Protected area overview
The coastal Sitka spruce rainforest towers over this park at the confluence of the Exchamsiks and Skeena Rivers west of Terrace. A short nature trail allows hikers to stroll through this magnificent forest at their own pace. Salmon fishing nearby can be extremely productive and you can walk the self-guided nature trail.
Exchamsiks River Protected Area offers visitors two day-use areas. On the west side of the river, there is a single paved boat launch available for public use year-round. On the east side of the river, there is a day-use area that allows visitors to walk a short interpretive trail through the old growth forest.
These day-use areas are open May 15 to October 1. Please note that camping is prohibited on the east side of the protected area.
Advisories
Dates of operation
The protected area is open May 15, 2024 to October 1, 2024
- Facility type
- Day-use area
- Main operating season
- 2024: May 15 to October 1
- Winter season
- No services
Facilities
Accessibility information is available for this park.
The boat launch area on the west side of the Exchamsiks River offers a boat launching ramp into the Exchamsiks River. A single, paved boat launch is available for public use. Two picnic tables and a pit toilet are also available at the boat launch site. There is parking available for vehicles and boat trailers. Overnight boat launch parking is not permitted. Please note that camping is not permitted in the boat launch or day-use areas.
From the day-use parking area on the east side of the Exchamsiks River is the starting point for the old-growth interpretive trail. Interpretive signs along the trail offer visitors information on the significance of this old growth forest. A pit toilet is located at the parking area. The boat launch area on the west side of the Exchamsiks River offers a boat launching ramp into the Exchamsiks River. Two picnic tables and a pit toilet are also available at the boat launch site.
Pit toilets are located in the day-use area and at the boat launch day-use area.
Activities
A short 2 km loop nature trail allows visitors to stroll through an old-growth forest. The trail is an interpretive hike and has an easy grade. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this protected area. This location provides access to the Skeena River and upper Exchamsiks River.
Both the Exchamsiks and Skeena Rivers provide excellent fishing opportunities. Please refer to current fishing regulations.
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. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Exchamsiks River Protected Area. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
Located 56 km west of Terrace on Highway 16. The closest communities are Terrace (50 km east of the park), Port Edward (80 km west of the park) and Prince Rupert (90 km west of the protected area).
Learn more about this protected area
Protected area details
- Date established: March 22, 2005
- Size: 1,545 hectares
Protected area contact
This park proudly operated by:
Wilderness Recreation Services Ltd.
(Available 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday)
jason@wildernessparks.ca
Nature and culture
Conservation
A short nature trail allows campers to stroll through this magnificent forest at their own pace.
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.