South Island. 
Know before you go
Advisories
Safety information
- Sections of this river contain high waterfalls, strong currents, fast running water and slippery rocks.
- Do not swim, use floating devices or boat in this park and above the waterfalls (a boat pull out is available approximately 500 m upstream of the falls adjacent to the campground).
Special notes
- Domestic animals must be on a leash at all times in the park and are not allowed on beach areas or in park buildings.
- Interpretive signage about the fish ladder, salmon runs and salmon species can be found on the trail leading to the fish ladder.
- There are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs offered at the park.
- There is no motorized vehicle access on the trail network or in the day-use area in this park.
Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.
Visit responsibly
Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:
Maps and location
- Park Map [PDF] (updated Sept. 2015)
- Brochure [PDF]
- Park Trail Map [PDF] – this map was prepared by the local volunteer group that assists with trail conditions in the park.
Getting there
Stamp River Park is located northwest of Port Alberni on central Vancouver Island. Follow Hwy 4 past Port Alberni and turn onto Beaver Creek Road. Follow signs to the park.
Things to do
A 0.5 km trail leads from the parking lot at the day-use area to the fish ladder and waterfall. There is interpretive signage along this portion of the trail that offers information about the fish spawning cycle.
Beyond Stamp Falls, there is 2 km of interlinked hiking and walking trails that continue through the forest, overlook and follow the river in the southern portion of the park.
In the northern portion of the park, there is a 7.5 km Sayachlas t’a saa’nim (long river) trail upstream of the camping area. This one-way trail also parallels Stamp River and can only be accessed from both ends of the trail. The southern end of the trail is the most popular access point where the trailhead starts across the information kiosk in the first parking lot. The northern access can be accessed via a resource road that splits off Barkler Road, however, this road is rough and should only be accessed with vehicles equipped with 4x4.
Riverbanks can be very slippery. Stay away from cliff and riverbank edges. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroy plant life and soil structure.
Hikers should also practice 'bear aware' wildlife practices. Stay alert of your surroundings, talk loudly, and carry bear spray. If a bear is encountered on the trail:
- Give the bear space
- Back away slowly in the opposite direction
- Never turn your back or run from a bear.
Fishing is allowed in Stamp River Park, but is closed 200 m above and 500 m below Stamp Falls from June 15 to November 15. Boundary markers are located on trees along the river.
Changes to the regulations occur regularly along this river, so all anglers should check the current regulations prior to fishing.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
A viewpoint above the fish ladder offers great views of the river and spawning salmon in late summer to late fall. Returning salmon include Chinook, Coho and Sokeye.
The fish ladder is managed by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and maintained by the Hupačasath First Nation. A live stream of the fish ladder camera can be seen at Stamp Falls Live Stream.
Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash and under control at all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to the potential for problems with bears and other wildlife.
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 Stamp River Park. 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.
About this park
Stamp River Park was established when Stamp Falls and Money’s Pool were amalgamated.
Beginning in August, thousands of sockeye, coho and chinook salmon circle in the pool below Stamp Falls before ascending the fish ladders on their way to spawning beds. Sockeye salmon begin running in August and the run continues with coho and chinook right into December. The salmon are a draw for black bears that head to the river for an easy meal. When in wilderness areas, take safety precautions to avoid wildlife.
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.
Contact
| Reservations, changes, and cancellations | Our call centre is open from 7 am to 7 pm Pacific Time. There is a $5 fee for reservations, changes, or cancellations made by phone.
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| Park operator | This park is operated by RLC Park Services. |
| General questions and feedback for BC Parks | We answer emails weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time. |
