Scatter River Old Growth Park

Highlights in this park

Scatter River Old Growth Park contains a diversity of landscapes from high upland plateau and muskeg to the rapids of the Grand Canyon and river bottom old growth spruce forests.

The park is home to moose, grizzly bear, Rocky Mountain elk, furbearers, northern long-eared bats, and ecosystems associated with succession from the series of large forest fires that have swept through the Liard River valley. The area in general offers fishing, hiking, camping, horseback riding, canoeing, river boating, wildlife viewing, hunting, ATV use, and photography.

The Grand Canyon of the Liard, a 30 km stretch of river with dangerous rapids, is an area of tremendous visual quality. Access to the park is by the old road to Nordquist Lake and Elk Mountain. River access is via the Fort Nelson River off of the 77 Road or Sulpher Creek; some boaters travel the Toad River to reach the park.

Know before you go

Advisories

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 Scatter River Old Growth Park is located along the most northerly progression of the Liard River Corridor in northeastern British Columbia. It is adjacent to one of the most significant hotsprings in Canada, the 1082 hectare Liard River Hot Springs Park, located on the Alaska Highway, 317 km northwest of Fort Nelson. Access to the park is by ATV, foot, horse or boat. One motorized route provides access to the north side of the Liard River Corridor Park. River boat access is via the Liard River.

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.

Things to do

Fishing

Sport fish species include arctic grayling, chum salmon, bull trout, inconnu, lake whitefish, mountain whitefish, northern pike and burbot.

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

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. Dogs should be under control to avoid any potential problems with wildlife.

Horseback riding

Scatter River Old Growth Park offers opportunities for backcountry horseback riding. Riders should be experienced and prepared for wilderness travel, as there are no designated trails.

Hunting

The park is open to hunting. All hunters to the area should refer to the current BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis.

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

Winter recreation

Winter recreational opportunities are available.

Facilities

Campfires

Campfires are permitted, but firepits and firewood are not provided.

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.

You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.

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.

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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