Goguka Creek Protected Area

Protected area overview

Situated in the northern muskeg, Goguka Creek Protected Area is representative of a northern bog ecosystem. The purpose of the park is to protect the rare pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea).

Stunted black spruce and water hardy vegetation comprise this remote protected area which provides ideal habitat for species such as moose and black bear. Upon closer inspection, fragile plants such as the wild calla lily and pitcher plant can be found eking out a living in this rugged landscape.

Advisories

Safety info

In summer, the area is wet and boggy and thick with mosquitoes. The dense vegetation combined with the high water table makes even walking almost impossible and possibly dangerous. These factors, combined with the sensitive vegetation, make this area very unattractive for any type of summer recreation.
Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in this protected area.
There are no developed trails in this protected area.

Special notes

Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is not permitted in this protected area.
Campfires are not permitted in this protected area.

Activities

Pets on leash

Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears. If you must bring them, they are to be on a leash and under control at all times.

Hunting

Hunting is allowed in this protected area. Please check the BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations for more information.

Winter recreation

In winter, visitors to Goguka Creek can access the area via snowshoes. However due to the dense vegetations, snowshoeing is extremely difficult and not recommended.

Goguka Creek Protected Area is located in the Jackfish Creek/Prophet River area alongside the Alaska Highway at km 441, (mile post 274). The closest communities are Fort Nelson and Prophet River.

Learn more about this protected area

Protected area details

Date established: January 25, 2001
Size: 435 hectares

Nature and culture

History

The Goguka Creek area was first considered as an Ecological Reserve back in 1993 in order to protect the rare pitcher plants located in this area. As industry had an interest in the area, this parcel of land ended up being designated as a Protected Area in 2001.

Conservation

Goguka Creek is located in the Boreal White and Black Spruce Biogeoclimatic Zone. The general landscape of the area is a flat plain of Muskeg which includes a floating bog. Rare plants such as pitcher Plant (Sarracenia purpurea) named after the plants unusual leaf shape and its capacity to hold water and the wild calla lily (Calla palustris) are found within this rare habitat.

Wildlife

Black bear, moose and snowshoe hare are the most common fauna found in the Goguka Creek area.

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.