Porcupine Meadows Park
2,703 ha
Area
1996
Established
Class A
Park class
Park
Type
About this Park
Areas of undisturbed wetlands and patches of old-growth forests make this park particularly significant in the region. The landscape consists of extensive wetland meadows complexes in Engelmann spruce-subalpine fir dry, cold subzone.
There are no roads, no camping or day-use facilities, and only a few trails, within the park.
Safety information
- This is a wilderness area with limited park ranger patrols. Visitors must be self-sufficient, and notify a responsible adult of anticipated date of return.
- If required, there is an old forestry lookout that serves as a shelter for emergency use. There are no other cabins, yurts or lodges for public use. The Kamloops Snowmobile Association has a trailer and a chalet located outside the park boundaries and is only for their private use.
- Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
Special notes
- Motorized vehicles are prohibited in this area except snowmobiles in winter.
- Camp stoves are recommended for cooking. No firewood is available and no fire rings are installed. If a campfire is required, please keep it small and ensure it is completely out before you leave. Only wood that is dead and lying on the ground can be used for campfires. Check for campfire bans before entering the backcountry. In some parks, campfires are not permitted at any time.
Location notes
At the southern end of Bonaparte Plateau, approximately 40 km northwest of Kamloops. The park is best accessed from the southeast via Watching Creek Forest Service Road.
Activities
- 9695:Hiking Limited, primitive trails without signs. Maps, compass and knowledge of the area are essential. 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.
- 9695:Wildlife viewing There are wildlife viewing opportunities in this park. Moose and sandhill cranes are found in the park.
- 9695: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.
- 9695:Horseback riding Horseback riding is allowed on designated trails.
- 9695:Hunting The discharge and carrying of firearms is permitted in this park for the purposes of hunting during open season. Please consult the BC Government Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information. Contact BC Parks at parkinfo@gov.bc.ca with any specific questions.
- 9695:Winter recreation Snowshoeing is permitted in this park, however, there are no maintained trails. For snowmobilers, the Kamloops Snowmobile Association maintains trails into the area and an old forestry lookout tower serves as a shelter for emergency use. Snowmobiling is allowed between December 15 and April 15. In some years the opening date may be later to allow for a deeper snowpack. Please obey any closure signage.
Location
50.98081, -120.53483 · Thompson Grasslands
