Park overview
Arrowstone Park is a wilderness area and protects one of the largest undisturbed valleys in the dry southern interior and also contains large stands of old-growth Douglas fir.
The park allows hiking in a relatively pristine environment that is remote, yet is accessible to a major highway. A forestry road follows a section of the park’s boundary, providing opportunities to enter the park from various locations.
Backcountry camping, nature appreciation, wildlife viewing, photography and hunting opportunities also exist in the park.
Advisories
Special notes
- No motorized vehicles, including ORVs and ebikes, are permitted in this park.
- There are no facilities provided. This is a wild area. Be completely self-sufficient, and bring adequate drinking water and supplies.
- Wood ticks are most prevalent between March and June. These parasites reside in tall grass and low shrubbery and seek out warm-blooded hosts. Although they are potential carriers of disease, they are a natural part of the environment and can be easily avoided. Protected your legs by wearing pants tucked into socks or gaiters. After outdoor activity, thoroughly examine yourself and you pets.
Camping
Wilderness camping is permitted. There are no developed or designated camping areas in this park. Backpackers need to practice no impact camping. This area is entirely user-maintained.
Activities
Fishing opportunities for brook trout are at Tsotin Lake. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Pets and 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.
Hunting is permitted only during lawful game hunting season. Check the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information.
Depending on snow levels and vehicle-access, there are snowshoeing opportunities. Snowmobiling is not permitted.
Northeast of Cache Creek in the Thompson River Basin, the area is accessed via Battle Creek Forest Road or via the Back Valley Road from Deadman Valley to Cache Creek.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: July 20, 2004
- Size: 6,153 hectares
Nature and culture
History
The park was created on April 30, 1996 as a result of recommendations made in the Kamloops Land and Resource Management Plan. The park will be managed according to the Management Direction Statement for Arrowstone Protected Area.
Cultural Heritage
A regionally important Indigenous basalt quarry at the junction of Arrowstone and Cache Creeks is included in the park, along with many archaeological sites in the park’s southwest portion. The area also contains archaeological values and was historically used for hunting and food gathering by First Nations. The area is linked to the historic Gang Ranch and the present Perry Ranch.
Conservation
The park protects one of the largest undisturbed watersheds in the dry southern interior. The park includes old-growth Douglas fir forest, along with a representation of grasslands. Critical winter range for mule deer and rare species including burrowing owls, falcons and the western rattlesnake are secured and protected.
Wildlife
Wildlife is potentially dangerous and may be encountered at any time. Never approach or feed any wild animal. Make your presence known when hiking. Cache your food properly.
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.