Gilpin Grasslands Park

Highlights in this park

Gilpin Grasslands Park became a provincial park in May 2007. 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

Advisories

Safety information

Hunters please be aware of recreational park visitors, and visitors please wear bright coloured clothing during hunting season.
Be aware of Rattlesnakes and other wildlife.

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.
Please take your garbage with you when you leave.

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

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.

Things to do

Hiking

There are several unmarked trails in the park for hiking and mountain bike riding. These can be accessed from outside the park at the Gilpin Forest Service Road.

Swimming

There are opportunities to swim in the Kettle River.

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.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Canoeing

Canoeing, kayaking and rafting are common activities on the Kettle River. Be aware of rapids and currents in places.

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.

Wildlife viewing

There are many opportunities to view various songbirds and waterfowl.

Pets on leash

Dogs must be under control and must not harass wildlife or livestock.

Cycling

All trails are open to bicycles. Helmets are mandatory in British Columbia. Please stay on established trails.

For details on e-biking within Gilpin Grasslands Park, see the e-biking section.

E-Biking

Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are permitted on signed or designated trails within Gilpin Grasslands Park, provided they meet the definitions and criteria for e-bike use as outlined in the BC Parks cycling guidelines.

Horseback riding

The lower slopes are conducive to small numbers of horseback riders. Please stay on established trails. Park and unload the trailers on the Gilpin Forest Service Road, as unauthorized motor vehicles are not allowed inside of the park.

Hunting

Hunting allowed in the park during an open season as specified under the Wildlife Act. Please check the BC Hunting & 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.

About this park

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.

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.

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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