West Coast · Clayoquot
Stamp River Park
About this Park
Relax by the waterfall at this peaceful riverside park or explore the area by foot. Hiking trails weave their way through the lush forest and river rapids. Named for the pioneer who built Port Alberni’s earliest sawmill, Stamp River Park is an amalgamation of Stamp Falls and Money’s Pool.
One of the park’s main attractions is the annual run of thousands of Pacific salmon circling in the pool below Stamp Falls before ascending the fish ladders on their way to spawning beds. Lookout points along the river offer excellent views of the salmon fighting their way up the falls and fish ladders. This natural phenomenon occurs every year, starting in late August with sockeye and continuing with coho and chinook right into December.
The salmon are a draw for black bear as well, who head to the river for an easy meal. As always when in wilderness areas, safety precautions should be taken. This park is a popular base camp for anglers fishing in designated portions of the Stamp River. Changes to the freshwater fishing regulations occur regularly along this river; anglers are responsible for checking the regulations prior to fishing on Stamp River.
Safety information
- Sections of this river contain high waterfalls, strong currents, fast running water and slippery rocks.
- Do not swim, use floating devices or boat in this park and above the waterfalls (a boat pull out is available approximately 500 m upstream of the falls adjacent to the campground).
Special notes
- Domestic animals must be on a leash at all times in the park and are not allowed on beach areas or in park buildings.
- Interpretive signage about the fish ladder, salmon runs and salmon species can be found on the trail leading to the fish ladder.
- There are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs offered at the park.
- There is no motorized vehicle access on the trail network or in the day-use area in this park.
Location notes
Stamp River Park is located northwest of Port Alberni on central Vancouver Island. Follow Hwy 4 past Port Alberni and turn onto Beaver Creek Road. Follow signs to the park.
Activities
- 31:Hiking A 0.5 km trail leads from the parking lot at the day-use area to the fish ladder and waterfall. There is interpretive signage along this portion of the trail that offers information about the fish spawning cycle.Beyond Stamp Falls, there is 2 km of interlinked hiking and walking trails that continue through the forest, overlook and follow the river in the southern portion of the park.In the northern portion of the park, there is a 7.5 km Sayachlas t’a saa’nim (long river) trail upstream of the camping area. This one-way trail also parallels Stamp River and can only be accessed from both ends of the trail. The southern end of the trail is the most popular access point where the trailhead starts across the information kiosk in the first parking lot. The northern access can be accessed via a resource road that splits off Barkler Road, however, this road is rough and should only be accessed with vehicles equipped with 4x4.Riverbanks can be very slippery. Stay away from cliff and riverbank edges. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroy plant life and soil structure.Hikers should also practice 'bear aware' wildlife practices. Stay alert of your surroundings, talk loudly, and carry bear spray. If a bear is encountered on the trail: Give the bear spaceBack away slowly in the opposite directionNever turn your back or run from a bear.
- 31:Fishing Fishing is allowed in Stamp River Park, but is closed 200 m above and 500 m below Stamp Falls from June 15 to November 15. Boundary markers are located on trees along the river.Changes to the regulations occur regularly along this river, so all anglers should check the current regulations prior to fishing.
- 31:Wildlife viewing A viewpoint above the fish ladder offers great views of the river and spawning salmon in late summer to late fall. Returning salmon include Chinook, Coho and Sokeye.The fish ladder is managed by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and maintained by the Hupačasath First Nation. A live stream of the fish ladder camera can be seen at Stamp Falls Live Stream.
- 31: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 the potential for problems with bears and other wildlife.
- 31:Cycling Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Stamp River 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.
Facilities
- 31:Pit or flush toilets This park has five pit toilets. There are four throughout the campground and one in the day-use area.
- 31:Drinking water A cold water hand pump is located near the entrance to the campground.Annual Drinking Water System Report:Stamp River – Handpump [PDF]
- 31:Campfires Campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite. We encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Firewood can be purchased from the park operator. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
- 31:Accessibility information Accessibility information is available for this park.
Location
49.34291, -124.93084 · Clayoquot