Ptarmigan Creek Park

Highlights in this park

Ptarmigan Creek Park is a narrow, steep-sided valley at the north end of the Cariboo Mountains Ecosection above the Upper Fraser Trench.

The park protects 3,329 hectares of the complete, intact watershed of the east branch of Ptarmigan Creek, a tributary to the Fraser River which is habitat for Caribou and Grizzly Bears.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.

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

The access road to this park is about 5 km west of Crescent Spur, about 165 km east of Prince George along the Yellowhead (Highway 16) corridor, approximately 500 m west of Catfish Creek. Ptarmigan Creek Park is close to Erg Mountain Park, and the two parks share to same access road and trail head. The trailhead is 8 km from Highway 16.

The closest communities to this park are Prince George and McBride.

Camping

Wilderness camping

Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.

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

Winter camping

Winter camping is allowed, but no facilites are provided.

Things to do

Hiking

From Crescent Spur along the Yellowhead Highway (Hwy 16), the park is accessible via the Ptarmigan Creek Forest Road (about 8 km). From this location, an 11 km trail follows Ptarmigan Creek to three subalpine lakes (Hammel Lakes) near the headwaters.

High waters during the 2001 summer season have washed out many sections of the trail and the footbridge crossings.

Note: the trail is not well-marked. The trail is not recommended for inexperienced people as it is difficult to follow due to dense shoulder-high vegetation and few markers.

For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

Fishing

Please check the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis for site-specific information.

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

Wildlife viewing

There are wildlife viewing opportunities in this park. There are beautiful mountain lakes and great view from different ridges.

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.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted only during lawful game hunting season. Check the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for regulations.

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

Winter recreation

There are backcountry skiing opportunites and showshoeing opportunities available on the regular summer trails. However, no cross-country skiing tracks are set.

Facilities

Campfires

No firewood available for purchase in the park, but you can bring your own wood. Please bring a portable stove for cooking. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small.

To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.

Campfire bans may be in place. Before lighting a fire, check for bans or restrictions on BC Wildfire Service and on local or Indigenous government websites.

About this park

Wildlife

The park protects caribou, grizzly bear and mountain goat. Chinook salmon, rainbow trout and sculpin are found in the lower reaches of Ptarmigan Creek.

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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