Park overview
The park encompasses the headwaters of Kianuko Creek, which is a tributary of the Goat River, as well as a number of small alpine lakes and meadows. The watershed is largely undisturbed and contains moist cedar-hemlock and Engelmann spruce subalpine fir old-growth forest communities. The park protects important habitat for caribou, moose and grizzly bear, and fish. Snowmobiling is prohibited within the park.
Advisories
Safety info
- Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
- Trail Report [PDF] (Scroll to the Kianuko entry).
Special notes
- Motorized use of this road is prohibited within the park.
- Snowmobiling is prohibited within Kianuko Park.
- Access to Kianuko Park along Kianuko Creek is via the Kianuko Creek Wilderness Forest Service Road. This road has been deactivated to motorized use approximately 2 km from the Kianuko Park Boundary (at it’s junction with the Skelly Creek FSR). The road is in good shape for foot and horse traffic to well beyond the Guide Outfitter cabin in the upper reaches of Kianuko Creek, approximately 15 km into the park. Expect small stream crossings and standing water on the trail (which may be impassable in spring during the freshet).
- Old forestry roads from Creston may reach the park boundary, but they are not maintained.
Facilities
Campfires are allowed. We encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead.
To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
Campfire bans may be in place. Before lighting a fire, check for bans or restrictions on BC Wildfire Service and on local or Indigenous government websites.
Activities
There are trails available at this park. 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. Check our trail report for bear and safety information.
- Trail Report [PDF] (Scroll to the Kianuko entry)
There are fishing opportunities at this park.
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.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Kianuko 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.
Horseback riding is permitted in this park.
The park is open to hunting. All hunters to the area should check the BC Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information.
Kianuko Park is situated approximately 40 km north of Creston.
Park and activity maps
- Park Map [PDF] (updated August 2022)
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: July 12, 1995
- Size: 11,637.9 hectares
Nature and culture
Cultural Heritage
This is an area of Ktunaxa-kinbasket First Nation traditional use and has high spiritual values.
Conservation
The park encompasses the headwaters of Kianuko Creek, which is a tributary of the Goat River, as well as a number of small alpine lakes and meadows. The watershed is largely undisturbed and contains moist cedar-hemlock and Engelmann spruce subalpine fir old-growth forest communities. The park protects important habitat for caribou, moose and grizzly bear, and fish.
Wildlife
The park protects important habitat for caribou, moose and grizzly bear, and fish.
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.