Chasm Park
About this Park
The park conserves forests of ponderosa pine at the northern limit of its range, and diverse low elevation lakes and marshes. The uplands, marshes, and lakes are rich ecosystems supporting abundant wildlife.
Chasm Park protects the unique river canyon of the Chasm Creek Valley and part of the Bonaparte River Valley. In 1995, the park was recommended for expansion through the Cariboo Chilcotin Land-Use Plan. It was enlarged from 141 hectares to 3,067 hectares to protect more of the area’s colourful geological formations and ponderosa pine forests.
The unique features of Chasm Park offer hiking opportunities and spectacular backdrops for the avid photographer. Facilities include a pull out viewing area and a larger parking area with a toilet.
Location notes
The park is located along Chasm Creek. It can be accessed by taking Highway 97 to 16 km north of Clinton, and then driving 4 km to the park on a paved road east of Highway 97. It can also be accessed from further north off Highway 97 about 15 km southwest of 70 Mile House. The closest communities are 70 Mile House, 100 Mile House and Clinton.
Please refer to the Cariboo Forest Region Recreation Map (East) published by the Ministry of Forests for more information. Topographical map number 1:50,000 92P/3 shows land contours in detail.
Activities
- 26:Hiking This park has informal hiking trails (generally following old roads, there are no signs to mark the routes). An old road, which leads along the southern edge of the chasm, offers occasional spectacular views and a very pleasant experience of dry pine and fir forest. There are steep cliffs at this park. Watch children closely. Fences are provided only near the parking area and lookout. Hike at your own risk.
- 26:Wildlife viewing There is a viewpoint. The view is of a spectacular display of colour which illustrates the park’s rich geology in the Chasm Creek Valley and part of the Bonaparte River Valley. Successive lava flows form layers in varying tones of red, brown, yellow and purple, which have been revealed in the steep lava-layered canyon walls through erosion over the past 10 million years.
- 26:Cycling Cycling is permitted. Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.For details on e-biking within Chasm Park, see the e-biking section.
- 26:Horseback riding There are horseback riding opportunities in this park.
- 26: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.
- 26:E-Biking Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are permitted on signed or designated trails within Chasm Park, provided they meet the definitions and criteria for e-bike use as outlined in the BC Parks cycling guidelines.
Facilities
- 26:Picnic areas There is a viewpoint and parking area for day-use activities, but no developed picnic area. The view is a spectacular display of colour illustrating the park’s rich geology in the Chasm Creek Valley and part of the Bonaparte River Valley. Successive lava flows form layers in varying tones of red, brown, yellow and purple, which have been revealed in the steep lava-layered canyon walls through erosion over the past 10 million years.
- 26:Pit or flush toilets This park has pit toilets, no flush toilets.
Location
51.22143, -121.47796 · South Chilcotin-Cariboo
