Finlay Russel Park

Highlights in this park

Finlay-Russel Park and Protected Area consists of an 85 km corridor along the Finlay River between the Fox River confluence, immediately west of Kwadacha village (Fort Ware) and the Toodoggone River confluence.

The Park area also includes 20 km of the Upper Pelly Creek Valley and the northern end of the Russel Range. The Finlay-Russel Park protects important fish and wildlife habitat and a section of the First Nation trail from Kwadacha to Caribou Hide and the Stikine country.

Due to the remote setting of this park, visitors should be well-equipped as there are no supplies of any kind easily accessible.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

Supplies, vehicles and gasoline should be checked prior to travelling to the park.
Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park. Drinking out of streams or lakes within the park is not recommended unless the water has been filtered or treated.
Campfires are not permitted. Portable stoves should be used for all cooking in the backcountry areas.
Suitable clothing should be worn and equipment for outdoor living carried.
Boating is limited to canoes, kayaks and rafts.
Visitors should be experienced, self sufficient and have appropriate maps.

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

Getting there

Limited road access from Ft. Ware and road conditions are unknown, access to interior by air. Mackenzie is the closest community but is still a days drive on rough roads.

Camping

Wilderness camping

Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. Visitors must be experienced in backcountry travelling.

When visiting the backcountry, always follow Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. To learn more about staying safe in the backcountry, read our backcountry guide.

Things to do

Hiking

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.

First Nation Heritage trail from Kwadacha to Caribou Hide and the Stikine country. The condition of the trail is unknown. The trail involves a major crossing of the Finlay River. Visitors must have appropriated topography maps and must be well-prepared.

Fishing

There are fishing opportunities in this park.

Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Wildlife viewing

There is no viewing platform but the area is an important habitat for caribou, moose, sheep and goats. This area has good wilderness recreation, most notably hunting and fishing opportunities. Boating is limited to canoes, kayaks and rafts.

Pets on leash

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.

Cycling

Cycling is permitted. However, trails are not maintained. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Finlay Russel 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.

Horseback riding

Horses and horseback riding are permitted. Horse travellers must be well prepared and experienced in backcountry travel as this park is very remote and isolated.

Hunting

Hunting is allowed in the park during the open season. Please check with the BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information.

Anyone hunting in British Columbia must comply with BC hunting regulations. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Winter recreation

There are snowmobiling opportunities in the park, but this is a very remote area that is far from any major centre. Be prepared for winter conditions.

About this park

Cultural heritage

High First Nations cultural values; continued sustenance use.

History

Finlay-Russel Park and Protected Area encompasses 122,771 hectares and was established on April 11, 2001. Finlay-Russel Park, a class A park, was first identified for Protected Area Status through the Mackenzie Land and Resource Management Plan process to protect important fish and wildlife habitat and a section of the First Nation trail from Kwadacha to Caribou Hide and the Stikine country.

Conservation

Important fishery values along the Finlay River and at Fishing Lakes bull trout, rainbow trout and Arctic grayling. Important habitat for caribou, moose, sheep and goats.

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.

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