Nitinat River Park

Highlights in this park

The Nitinat River flows through lush forest and is an important system for wildlife and salmon and is significant to local Indigenous communities.

This wilderness park, which protects a variety of rare and endangered plant species, has no developed camping or day-use facilities, aside from a rough, unmaintained route leading from the roadside to the river.

Nitinat River Park can be reached by logging road from the communities of Port Alberni, Cowichan Lake and Port Renfrew.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

Access to this park is by active logging roads. The chance of encountering loaded logging trucks while traveling these roads is highly likely. Logging trucks have the right of way at all times. Drivers should use caution and yield to logging trucks; use pullouts whenever possible. Visitors should carry a full-sized spare tire.
The banks along the river are extremely steep with canyon sections, creating hazards. Please use caution when hiking along the river’s edge.

Special notes

Fires are not permitted anywhere, at any time.
There are no fire rings provided in Nitinat River Park. When wilderness camping, please bring a portable stove for cooking.

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

Nitinat River Park is located above Nitinat Lake, northwest of Port Renfrew on southern Vancouver Island. The park can be accessed via Port Alberni, Cowichan Lake or Port Renfrew along the Nitinat Main logging road. Two sites, Nitinat River Falls and Nitinat River bridge pool, are located approximately 8 km and 15 km southwest of Cowichan Lake, accessed via logging roads. Nearby communities include Cowichan Lake, Duncan, Port Alberni, Port Renfrew.

Camping

Wilderness camping

There are no designated campsites at this park, however, random wilderness camping is allowed. No facilities are provided. Please practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics.

When visiting the backcountry, always follow Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. To learn more about staying safe in the backcountry, read our backcountry guide.

Things to do

Canoeing

There are no designated campsites at this park, however random wilderness camping is allowed. No facilities are provided. Please practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics.

Fishing

The Nitinat River is home to steelhead, salmon and a variety of fresh water species. The pools within the canyon are closed to fishing, while the Nitinat River bridge pool is an open area for fishing at specific times of the year. Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations.

For up to date information, all anglers should check all current and relevant freshwater (non-tidal) sport fishing and tidal water sport fishing regulations, including the appropriate licensing requirements, prior to fishing.

Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Wildlife viewing

Nitinat River Park provides excellent viewing opportunities. Rare plant species and old-growth Douglas fir and Western hemlock can also be seen in the park. Also of note is the river itself, which carves through this lush forest in a series of spectacular falls and quiet, clear pools.

Pets on leash

Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park 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.

About this park

Conservation

Nitinat River Park protects 160 hectares of rainforest and riparian habitat for several endangered species, including threatened plant species such as Scouler’s corydalis and the tooth-leaved monkeyflower.

The park protects an important stretch of the Nitinat River system, including spawning grounds of summer steelhead, winter steelhead, sea-run Cutthroat and Rainbow trout, and chum, coho and Chinook salmon.

Nitinat River Falls protects old-growth Douglas fir and Western hemlock forest and deep river pools important for summer steelhead, as well as winter range for Roosevelt elk.

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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