Lava Forks Park protects the site of the most recent volcanic eruption in Canada, dated somewhere in the early 1900s. This unique area encompasses a lava-filled valley contrasted to ice-capped peaks. Lava Forks Park represents an excellent opportunity to study the primary succession of vegetation establishment. Mosses and lichens have established on upper flow layer since the eruption. Distinctive landforms from the eruption include two lava-dammed lakes, pot holes containing crystal clear pools and ash dunes.
Special Features:
Volcanic Features: Dating from 1904, the volcanic eruption in Lava Forks Park is the most recent in Canadian history. Since the eruption, vegetation has established on the upper flow layer of lava. This unique area encompasses a lava-filled valley contrasted to ice-capped peaks. Lava Forks Park represents an excellent opportunity to study the primary succession of vegetation establishment. Mosses and lichens have established on upper flow layer since the eruption. Distinctive landforms from the eruption include two lava-dammed lakes, pot holes containing crystal clear pools and ash dunes.
Established Date: January 25, 2001
Park Size: 7,463 hectares
Wilderness camping is allowed; no facilities are provided.
Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Please note: Lava Forks Park is located approximately 120 km southwest of the community of Telegraph Creek, between the Unuk River and the Craig River valley. The park is extremely remote and is accessible only by helicopter.
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.