In This Park
Gilpin Grasslands Provincial Park
About This Park
This park was designated to protect a distinctive grassland ecosystem and maintain essential habitat for known blue provincially listed species-at-risk, including blue listed bighorn sheep.
Know Before You Go
Stay Safe
- Hunters please be aware of recreational park visitors, and visitors please wear bright coloured clothing during hunting season, and be aware of Rattlesnakes and other wildlife. Please take your garbage with you when you leave.
Special Notes
- Restrictions on Motorized Vehicle Use: Snowmobiles are not permitted. All-terrain vehicles, motorcycles and all motorized vehicles are prohibited except as authorized by Ministry of Environment. This does not include the Gilpin Forest Service Road main which weaves in and out of the western boundary of the park and is open to motorized vehicles.
Location
Gilpin Grasslands Park was designated as a Provincial park in May 2007. It is located 9 km east of the municipality of Grand Forks, and encompasses the grassland hills on the north side, and the Kettle River on the south side of Highway #3.
Nature and Culture
- History: Prior to colonial times the park was frequented by First Nations people. Early European settlers passed through the area on the Dewdney Trail, checking in at the Customs House run by Ranulph Robert Gilpin. In 1888 Gilpin became the Customs Officer, and his home ranch, situated near where Gilpin Creek crosses the current high-way, saw double duty as the Customs House from 1888 to 1900.
- Ecology and Conservation: The park protects native grasslands essential to bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer and whitetail deer along with other endangered, threatened or vulnerable species, some of which include:
- Red listed – tiger salamander, Western screech owl, Lewis’s woodpecker, badger, great basin pocket mouse and speckled dace fish.
- Blue listed – Western rattlesnake, gopher snake, California bighorn sheep, great basin spadefoot, Western skink, racer, Western painted turtle and canyon wren.
Management Planning
Activities Available at this Park
Canoeing
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May 14, 2018: Hazards along the Kettle River
Hazards exist along the Kettle River, including Cascade Falls, located approximately 5 kilometres downstream of Gilpin Grasslands Park. Park users intending on river travel are advised to become familiar with river conditions, safe river exit locations, and to plan accordingly.
Cycling
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Hunting
Pets on Leash
Swimming
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May 14, 2018: Hazards along the Kettle River
Hazards exist along the Kettle River, including Cascade Falls, located approximately 5 kilometres downstream of Gilpin Grasslands Park. Park users intending on river travel are advised to become familiar with river conditions, safe river exit locations, and to plan accordingly.
