Kootenay. 
Know before you go
Advisories
Safety information
- Bears have historically been attracted to this site for its fruit trees remaining from the orchards of the early settlers. Keep a clean camp and keep pets on a leash at all times. Free-running pets can anger a bear and provoke an attack. The bears are more active in the fall.
- There is no roped-off swimming area.
- There are no lifeguards on duty.
Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.
Visit responsibly
Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:
Maps and location
- Park and Campground Map [PDF] (April 9, 2018)
Getting there
Located in the southern interior of BC, a 15 minute drive, 25 km south of Revelstoke on Hwy 23, where Blanket Creek flows into the Columbia River just north of the Upper Arrow Lake.
Things to do
The park is noted for its trail that leads to the foot of the beautiful 12 metre high Sutherland Falls with its one straight drop into a pool. Less than a kilometre long, this trail is an easy two minute walk and is accessed from a small parking lot off the left turn exit before the sani-station.
The other popular hike starts from the south end of the campground is 2 km in length and considered and easy to moderate hike. The start of the trail will lead you through an old cedar forest with huge stumps displaying spring-board notches from early logging activity. It then takes you through dense forest and opens up to a very pretty, fjord looking inlet with deep clean water. The final section of the trail heads to the old homestead. This site still contains a deep rock-lined pond and elaborate rock work fences. Total hiking time is 30 to 45 minutes.
A 10 minute trail winds through the forest to connect the campground with the picnic area and swimming lagoon. The Columbia River trail parallels the river from the south end of the campground and connects to the day-use and group camping areas. There are three short trails leading to the Columbia River. This is a favourite spot for visitors for relaxing and strolling. There is no better vantage point to view the peaks of the Columbia Mountains. The river waterfront is especially enjoyable when the Arrow Lake Reservoir is at low levels, exposing a quality beach.
For your own safety and preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroy plant life and soil structure.
The northern portion of the reservoir is less useable given the steep slope of the banks, cold silt water and frequent low water levels.
There is however, a man-made lagoon for swimming and beach use that has helped to artificially provide recreational opportunities. The circular, calm, fresh flowing water lagoon has a diameter of 60 metres and a depth of approximately 2.5 metres in the middle. With its ring of sandy beach and warm water, the lagoon is popular with visitors of all ages.
Please keep in mind that there is no roped-off swimming area.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
Car top boats, canoes or kayaks are used on the reservoir and may be launched off the beach after a short 200 metre, 10 minute “portage” from the day-use parking lot.
Car top boats, canoes or kayaks are used on the reservoir and may be launched off the beach after a short 200 metre, 10 minute “portage” from the day-use parking lot.
The far north end of the reservoir is shallow, stumpy and not recognized for fishing.
Anglers access the reservoir via the boat launch at Arrow Lakes Park south on Highway 23 near the ferry terminal. From here there is good lake and stream fishing for bull and rainbow trout as well as kokanee salmon. Check the BC Fishing Regulations Synopsis for quotas and restrictions.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
There is no viewing platform but there is easy access to the scenic Sutherland Falls.
Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times in the campground and day-use areas, and are not allowed on most beach areas or in park buildings. There is an off leash area in this park where dogs are allowed to play in the water, but they must be under control at all times. You are responsible for their behavior and must dispose of their excrement.
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in B.C.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Blanket Creek 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.
About this park
The park encompasses a farming area known as the old “Domke homestead.” The remnants of this heritage farm and its wide array of trees, both native and imported, are reminders of the pioneer orchardists who first homesteaded the area in the late 1940’s. The park was established in 1982 after the reservoir was made, to provide recreational opportunities for local residents. Blanket Creek Park lies in the Okanagan and Shuswap first nation traditional territories.
Blanket Creek Park is 318 hectares, contains white pine and second growth western hemlock and western cedar. The park protects the scenic qualities of Sutherland Falls, a regionally significant natural feature. There are only a few waterfalls in the Kootenay region as easily accessible to the public. The creation of the Arrow Reservoir reduced Kokanee spawning and ungulate winter range over a large area. Blanket Creek Park is only one of a few small parks along the Arrow Lake Reservoir where these values are protected. Flowers, trees and shrubs are part of the park’s natural heritage, please don’t damage or remove them.
Bears are commonly seen in the fall when they are attracted to the fruit trees remaining from homesteaders’ orchards. Mule deer and hares are occasionally observed. The park is also popular for bird watching. Park users should always be aware of bears and other wildlife in our park environment. Never feed or approach bears or other wildlife. Please view all wildlife from a distance.
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.
Contact
| Reservations, changes, and cancellations | Our call centre is open from 7 am to 7 pm Pacific Time. There is a $5 fee for reservations, changes, or cancellations made by phone.
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| Park operator | This park is operated by West Kootenay Park Management Inc. |
| General questions and feedback for BC Parks | We answer emails weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time. |
