The Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area was established in order to protect the Coast-Cascade dry belt landscape and provide break opportunities for travellers along the new Coquihalla Highway.
The area presents a beautiful setting for wildlife viewing.
Of Special Interest: This area is a transition zone between the coastal and southern interior environment with four different biogeoclimatic zones with granite peak features and historic features such as the Kettle Valley Railway and Coquihalla Highway weaving through the area.
The diverse ecosystems contained within the Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area contain many rare species of plants and animals – please protect them by staying on the designated roads.
There is backcountry camping available at Falls Lake, approximately a 2km hike. It is a small, rustic campground with no facilities provided. Please practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics; pack it in, pack it out.
Winter camping is allowed but please be aware of the extreme winter conditions that can occur at this Recreation Area. Backcountry skiing and snowshoeing opportunities exist. No facilities are provided. Winter camping has traditionally been occurring at or near Falls Lake.
Be properly equipped with, and experienced in the use of, avalanche safety gear if venturing into avalanche terrain. Coastal winter weather can change rapidly, affecting visibility and travel conditions. Be aware and prepared. Please practice “ Leave No Trace” camping ethics.
Pit and flush toilets are located throughout the park. Flush toilets are located at the toll booths and Zopkios Ridge Highways Rest Stop (Managed and Maintained by the Ministry of Transportation and Highways).
The Falls Lake Trail parking lot is located approximately 1km west of Hwy 5 from the Falls Lake Turn off. The trail is 1.5km in length and offers a scenic view of the lake and fishing for small rainbow trout.
South Fraser Trail Conditions Report [PDF] (November 9, 2022)
There is fishing at Falls Lake for rainbow trout. Falls Lake has a surface area of 25.6 ha and an average depth of 10 metres. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Pets/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.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are permitted on signed or designated trails within Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area, provided they meet the definitions and criteria for e-bike use as outlined in the BC Parks cycling guidelines.
Some horse riding occurs on existing gravel roads and pipeline right of ways.
This park is open to hunting. All applicable hunting licenses are required. However, there is no park specific hunting permit needed.
Backcountry skiing and snowshoeing occurs in much of the Recreation Area. Heavy annual snowfall occurs. Please be safe!
Winter camping is allowed but please be aware of the extreme winter conditions that can occur at this Recreation Area. No facilities are provided. Please utilize fuel stoves only; no campfires are permitted. Winter camping has traditionally been occurring at or near Falls Lake.
Be properly equipped with, and experienced in the use of, avalanche safety gear if venturing into avalanche terrain. Coastal winter weather can change rapidly, affecting visibility and travel conditions. Be aware and prepared. Please practice “ Leave No Trace” camping ethics.
The Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area is located along the Coquihalla Highway approximately 45 km north of Hope.
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.