Park overview
This park protects the only natural spawning site of the unique “Gerrard” rainbow trout. This wilderness area is critical in maintaining the natural habitat for species such as grizzly bear, mountain goat and mountain caribou. Visitors are asked to employ low impact techniques.
Advisories
Safety info
- Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
- Campfires are not allowed except in emergency situations.
Camping
Wilderness camping is provided, but no facilities are provided. There are no user fees charged at this time.
Activities
This park has some rugged possibilites but few developed trails. There is one short but awesome old growth cedar walking trail, and one short hike to a spectacular waterfall. 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.
This park protects the only natural spawning site of the unique “Gerrard” rainbow trout and is an important spawning channel for Kootenay Lake kokanee in the Meadow Creek watershed. These important habitats are closed for fishing due to conservation reasons.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash 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 wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia. There are no mountain biking trails.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Goat Range 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.
This park is situated in the Selkirk Mountains, between Slocan and Kootenay lakes at the south end, and between Arrow Lakes and Duncan Lake at the north end.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: July 12, 1995
- Size: 79,123 hectares
Nature and culture
History
The park has an important mining and logging history including a historic townsite and railway station, although no trace of these remain.
Cultural Heritage
The area within the park is significant to the Okanagan, Shuswap and Ktunaxa-kinbasket First Nations. The park has an important mining and logging history including a historic townsite and railway terminus at the south end of Trout Lake.
Conservation
This wilderness park protects a mix of low, mid and high-elevation forests. The park contains old-growth forests, extensive alpine meadows and lakes, and numerous rivers and creeks. It provides a spawning and rearing habitat for the internationally important Gerrard rainbow trout and an important spawning channel for Kootenay Lake kokanee in the Meadow Creek watershed. Flowers, trees and shrubs are part of the park’s natural heritage, please do not damage or remove them.
Wildlife
This wilderness area is critical in maintaining the natural habitat for species such as grizzly bear, elk, mountain goat and mountain caribou.
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.