Park overview
The Nitinat River carves through this lush forest, creating a series of spectacular falls and quiet pools perfect for viewing steelhead and salmon. While these deep pools within the canyon are closed to anglers, fishing is possible in the area around the Nitinat River bridge pool.
This scenic 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.
Park Size: 160 hectares
Advisories
Safety info
Stay Safe
- 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.
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.
Activities
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. 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.
Maps and location
Nitinat River Provincial 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 and 15 km southwest of Cowichan Lake, accessed via logging roads. Nearby communities include: Cowichan Lake, Duncan, Port Alberni, Port Renfrew.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: April 30, 1996
- Size: 160 hectares
Nature and culture
Conservation / Wildlife: Nitinat River Provincial 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 monkey flower. 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.