Lac du Bois Grasslands Protected Area
Protected area overview
Sweeping grassland vistas, spectacular cliffs and canyons, cool, dry forests, secret ponds and small lakes await the visitor to the newest grasslands protected area in the province. It rises north and westward from the hot, dry Thompson valleys through three grassland communities to the forested hills above. Nowhere else in western North America will you find these grassland communities in such close proximity to each other.
Special Feature: This protected area fulfils a very important conservation role in representing the Thompson Basin and Northern Thompson Uplands Ecosections. This protected area contains complex geology, a mixture of grasslands and forest types, a highly differential set of topographical features and soils and a variety of cultural uses combining to produce an area of notable diversity.
Spring comes early to the lower hot, dry slopes with plants responding to the short, moist season. In contrast, the upper grasslands and forests are not in full bloom until early June when brilliant balsamroot followed by brown-eyed susan wash the hillsides. Beyond the grasslands, ancient ponderosa pines in a sea of bluebunch wheatgrass give way to groves of trembling aspen and stands of Douglas fir, some of which are believed to be over 400 years old. California bighorn sheep, mule deer, black bear and waterfowl are common residents and visitors to the protected area, while the Northern Pacific rattlesnake, sharp-tailed grouse and flammulated owl live more secretive lives within its boundaries.
Lac du Bois Grasslands Protected Area is your protected area. We hope you will visit it often and enjoy the values for which it was established. BC Parks is looking to the local community and other users for their support in managing this fragile area.
Advisories
Safety info
Park Safety
- Wood ticks are abundant in the grasslands in spring. Visitor Health and Safety Information »
- Rattlesnakes are one of the many endangered species in this protected area. They are seldom seen, but if encountered, they should be left alone and bypassed.
- Bring your own drinking water, as potable water is not available in this protected area.
- Although it is very warm in the valley, it can be much cooler higher up in the hills. If hiking, carry appropriate clothing and rain gear.
Special Notes
- ATVs and 4-wheel Drives
The use of ATVs and 4-wheel drives are strictly prohibited in the protected area. They are, however, permitted in the designated ATV area located outside of the protected area, to the south. - Parking opportunities are limited on all roads in the protected area. Pull well off the traveled portion of the road, and lock your vehicle. Some roads are closed to vehicle traffic. Main roads are Highway designated roads on which the Motor vehicle Act applies. Long Lake road is a seasonal road and may be closed for extended periods during the spring due to breakup.
- Permits and/or authorization must be obtained from BC Parks for most activities in Lac du Bois Grasslands protected area. The area is so sensitive to disturbance that it is important to remind visitors that people who disregard the Park Act or regulations can face heavy penalties.
- Private Land
In 2008 the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) purchased 2,342 acres (948 hectares) of private land located within and around the Lac Du Bois Grasslands Protected Area. These Conservation Lands contain some of the most intact native grassland in BC, and support numerous species at risk. These lands remain private, but access is permitted for low-impact recreational use. Camping, off-road vehicle use, and campfires are prohibited. Obey all posted signs. Other privately owned parcels of land exist within the protected area, which require the owner’s permission to travel through or carry out any activities on.
Camping
Wilderness camping is permitted, but no facilities are provided. There is a small, rustic user-maintained wilderness campsite on Watching Creek, off Red Lake Road. There are Ministry of Forests, Lands & Natural Resource Operations Recreation Sites just north of the protected area at Isobel Lake and Pass Lake.
Facilities
Campfires are only permitted at the Watching Creek campground. No firewood is available and no fire rings are installed. If a campfire is used, please keep it small, and ensure it is completely out before you leave. Only wood that is dead and lying on the ground can be used for campfires. Camp stoves are recommended for cooking. Check for campfire bans before entering the protected area.
Activities
There are countless opportunities for exploring the protected area on foot, whether for any easy stroll through the grasslands or a strenuous day hike in the hills. Most trails do not have any signs, so a good map is essential.
There is a designated trail that follows the edge of Dewdrop Range in the western section of the park. Expansive views of Kamloops Lake, the Thompson Valley, and distant mountains are the reward for the exertion of the hike. There is a parking area at the beginning of the trail.
Grasslands are very fragile. Tread lightly wherever you go. Use established trails only to help minimize disturbance and prevent the spread of unwanted plant species.
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.
Mara Trail [PDF] – Interpretive 3.5km loop trail
- Recommended to walk in a counter-clockwise direction.
- Overlooks Kamloops Lake and Thompson River.
- Plants include cactus, sagebrush, pine trees, assorted grasses – lower grasslands plants.
- Thank you to Kamloops and District Fish and Game Club for trail construction.
- Moderate trail.
- Directions: Approx 15 minutes from downtown Kamloops. Follow Tranquille Rd. to the west, turn right onto Red Lake Rd, cross the train tracks and parking is on the right hand side of the road.
Cinnamon Ridge Trail [PDF] – 4.25km semi-loop/linear trail
- Features hoodoos.
- Ascends up a ridge and part way up Mara hill.
- Desert plants, little grassland.
- Moderate to hard trail (hills).
- Directions: Approx 15 minutes from downtown Kamloops, Follow Tranquille Rd to the west, turn right on Ord Rd. cross over the train tracks, parking at the end of Ord Rd.
Dewdrop Trail [PDF] – 5.7km linear trail
- Spectacular views overlooking Kamloops Lake and the underlying valley.
- May encounter California Bighorn Sheep.
- Moderate trail (steep climb).
- Directions: Approximately 25 minutes form downtown Kamloops. Take Tranquille Rd. west, turn left onto Red Lake Rd. At approx. 4km mark (at the switchback ) on Red Lake Rd, turn left onto Frederick Rd. The parking area is approx. 700 meters down the road (2nd pullout to the right). Look for signs at the parking area.
Grasslands Community Trail [PDF] – 13km linear trail through all three grassland types (lower, middle, upper)
- Multi use (mountian bikes, horseback, hikers, trail runners) no motorized sports!
- Stop by Deep lake to fish (rainbow trout and brook trout)
- Moderate to hard trail (hills)
- Trail runs from Westsyde to McQueen Lake. There are a few signs along the way but a good map of the area is strongly recommended. There is one pit toilet part way along this trail.
- Directions: South trailhead starts off Ida Lane, approx. 20 minutes from downtown Kamloops. Access by turning west off westsyde Rd. onto Ida Lane and continuing up Ida Lane to a black arch, look for trailhead sign. North Trailhead access off of McQueen Creek FSR. Approx 25 min from downtown Kamloops. Drive to the top of Bachelor Road North and it will turn into Lac du Bois Road. Turn right just after kilometre 16 on Lac du Bois Rd, onto McQueen Creek FSR. Trailhead begins at approximately 3 km on McQueen Creek FSR. Look for trailhead sign on your right.
There are rainbow trout in Deep Lake. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
There is no viewing platform but there are excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and many beautiful vistas to enjoy. Viewing opportunities include the potholes, lakes and ponds on the grasslands for viewing migrating and nesting waterfowl and other wetland wildlife. California bighorn sheep and mule deer can be observed at the Dewdrop cliffs.
Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or protected area buildings. 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. Mountain bikes and other cyclists must keep on established trails and not take short cuts. Be aware that bikes do have an impact, and watch out for others on the trails.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Lac du Bois Grasslands Protected Area. 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 only during lawful game hunting season. Check the Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for regulations.
Snowshoeing provides a way to experience the protected area in the winter – no designated trails. There are no maintained cross-country ski trails.
Maps and location
Located northwest of Kamloops, there are two main ways to reach Lac du Bois Grasslands protected area by vehicle (refer to the map in the brochure):
- A: Lac du Bois Road in the east takes the visitor through the full sweep of the grasslands. From the intersection of Fortune Drive and Tranquille Road, take 8th Street north through two sets of traffic lights. At the overpass, move into the left-hand lane and turn straight ahead up the hill between the subdivisions. At the cattle guard the surface changes to gravel and is a good, but narrow, well-traveled road. Expect to meet logging trucks and school buses.
- B: In the west, Tranquille-Criss Creek Forest Service Road (also known as Red Lake Road) rises steeply to the Dewdrop Range and the deep canyon of Tranquille Valley. From the intersection of Fortune Drive and Tranquille Road, follow Tranquille Road past the airport towards Tranquille. Turn right over the railway tracks and around the fields before crossing the Tranquille River and going up the long, gradual hill. At the sharp blind 180 degree turn, there are two choices: go straight ahead to Dewdrop Flats and the red lava cliffs of Dewdrop Range; or go around the corner and up the hill to follow the spectacular Tranquille canyon. Expect to meet logging trucks and other local traffic.
Two other roads give vehicle access to the protected area, each leading into a different type of scenery:
- Long Lake Road: From the ATV area on the Lac du Bois Road, Long Lake Road winds its way through the grasslands to the forests past rolling hills and small ponds. It is a narrow, dirt track, steep in places; closed during winter and spring break-up or during adverse conditions that would affect the stability of the road.
- Dairy Creek Road: To get to the north edge of the protected area, take this logging road that runs through Douglas fir forest and beside deeply entrenched streams. It can be reached by following Westsyde Road. It is a narrow, gravel road steep in places; an alternative route when weather conditions permit. It connects to the north end of the Long Lake Road and eventually connects to the Lac du Bois Road. There are many junctions along the way so a good map is essential.
The road lying to the west of Wheeler Mountain is deeply rutted and partly washed out in places. It is not recommended for public use.
Vehicle access is limited to only those roads shown on the map; all other trails are closed to motorized vehicles. Not all roads are passable by two-wheel drive, low-clearance vehicles and weather conditions may severely change driving conditions.
Learn more about this protected area
Protected area details
- Date established: April 30, 1996
- Size: 15712 hectares
Nature and culture
- History: Lac du Bois Grasslands protected area was established in 1996.
Cultural Heritage: Cattle are part of the history, and the culture, of the protected area. Horses of the Hudson’s Bay Company roamed the area in the 1860s and cows grazed in large numbers as the beef industry expanded in the early decades of the century. Sheep in large flocks were over-wintered in the 1940s before being taken to summer pastures west of the Fraser River. All these activities took their toll on the fragile grassland communities.
A fenced pasture rotation system was put in place in 1977 that controls how cattle use the grasslands. This has lead to a marked improvement in the condition of the grasslands.
Cattle are a part of the history and culture of Lac du Bois. Remember that range cattle are easily disturbed – view them from a distance and do not harass them.
Historical hunting and root gathering activities and historically significant pictographs and archaeological sites confirm traditional native use of the area. There are signs of early mining activity along Kamloops Lake, Bachelor Hill and gold panning on lower Tranquille Canyon. Also, historic homesteading sites are evidenced in the protected area.
- Conservation: Two Ecological Reserves are found within the boundaries of the protected area. McQueen Creek in the northeast protects a representative example of the middle grassland community. Tranquille in the west protects a small area of ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir community.
Ecological Reserves are areas set aside for their special scientific research and educational significance as representative examples of the many different ecosystems found throughout the province. Fences have been put up to keep cattle out of the reserves and maintain their natural condition. A permit is needed to visit these special areas. - Wildlife: Species of note include California bighorn sheep, white tail and mule deer, moose, waterfowl, rattlesnake, sharp-tail grouse, flammulated owls, black bear, burrowing owls, western long-billed curlews, harriers, and waterfowl. Here are details on a few species at risk: sharp-tail grouse [PDF 5.66MB] , rattlesnake [PDF 11.88MB] and the Western long-billed curlew [PDF 15.41MB] .
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.