boat launch outside the park adjacent to the northeast corner provides a take-out for recreational and commercial rafters, canoeists and kayakers after they have floated the Bulkley canyon, and may be used for launching small power boats during favourable river conditions.

Facilities

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Accessibility information

The park provides a wheelchair accessible pit toilet.

Drinking water

Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.

Picnic areas

This park has a day-use and picnic area. The park provides open, grassy areas and gravel beach areas suitable for day-use activities.

Pit or flush toilets

This park only has pit toilets, no flush toilets. There is an accessible pit toilet located in the day-use area.

Activities

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Hiking

There are no developed trails in the park at this time although numerous, short, undeveloped trails do exist. 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.

Canoeing

Canoeing and kayaking may occur on the Skeena and Bulkley Rivers flowing past the park. There are possible put-in/take-out locations in and adjacent to the park. An old boat launch outside the park adjacent to the northeast corner provides a take-out for recreational and commercial rafters, canoeists and kayakers after they have floated the Bulkley canyon, and may be used for launching small power boats during favourable river conditions.

Fishing

Please be aware of all provincial and regional fishing regulations. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate license.

Anderson Flats Park provides world-class fishing opportunities. The peak angling season occurs late July through early September. The Skeena and Bulkley Rivers provide angling opportunities for chinook and coho salmon as well as steelhead, rainbow, bull trout and cutthroat trout. All these species migrate past this park. All wild steelhead must be released.

The Skeena River at this location is designated Class II from July 1 to December 31. The Skeena River is closed January 1 to May 31.

The Bulkley River is designated Class II with a mandatory steelhead stamp September 1 to October 31. The Bulkley River is closed January 1 to June 15.

Wildlife viewing

There are wildlife viewing opportunities in the park. Wildlife observed in the park includes black bear, grizzly bear, moose, coyotes, wolves, marten, otter, beaver, bald eagles and many other bird species.

Pets on leash

Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.

Cycling

Cycling is permitted but no developed cycling trails exist in the park. Please stay on existing road surfaces. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Anderson Flats Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.

Winter recreation

The park provides cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. Snowmobiling is not permitted in the park.

Anderson Flats Park is located on the southeast bank of the junction of the Skeena and Bulkley Rivers, between South Hazelton and the Village of Hazelton.

Access to the park is gained by travelling 4 km west of New Hazelton via Highway 16 then turning right and following Omineca Avenue for 700 metres before turning right on Hazelton Station Road which leads across the railroad tracks and down the hill to the park.

Nearby towns include Hazelton (Old Town), New Hazelton and South Hazelton (known collectively as the Hazeltons).

Park and activity maps

Location Map
Park Map [PDF]

Learn more about this park

Park details

Date established: May 22, 2007
Size: 99 hectares

Park contact

This park proudly operated by:
1312768 BC Ltd.
DesolationSound.Camping@outlook.com

Nature and culture

Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.