Dune Za Keyih Protected Area [a.k.a. Frog-Gataga Protected Area]

Highlights in this protected area

This remote protected area, known for its diverse wildlife and spectacular scenery, is centered in British Columbia’s Rocky Mountain Trench. The park encompasses portions of the 250 kilometre Kechika River which is a provincial heritage river and BC’s largest unlogged watershed.

The Kechika was designated a heritage river in 1996 for its outstanding ecological and wilderness recreation values. It also includes two of its major tributaries such as the Frog River, flowing from the Cassiar Mountains on the west side, and the Gataga River, merging from the northern Rockies to the east.

Hunters, hikers, river rafters and canoeists comprise the majority of visitors to this spectacular wilderness.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

Visitors to this extremely remote area must be self-sufficient and highly experienced in the outdoors.
Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the protected area.

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

Getting there

Dune Za Keyih Protected Area is located in British Columbia’s Rocky Mountain Trench between Denetiah Park to the northwest and Kwadacha Wilderness Park to the southeast. The park encompasses portions of the 250 kilometre Kechika River. It also includes two of its major tributaries: the Frog River, flowing from the Cassiar Mountains on the west side, and the Gataga River, merging from the northern Rockies to the east. Access to the area is best accomplished via floatplane or helicopter. Jet boats can navigate up-river, however, jet boats are not allowed past log jam rapids on the Gataga River.

Camping

Cabins and huts

No cabins, yurts or lodges for public use. There are private accommodations available for this park. View the Northern Rockies Lodge’s webpage for more information.

Things to do

Hiking

There are hiking opportunities at this protected area. For your own safety and preservation of the protected area, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroy plant life and soil structure.

Canoeing

There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park. The Frog River is for experienced paddlers only. The Gataga River is an excellent seven day trip from the forks of the Upper Gataga to Terminus Mountain in Denetiah Park. There are private excursions into this park. View the Northern Rockies Lodge’s webpage for more information.

Kayaking

There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park. The Frog River is for experienced paddlers only. The Gataga River is an excellent seven day trip from the forks of the Upper Gataga to Terminus Mountain in Denetiah Park. There are private excursions into this park. View the Northern Rockies Lodge’s webpage for more information.

Fishing

There are private excursions into this park. View Northern Rockies Lodge’s webpage for more information.

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

Pets on leash

Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not permitted 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.

Horseback riding

Horses and horseback riding are permitted.

Hunting

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.

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

Facilities

Campfires

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.

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