Small River Caves Park

Highlights in this park

Created through the efforts of the Robson Valley Land and Resource Management Plan and the Protected Areas Strategy, Small River Caves Park protects a provincially important karst and cave system.

Located on the west side of the Small River drainage, high above the valley bottom, this cave complex is remote and difficult to access. It is considered to be a very dangerous cave system that should only be attempted by highly experienced cavers.

This 1,818 hectare park lies at the transition zone between Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine Fir (ESSFmm1) and the Alpine Tundra (AT) biogeoclimatic zones. The Small River logging road accesses the drainage but one must be aware of logging truck traffic at all times.

In order to properly protect this fragile ecosystem, we require that all cavers get permission from BC Parks at: 4051 – 18th Avenue, Prince George, BC V2N 1B3.

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

Location Map

Getting there

Located on the west side of the Small River drainage, high above the valley bottom, this cave complex is remote and difficult to access. The closest communities include McBride and Valemount.

Things to do

Caving

There are spelunking or caving opportunities in this park. However, the unique system of caves in this park are considered to be very hazardous. This activity is only recommended for very experienced spelunkers.

White-Nose Syndrome

White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) is a fungal disease linked to the mass die-off of hibernating bats in Eastern North America. Humans have accelerated spread by bringing contaminated clothing, gear, and equipment into caves. To learn more about White-Nose Syndrome, read the White-Nose Syndrome fact sheet [PDF], or visit the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative website.

Before you enter a cave, use the gear decontamination instructions.

Help protect bats and their habitats from the spread of White-Nose Syndrome. Clothing and gear that has been used in caves east of the Rocky Mountains should not be used in B.C.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted in this park.

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

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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