Park overview
The Park has an interesting grassland/aspen area of high geological diversity and protects a small representation of upper grasslands in conjunction with an Aspen/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. Note that no camping or day-use facilities are provided.
Advisories
Safety info
Stay Safe
- 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 6 to 8 inches 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.
Facilities
Campfire should be used only for warming or drying. 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. If you rely on campfires for cooking, be prepared to bring a portable stove should a campfire ban be implemented.
Activities
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 Provincial 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 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.
Maps and location
This park is situated 40 km west of Cache Creek. To access the park, drive north from Cache Creek on Hwy #97, west along Hwy #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.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: April 30, 1996
- Size: 327 hectares
Nature and culture
- History - Established April 30, 1996 as a result of recommendations made in the Kamloops Land and Resources Management Plan.
- Cultural Heritage - This area may have been used by First Nations as a camping and food-gathering site.
- Conservation - The park protects an area of grassland and mixed Douglas fir/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/conglomerates to east & 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.