Dune Za Keyih Protected Area [a.k.a. Frog-Gataga Protected Area]
Protected area overview
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 – 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: 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.
Advisories
Safety info
Park Safety
- Visitors to this extremely remote area must be self-sufficient and highly experienced in the outdoors.
- Bring your own drinking water; potable water is not available in the protected area.
Camping
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.
Facilities
Keep backcountry campfires small.
Activities
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.
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 Provincial Park. There are private excursions into this park. View the Northern Rockies Lodge’s webpage for more information.
Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. There are private excursions into this park. View Northern Rockies Lodge’s webpage for more information.
Pets/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.
Horses and/or horseback riding are permitted.
The park is open to hunting. All hunters to the area should refer to the current BC Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more details and information.
Maps and location
Dune Za Keyih Protected Area is located in British Columbia’s Rocky Mountain Trench between Denetiah Provincial Park to the northwest and Kwadacha Wilderness Provincial 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.
Learn more about this protected area
Protected area details
- Date established: April 18, 2001
- Size: 16059 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.