North Island · Cape Scott
Woss Lake Park
About this Park
This rugged, undeveloped park is located on northern Vancouver Island, south of the community of Woss and north of Zeballos.
One of the most pristine parks on the Island, the landscape includes the southern portion of Woss Lake, as well as very steep forested slopes above the lake and the permanent snowfields and north facing slopes of Rugged Mountain, part of the Haihte Range.
This park is home to a picturesque waterfall, which can be viewed at the south end of Woss Lake looking southwest toward the Tahsis divide. This waterfall cascades a few hundred meters into a creek that flows into the lake.
There are no recreation facilities in Woss Lake Park, but adventurous visitors with a boat, canoe or kayak can enjoy various activities ranging from backcountry hiking, skiing and mountaineering to camping, fishing, First Nations and nature appreciation and hunting.
Special notes
- This park contains few developed facilities. There are a few wooden tent pads at the south end of the lake, as well as a composting toilet and shelter which were installed by the Namgis First Nation.
- This park is a wilderness area that is not regularly serviced or patrolled. Please practice Leave No Trace camping and day-use in the area.
- The nearest phone, store, and tourist information centre is located in the town of Zeballos.
Location notes
The park is south of the community of Woss on northern Vancouver Island. Access to the park is generally by boat from a launch at the north end of Woss Lake. Walk-in access to the northern portion of the park is possible from logging roads on either side of Woss Lake. Access to Rugged Mountain is through a steep and strenuous hike from logging roads outside the park in the vicinity of Zeballos Lake to the west.
Activities
- 9471:Canoeing Woss Lake is suitable for kayaking and canoeing. Approximately half of 8km this lake lies within the park boundary.
- 9471:Swimming There is no designated swimming area at Woss Lake.
- 9471:Fishing Opportunities for fresh water fishing exist within the park on Woss Lake. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing.
- 9471:Pets on leash Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash and under control 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. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
- 9471:Climbing Rugged Mountain is known for its alpine climbing, however access is difficult.
- 9471: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.
- 9471:Winter recreation This park offers opportunities for backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. One popular destination for this activity is Rugged Mountain. Access to Rugged Mountain is through a steep and strenuous hike from logging roads outside the park in the vicinity of Zeballos Lake to the west. The other area suitable for this activity is on the southeast end of the park in the vicinity of Woss Mountain. This area is accessed by Western Forest Products logging roads along the east side of Woss Lake, outside of the park.
Facilities
- 9471:Pit or flush toilets There is a composting toilet in this park.
- 9471:Campfires While fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. If you must use a campfire, please practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics.
Location
50.06085, -126.62667 · Cape Scott