Park overview
An interesting area on the west bank of the Thompson River, north of Spences Bridge. The park provides access to the river and includes both river and upland habitats.
Epsom is one of the few areas along this section of river that provides access for the public to the river.
Advisories
Safety info
- For park access, only walk-in is recommended. Drive at your own risk. four-by-four is required. The road is impassable to two-wheel-drive vehicles below the last bench. One can descend, but getting back up the hill would be impossible with a two-wheel-drive vehicle. It is a short walk to the river shore.
- The waters of the Thompson River are very swift, especially in June and July when the water level is high. Use caution in and around the waters’ edge.
- Wood ticks are most prevalent between March and June. These parasites reside in tall grass and low shrubbery and seek out warm-blooded hosts. Although they are potential carriers of disease, they are a natural part of the environment and can be easily avoided. Your legs should be protected by wearing trousers tucked into socks or gaiters. After outdoor activity, thoroughly examine yourself. Check your pets for ticks as well.
- Visitors should bring their own drinking water. Water can be taken from the Thompson River but should be boiled or treated before consuming.
Special notes
- There are no toilet facilities provided. Visitors should exercise proper backcountry sanitation procedures when no facilities are available. Deposit human waste in cat holes. Cat holes are 15 to 20 cm deep and should be located at least 30 m from any water source. Thoroughly cover and disguise cat holes when finished. Bury toilet paper as well. Do not burn it.
- No firewood is available and no fire rings are installed. The gathering of firewood in a park is illegal, so fires should only be used for emergency drying and warming. If a fire is used for an emergency, please keep it small, and ensure it is completely out before you leave. Use a camp stove for cooking.
- No camping or day-use facilities are provided in this park.
Activities
There are no designated trails. Visitors may park by the bench overlooking the river and hike the remainder of the road to the railway tracks to access the river. This road is short in length but quite steep.
At low water levels in late July and August, there is a pebble beach area but visitors must use caution in and around the swift flowing river. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
There are canoeing or kayaking opportunities on the river but visitors need to make themselves aware of the river’s gradient before attempting navigation. If launching from the park, the boat must be portaged over the railway tracks.
There are canoeing or kayaking opportunities on the river but visitors need to make themselves aware of the river’s gradient before attempting navigation. If launching from the park, the boat must be portaged over the railway tracks.
The Thompson River provides opportunity to fish for trout, salmon and steelhead. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Hunting is permitted only during lawful game hunting season. Please check the BC Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information.
This park is located on the Thompson River approximately 15 km south of the town of Ashcroft. It is accessed off Highway 1. There is road access to within 200 m of the river, although the final section of road is steep and not suitable for all vehicles.
The bottom third of the road has degraded and is accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicles with good clearance only. The road is impassable to two wheel drive vehicles below the last bench. One can descend but getting back up the hill would be impossible in a two wheel drive vehicle. It is a short walk to the river shore from here.
The remaining distance is by foot. The closest communities are Ashcroft, Cache Creek and Kamloops.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: July 28, 1997
- Size: 74 hectares
Nature and culture
History
The park was created as a result of recommendations made in the Kamloops Land and Resources Management Plan. It was established July 23, 1997.
Cultural Heritage
Reserves belonging to the Nlaka’pamux (“people of the canyon”) First Nations are north of the park and across the river. The river is the site of activities that are very important to the First Nations’ culture.
Conservation
The park contains cottonwood, willow and underbrush which provides valuable wildlife habitat. The rivers edge and shallow side channel provide valuable riparian habitat. The park also contains sage and grassland terraces above the river.
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.