Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area

Attention Visitors – Important Notice!

January 20, 2020
Break-ins at the Falls Lake trailhead parking lot

Vehicle break-ins occasionally occur in remote parking lots. Visitors are reminded not to leave any valuables in their vehicles, including in glove boxes and center consoles. Instead, leave them at home or carry on your person.

About This Park

The Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area was established in order to protect the Coast-Cascade dry belt landscape and provide break opportunities for travellers along the new Coquihalla Highway.

The area presents a beautiful setting for wildlife viewing.

Of Special Interest: This area is a transition zone between the coastal and southern interior environment with four different biogeoclimatic zones with granite peak features and historic features such as the Kettle Valley Railway and Coquihalla Highway weaving through the area.

Established Date: September 4, 1987
Park Size: 5,750 hectares

Know Before You Go

Stay Safe

Bring your own water; potable water is not available in the park.

Special Notes

Motor vehicles, ATVs and snowmobiles are permitted on designated park roads only, within the Recreation Area.

The diverse ecosystems contained within the Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area contain many rare species of plants and animals – please protect them by staying on the designated roads.

Location and Maps

Please note: Any maps listed are for information only; they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

Location Map

The Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area is located along the Coquihalla Highway approximately 45 km north of Hope.

Maps and Brochures

Any maps listed are for information only; they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

Google Earth KMZ file of the hiking trails Must have Google Earth or other compatible software installed.
Coquihalla North Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale Map [PDF 2.4MB]
Coquihalla South Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale Map [PDF 2.2MB]
Coquihalla West Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale Map [PDF 2.2MB]
Coquihalla Parking [PDF]

Nature and Culture

History: The Coquihalla Valley has long served as the major transportation route from the coast to the interior beginning with the Hope-Nicola Trail in 1876. The Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area still contains some remnants of the Kettle Valley Railway which ran through the area from the early 1900s through to 1961. Modern access has been highlighted by the construction of the Coquihalla Highway and the subsequent establishment of a series of protected areas along the route in 1986.
Conservation: The Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area lies in the transition area between the coastal and southern interior environment. As a result, the area is very diverse, containing four different biogeoclimatic zones and a wide variety of wildlife species.
General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

Management Planning

Management Planning Information
Approved Master Plan [PDF]
Disclaimer:
This is not the original management planning product. This document has been scanned from the original format of the plan. It may contain some formatting changes, however the content is consistent with the original.

Activities Available at this Park

Fishing

There is fishing at Falls Lake for rainbow trout. Falls Lake has a surface area of 25.6 ha and an average depth of 10 metres. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Hiking

The Falls Lake Trail parking lot is located approximately 1 km west of Hwy 5 from the Falls Lake Turn off. The trail is 1.5 km in length and offers a scenic view of the lake and fishing for small rainbow trout.

South Fraser Trail Conditions Report [PDF] (July 23, 2021)

(Scroll to the Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area entry)

Horseback Riding

Some horse riding occurs on existing gravel roads and pipeline right of ways.

Hunting

This park is open to hunting. All applicable hunting licences are required. However, there is no park specific hunting permit needed.

Pets on Leash

Pets/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.

Winter Recreation

Backcountry skiing and snowshoeing occurs in much of the Recreation Area. Heavy annual snowfall occurs. Please be safe!

Winter camping is allowed but please be aware of the extreme winter conditions that can occur at this Recreation Area. No facilities are provided. Please utilize fuel stoves only; no campfires are permitted. Winter camping has traditionally been occurring at or near Falls Lake.

Be properly equipped with, and experienced in the use of, avalanche safety gear if venturing into avalanche terrain. Coastal winter weather can change rapidly, affecting visibility and travel conditions. Be aware and prepared. Please practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics.

Facilities Available at this Park

Pit or Flush Toilets

Pit and flush toilets are located throughout the park. Flush toilets are located at the toll booths and Zopkios Ridge Highways Rest Stop (Managed and Maintained by the Ministry of Transportation and Highways).

Walk-In/Wilderness Camping

There is backcountry camping available at Falls Lake, approximately a 2km hike. It is a small, rustic campground with no facilities provided. Please practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics; pack it in, pack it out.

Winter Camping

Winter camping is allowed but please be aware of the extreme winter conditions that can occur at this Recreation Area. Backcountry skiing and snowshoeing opportunities exist. No facilities are provided. Winter camping has traditionally been occurring at or near Falls Lake.