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Advisories

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Wilderness 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.

Campfires

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.

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Hiking

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: Approximately 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: Approximately 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, approximately 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. Approximately 25 minutes 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 3km on McQueen Creek FSR. Look for trailhead sign on your right.
Fishing

There are rainbow trout in Deep Lake. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Wildlife viewing

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 on leash

Pets and 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.

Cycling

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

Hunting is permitted only during lawful game hunting season. Check the Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for regulations.

Winter recreation

Snowshoeing provides a way to experience the protected area in the winter. There are no designated trails or cross-country ski trails.