Upper Adams River Park

Highlights in this park

Upper Adams River Park protects 65 km of large river floodplain. This park protects a very old, undisturbed forest with abundant lichens north of TumTum Lake. There is a high diversity of associated species, as well as extensive habitat for sockeye, chinook and coho salmon.

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 park is a very long, narrow strip that roughly follows the Upper Adams River and protects the riparian area on both sides of the river, from the north end of Adams Lake to a point north of Tum Tum Lake.

Three routes, all gravel logging roads, access this area:

from Highway 5 south of Barriere, via Agate Bay Road and along the west side and northern end of Adams Lake (80 km).
from Trans Canada Highway 1 at Squilax to Adams Lake roads (95 km).
from Highway 5 at Vavenby, via logging roads (30 km).

Use caution when traveling on logging roads. This is an active logging area.
The nearest communities are Kamloops, Clearwater, Barriere, Vavenby and Little Fort. The closest public telephone is at Vavenby Store, approximately 30 km away.

Camping

Frontcountry camping

This park, on Tum Tum Lake, offers vehicle accessible, very rustic campsites on a first come, first served basis. There are two designated campsites, one on the southeast end of the lake, the other on the southwest end of the lake.

Things to do

Fishing

This river contains rainbow trout, bull trout, and white fish.

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.

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

Anyone hunting in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. Check the B.C. Hunting Regulations for seasons and closures.

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

Facilities

Boat launch

There is no boat launch, but there is opportunity to launch small car top boats.

Pit or flush toilets

This park only has user maintained pit toilets, no flush toilets.

About this park

History

Established April 30, 1996.

Conservation

The park encompasses 65 km of undisturbed Adams River floodplain from the Tumtum wetlands to Adams Lake. The park protects a rich riparian area of valley bottom interior cedar-hemlock forests. An undisturbed forest north of Tumtum Lake contains abundant lichens.

Wildlife

The park protects a variety of habitats for otters, elk, moose and black bear.

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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