Park overview
The Denetiah and Dall Lakes area has long been recognized for its remote wilderness location, stunning beauty and outstanding recreational values. Fine-textured beaches provide canoeing, fishing and camping opportunities at these lakes.
An extensive alpine plain southwest of Denetiah Lake is an ideal location for hiking, horseback riding and wildlife and scenery viewing in a beautiful, remote wilderness setting. For the experienced backcountry adventurer, a portion of the Davie Trail, which extends from Fort Ware to Lower Post, travels through the park adjacent to the Rocky Mountain Trench. The Kechika River is recognized as an outstanding special feature for its superb wilderness float trip and wildlife viewing values.
Located west of the Rocky Mountain Trench in the Cassiar Mountains, Denetiah marks the northwestern boundary of the Peace Liard district.
Advisories
Dates of operation
The park is open year-round
- Facility type
- Cabins and huts
- Number of campsites
- Cabins: 1
- Main operating season
- 2024: year-round
- Winter season
- Not known
Safety info
- Hikers and campers should be prepared for all weather conditions in this changeable climate.
- Bring your own drinking water, as potable water is not available in the park.
Special notes
- Special care must be taken in alpine and subalpine areas. These are among the most fragile because of the severe conditions and short growing season. Please walk carefully and tread lightly.
- Most visitors to the area are members of guided hunting or fishing trips.
Camping
There is a public use cabin on the northeast end of Denetiah Lake.
Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.
Facilities
Keep backcountry campfires small.
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.
Activities
The Davie Trail, which extends north from Fort Ware to Lower Post, is a wilderness route that runs along the Kechika River in the Rocky Mountain Trench. This route is only recommended for experienced backcountry hikers or horseback riders, as the area is remote and there are many hazards such as river crossings.
The Kechika River and Dall and Denetiah Lakes provide excellent opportunities for remote, wilderness canoeing or kayaking. Access to Dall and Denetiah Lakes is only by air, while the Kechika River can be reached by road from the south and north ends.
The Kechika River and Dall and Denetiah Lakes provide excellent opportunities for remote, wilderness canoeing or kayaking. Access to Dall and Denetiah Lakes is only by air, while the Kechika River can be reached by road from the south and north ends.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
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. Dogs should be under control to avoid any potential problem with wildlife.
Denetiah Park provides excellent opportunities for backcountry horseback riding. Riders should be experienced and prepared for wilderness travel, as there are no designated trails.
The park is open to hunting. All hunters to the area should refer to the current BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more details and information.
Denetiah Park lies primarily west of the Rocky Mountain Trench and approximately 160 km upstream of Fort Ware along the Kechika River. There are no designated roads entering the area. The park is a remote wilderness area and access is only by boat, and air or foot and horse along the Davie Trail from Lower Post. River access usually occurs at Skook’s Landing, near the community of Fireside, and involves a 250 km boat trip. Most visitors to the area are members of guided hunting or fishing trips.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: June 29, 1999
- Size: 90,379 hectares
Nature and culture
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.