Lockhart Creek Park

Highlights in this park

Lockhart Creek Park and adjacent Lockhart Beach Park extend from the sunny shores of Kootenay Lake to the headwaters of Lockhart Creek. This park encompasses one of the few valleys in the region with no roads, and protects a diverse old growth forest.

A pioneer trail along Lockhart Creek leads to grand vistas of Kootenay Lake and meanders through the habitat of many species of plants and animals unique to temperate interior cedar hemlock forests. Birdwatchers and wildflower and plant identification enthusiasts will be rewarded by a visit to this area.

The Baker Lake trail extends from the eastern boundary of the Lockhart Creek trail and continues onto the Redding Creek Forest Service Road. Multi-day backpackers wishing to access Kianuko Park should be equipped with strong route finding skills and appropriate equipment.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

Trail Report [PDF] (Scroll to the Lockhart Creek entry)

Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.

Visit responsibly

Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:

Maps and location

Getting there

On the east side of Kootenay Lake, Lockhart Creek Park is located 40 km north of Creston off Highway 3A.

Things to do

Hiking

The Lockhart Creek Park has a hiking trail that follows the north side of Lockhart Creek gaining about 800 metres of elevation over a three hour hike. An old cabin site about two hours up is a favourite destination. Though open to wilderness recreation, the park has no facilities or marked trails and is not regularly serviced. Check our Trail Report [PDF] for bear and safety information.

Visitors should be self-sufficient and proficient in back country travel practices. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

Pets on leash

Dogs in backcountry parks must be on leash and under control at all times. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

Cycling

Cycling is permitted, but only on Lockhart Creek trail and by experienced mountain bike riders. The grade is steep and extreme caution must be used on blind corners and switchbacks.

Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Lockhart Creek 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

Horseback riding on designated trails is permitted.

Hunting

Hunting is allowed in this park during designated hunting season. Please check the BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations for more details.

Anyone hunting in British Columbia must comply with BC hunting regulations. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Facilities

Campfires

Fires are allowed.

About this park

Cultural Heritage

The area includes significant First Nations trail systems, with access to traditional use areas, and areas of spiritual importance.

History

Established in 1995, Lockhart Creek Park protects one of few unroaded drainages in the region.

Conservation

Lockhart Creek Park contains an intact watershed rising steeply from the slopes of Kootenay Lake to alpine meadows. The park protects old-growth cedar-hemlock forest communities. Fish species, such as rainbow trout, bull trout and kokanee inhabit Lockhart Creek.

From the lakeshore at 500 metres elevation to the height of land at 1300 metres, the biogeoclimatic zones change from Interior cedar-hemlock, through Engleman subalpine spruce to alpine tundra. Remnant stands of an old growth cedar forest remain along Lockhart Creek and add intrigue to the varied natural habitat and diversity of this interior rain forest.

General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

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.

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