Skagit Valley Provincial Park

Canoeing and kayaking are possible at Ross Lake when the reservoir is full, but not recommended on the Skagit River. Water in Ross Lake is low during spring, fall and winter and may change rapidly at any time as the lake is a hydroelectric reservoir. The edge of the lake is normally below the international border until sometime in June. Water levels may rise by 30-60cm (1-2 feet) or more per day during spring freshet.

Bicycles are permitted on all roadways, the Centennial Trail and Skagit River Trail in Skagit Valley Park. Unless otherwise signed, all other trails located within the park are designated for hiking use only. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

• South Fraser Trail Conditions Report [PDF] (November 9, 2022) (scroll down to the Skagit Valley Provincial Park entry)

Horseback riding is permitted on the Skagit River Trail, Centennial Trail and to the boundary of E.C. Manning Park on the Skyline II Trail. Horseback riding is not permitted on the Skyline II in E.C. Manning Park. There is an eleven-unit horse camp near Whitworth Meadows near the Skyline II Trail head. There are approximately 30 kilometres of horse trails in Skagit Valley Park.

Hunting is permitted in the park. Please confirm with the Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for specific details. All hunters require applicable hunting licences.

There are interpretive programs offered in this park. You can check the information shelters for program schedules or check the schedule posted below.

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.

There is swimming and a grassy beach at Ross Lake. There is no roped-off swimming area. See Important Notices for water levels. Water in the reservoir is low during spring, fall and winter. The edge of the lake is normally below the international border until sometime in June. Campers and swimmers should be aware that swimmer’s itch may be present within Ross Lake. For more information on the treatment and prevention of swimmer’s itch, check out the HealthLinkBC page. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.

There is a wheelchair-accessible pit toilet available at the Whitworth Horse Camp.

There is a single wide cement boat launch at International Point Day-use Area. Boats can be left in the water or on the beach overnight at owner’s risk. Boaters should be aware that water in the reservoir is low during spring, fall and winter and may change rapidly at any time as Ross Lake is a hydroelectric reservoir. The edge of the lake is normally below the international border until sometime in June. Water levels may rise by 30-60cm (1-2 feet) or more per day during spring freshet. Waterskiing is not advisable because of the amount of woody debris and numerous stumps that are just below the surface of the water when the lake is full; at lower water levels these stumps are exposed. See Important Notices for water levels. Personal watercraft are not allowed on Ross Lake Reservoir. Personal watercraft are defined as small, normally jet powered vessels which the operator sits astraddle or stands upon.

For important information regarding boating on the US portion of the Ross Lake Reservoir, including a new restriction on the types of motors permitted within the Ross Lake National Recreation Area; please click on this link: http://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/boating-on-ross-lake.htm

Campfires are permitted in the campground fire rings only. While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.

Cold water hand pumps are located in all the campgrounds. A cold water tap is located in the horse camp. The taps and hand pumps are shut off during the winter.

All water is tested weekly and is suitable for drinking unless posted otherwise.

There is a group campsite located across from the Ross Lake campground, close to the International Point day-use area. There is one covered shelter. The site can accommodate from 15 to 50 people. Reservation information »

This park has a day-use/picnic area at International Point on Ross Lake. The day-use/picnicking area has pit toilets, parking, and a 1.5 ha grassy beach area. There are no picnic tables and no campfire rings available. There is a twelve-sided information kiosk that relates the history and natural values of the park.

Pit toilets are available in all campgrounds, at International Point Day-use Area, and at some trailhead/fishing access parking lots. There are no flush toilets.

There is a playground at Ross Lake campground/International Point Day-use Area. There is also a 1.5 hectare grassy area.

This park offers vehicle-accessible campsites, reservations are accepted at Ross Lake, and first-come, first-served campsites are also available.

There are three frontcountry campgrounds in this park: Silvertip Campground at 42 km (43 sites), Ross Lake Campground at 60 km (88 sites) and Whitworth Horse Campground at 54 km that has 11 pull-through sites with corrals/hitching posts. There are no sites in this park with electrical, water or sewer hookups.

There is parking available for two vehicles at each site. There is no extra parking available.

If there are no staff to direct you to a campsite, choose an unreserved site with no camping receipt posted on the campsite number post; staff will come around to collect fees. Cash is the only form of payment accepted onsite.

There is no cell phone service after the first few kilometres on the Silver Skagit Road. Make plans for meeting other members of your party before arriving in the park. The closest store and pay phone are in Hope, approximately 60 km away.

The gates to each campground are closed and locked during the winter months (October to May).
There are no winter camping opportunities offered in this park. The Silver Skagit Road is not plowed during the winter and develops significant potholes during this time.

There are four backcountry campsites in this park: Delacy Camp and Harlequin Flats on the Skagit River Trail, Nepopekum Camp at the juncture of the Centennial and Nepopkum trails, and Galene Camp at the end of the Galene Lakes Trail. Delacy, Harlequin Flats and Nepopekum campsites each have two tent pads, a picnic table, a garden throne (toilet), and a bear cache for food/attractant storage. Galene Camp has two tent pads, a garden throne, and a bear cache.