Park overview
Lava Forks Park protects the site of the most recent volcanic eruption in Canada, dated somewhere in the early 1900s.
Since the eruption, vegetation such as mosses and lichens have 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.
Distinctive landforms from the eruption include two lava-dammed lakes, pot holes containing crystal clear pools and ash dunes.
Advisories
Camping
Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.
Activities
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
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.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: January 25, 2001
- Size: 7,463 hectares
Nature and culture
History
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. The special features in Lava Forks Park were protected as class A provincial park in 2001 following direction received from the Cassiar Iskut-Stikine Land and Resource Management Plan.
Cultural Heritage
Lava Forks Park lies within the asserted traditional territory of the Tahltan First Nation.
Conservation
Lying within the Boundary Ranges Ecosection, Lava Forks Park consists of Coastal Western Hemlock, Mountain Hemlock and Alpine Tundra biogeoclimatic subzones. The park protects outstanding physical features of the volcanic eruption and a large mineral spring. The recent volcanic eruption provides an ideal location to study ecological processes associated with primary succession, or the establishment of vegetation after a significant disturbance.
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.