Catto Creek Conservancy

Highlights in this conservancy

Catto Creek Conservancy contains part of the Silverthrone volcanic complex which lies near the coast in southwest British Columbia, northwest of the head of Knight Inlet. Silverthrone is a roughly circular, 20 km wide, deeply dissected caldera complex containing rhyolitic, dacitic and andesitic lava domes, flows and breccia.

Know before you go

Advisories

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

Catto Creek Conservancy Map [PDF]

Getting there

Catto Creek Conservancy is located about two hours flying time from Campbell River. Access is difficult as this conservancy is in a very remote location. The nearest town is Campbell River which is two hours flying time south of the conservancy. Flying time from Tatlayoko Lake is approximately one hour.

Camping

Wilderness camping

Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. There are no fees.

This is a very remote area and users must be fully prepared and self sufficient if visiting this conservancy. This should include carrying a VHF radio or satellite phone as any rescue from this area could be problematic.

When visiting the backcountry, always follow Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. To learn more about staying safe in the backcountry, read our backcountry guide.

Winter camping

Winter camping is permitted in the park. Visitors must be fully prepared and self-sufficient to camp in this conservancy. There are no facilities and there are no fees.

Things to do

Hiking

There are no developed trails at this park.

Fishing

There are fishing opportunities in this park.

Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Pets on leash

Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Owners are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.

Hunting

The park is open to hunting. Guided and unguided hunting permitted in this Conservancy. Check with Hunting and Trapping Synopsis for regulations.

Anyone hunting in British Columbia must comply with BC hunting regulations. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Winter recreation

There are winter recreation opportunities in the park. The may be some potential for heli skiing in this conservancy but at this time BC Parks is not aware of any taking place.

Facilities

Campfires

While campfires are permitted we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead.

Campfire bans may be in place. Before lighting a fire, check for bans or restrictions on BC Wildfire Service and on local or Indigenous government websites.

About this conservancy

History

Catto Creek Conservancy was established August 23, 1973.

Conservation

The primary role of Catto Creek Conservancy is the preservation of geomorphological features known as “the paint pots”.

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