North Island · Cape Scott
Schoen Lake Park
About this Park
Schoen Lake is one of the most beautiful parks on Vancouver Island. It provides superb scenery and countless opportunities for wilderness hiking, backpacking, boating, fishing, swimming and camping,
Located northwest of Campbell River in the Nimpkish Valley, Schoen Lake is a little more primitive than some parks, but the chance to view nature in all its glory more than makes up for the lack of modern amenities.
You’ll find peace and quiet at your campsite in this wilderness park, which is one of the few that offers vehicle-accessible camping on northern Vancouver Island. Within the park’s protective boundaries are old-growth forests, waterways, meadows, small lakes and essential deer, Roosevelt elk and fish habitat.
Safety information
- Caution: Near the campground is a log jam covering the outflow of Schoen lake flowing into the Davie River. Swimmers should stay clear of this log jam as it is unstable and currents can be unsafe. There are no lifeguards.
- For public safety purposes, Schoen Lake campground is closed and the gate is locked from November 1 to March 31, due to the threat of slides during the rainy season. Typically the access road to the campsite is impassable due to snow from late December to late March.
Location notes
Schoen Lake Park is located 140km north of Campbell River on Vancouver Island. Access to the camping area is via the gravel Davie Road, approximately 12km off of Hwy 19, past Sayward. The Nisnak Meadows area at the east end of the park can be reached via the upper Adam Road. Both roads can be rough and logging vehicles are common. The closest communities are Woss, Port McNeill and Sayward.
Activities
- 283:Hiking There are no maintained trails in this park, however there are some rugged, unmarked routes that offer hiking opportunities. Routes include the Schoen Creek Trail from the Davie Road campground and the Nisnak Lake Trail. Alternatively, you can set your sights on 1,802 metre Mt. Schoen. A climb that will reward you with panoramic vistas of the lake and surrounding area.
- 283:Canoeing There are canoeing and kayaking opportunities at this park in 5km long Schoen Lake. Paddlers can set in at a rough boat launching area, located at the Schoen Lake campsite.
- 283:Swimming There is no designated swimming area at this park, however visitors do swim in Schoen Lake.Caution: Near the campground is a log jam covering the outflow of Schoen lake flowing into the Davie River. Swimmers should stay clear of this log jam as it is unstable and currents can be unsafe.
- 283:Fishing Campers and day-use visitors can enjoy angling for lake trout in Schoen Lake.
- 283:Pets on leash Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash and under control at all times. 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.
- 283:Cycling Bicycles are only permitted on park roads. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Schoen Lake Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
- 283: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.
- 283:Winter recreation This park offers potential for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing in the small sub-alpine area located 3km north of the campsite. This area can only be accessed via Western Forest Products logging roads from the Mt. Cain Road.
Facilities
- 283:Accessibility information Accessibility information is available for this park.
- 283:Picnic areas There is a small day-use and picnic area in the park next to the boat launch.
- 283:Pit or flush toilets There are two pit toilets available in the park, located in the centre of the campsite.
- 283:Boat launch This park has a rough boat launching area for car-toppers located at the Schoen Lake campsite. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended.
- 283:Campfires While campfires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. Campers must use fire rings provided at each campsite.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.
Location
50.17661, -126.24537 · Cape Scott