Protected area overview
Craig Headwaters Protected Area protects the Craig River Valley from the Alaskan border to its junction with the Iskut River. This remote, gentle valley of rich coastal forest is home to towering Sitka spruce trees, spawning salmon and grizzly bears.
Advisories
Camping
Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.
Activities
There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park.
Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
This remote park, bordered on the southwest by Alaska, is approximately 120 km south of the community of Telegraph Creek. Access is by helicopter only.
Learn more about this protected area
Protected area details
- Date established: January 25, 2001
- Size: 7,101 hectares
Nature and culture
History
The Provincial Government protected Craig Headwaters in 2001, following recommendations of the Cassiar Iskut-Stikine Land and Resource Management Plan.
Cultural Heritage
Craig Headwaters Protected Area lies within the asserted traditional territory of the Tahltan First Nation.
Conservation
Craig Headwaters Protected Area is located in the Boundary Ranges Ecosection. The park protects a representative example of low elevation coastal western hemlock forest and associated ecosystems. Rich micro-sites provide ideal growing conditions for Sitka spruce trees reach 60 m in height. Uncommon plant communities are found near cool springs.
Wildlife
The Craig River offers high value fish habitat for sockeye and bull trout and is one of the main coho spawning areas in the Stikine. Annual spawning counts of coho are conducted in the Craig in the fall as an annual indicator. The coastal forest valley of the Craig also provides grizzly bears with high value habitat.
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.