Harry Lake Aspen Park

Highlights in this park

Harry Lake Aspen Park has an interesting grassland and aspen area of high geological diversity. The park protects a small representation of upper grasslands in conjunction with an aspen and Douglas fir forest.

This area offers opportunity for hiking, wildlife viewing and photography. During July and August there is a small but colourful bloom of wildflowers. Visitors should be aware that no camping or day-use facilities are provided.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

Wood ticks are most prevalent between March and June. These parasites reside in tall grass and low shrubbery and seek out warm-blooded hosts. Although they are potential carriers of disease, they are a natural part of the environment and can be easily avoided. Your legs should be protected by wearing trousers tucked into socks or gaiters. After outdoor activity, thoroughly examine yourself. Check your pets for ticks as well.
There are no developed trails in the park.
Bring your own drinking water as there are no water sources available in this park.
There are no toilet facilities provided. Visitors should exercise proper backcountry sanitation procedures when no facilities are available. Deposit human waste in cat holes. Cat holes are 15 to 20 cm deep. Thoroughly cover and disguise cat holes when finished. Bury toilet paper as well, do not burn it.

Special notes

Off-road vehicle travel is prohibited in this park.
ATV use is prohibited on park roads.
Park rangers patrol this area infrequently. All visitors must be prepared to be self-sufficient.

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

This park is situated 40 km west of Cache Creek. To access the park, drive north from Cache Creek on Highway 97, west along Highway 99, south along Hat Creek Road, and then up logging roads along Medicine Creek. A backcountry road map will assist visitors in locating this park.

Things to do

Pets on leash

Backcountry areas are rarely suited for dogs due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears. Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times.

Cycling

Mountain biking is available on the established roads within the park.

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

Hunting

Hunting is permitted in this park only during lawful game hunting season. Please check the BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information. Exempt from the “No Hunting, No Shooting Restrictions” within 400 m of the center of park roads.

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

Facilities

Campfires

Campfire should be used only for warming or drying. Be prepared by bringing a portable stove for cooking.

If visitors require a campfire, keeping the campfire small can conserve firewood and air quality. Do not leave your campfire unattended. Please ensure the campfire is completely extinguished before leaving the area.

To preserve vegetation and ground cover, it is prohibited to gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.

About this park

Cultural Heritage

This area may have been used by First Nations as a camping and food-gathering site.

History

Established April 30, 1996 as a result of recommendations made in the Kamloops Land and Resources Management Plan.

Conservation

The park protects an area of grassland and mixed Douglas fir and aspen in the Pavilion Ranges. It encloses two ponds with associated wetlands, and is noted for highly diverse habitats for a variety of species. Of particular interest is the geological diversity of the park, with Miocene plateau basalt to the north. Spences Creek group sandstone and conglomerates to east and west, and ancient Cache Creek limestones through the centre.

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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