Wells Gray Park: Clearwater River

Highlights in this site

The area provides opportunities for hiking, viewing of spectacular waterfalls, volcanic features, a natural rock bridge, quality trout, chinook and char fishing, camping, river rafting, kayaking, wildlife viewing, horseback riding and photography.

Nature and culture

History

This April 1996 addition to Wells Gray Provincial Park was created as a result of recommendations made in the Kamloops Land and Resources Management Plan.

Cultural heritage

Extensive evidence of prehistoric use exists.

Conservation

The park addition includes canyon and volcanic features including lava flows, columnar basalts and pillow lavas. The area protects old-growth Douglas-fir and cedar and hemlock forests, but primarily contains young forests of Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine and extensive deciduous stands of aspen and birch.

The corridor supports many ungulates, birds, migration corridors, and salmon spawning habitat for chinook, sockeye and coho salmon. Much of the corridor protects critical moose winter range habitat as well as habitat for mule deer, black bear, coyote, white tailed deer and badger.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

Check the main Wells Gray Park page for the latest trail conditions report.

The Clearwater River Road is subject to sudden mudslides, rock fall, flooding, washouts, and wind. The road may be blocked for extended periods of time. If weather conditions change dramatically, you may be advised to relocate to a less isolated location. Be prepared for emergencies.

Most of the park’s lakes and rivers are glacier-fed and the water is icy-cold year-round.

Do not underestimate the demands of the backcountry. The hiker must be in good physical condition, properly equipped, and prepared to be totally self-sufficient. Take adequate clothing: high elevation weather is subject to change without notice, and Wells Gray’s mountains can receive snow 12 months of the year.

Known as The Waterfall Park for good reason, streams and rivers have waterfalls of varying sizes. Never boat, canoe, raft or kayak without learning first where the pull-outs are.

Clearwater River Road (west side of Clearwater River) is subject to slides, flooding and is infrequently maintained.

Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.

Visit responsibly

Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:

Maps and location

Getting there

The Clearwater River area is located just north of Clearwater, and extends north along the Clearwater River to Mahood Lake along the southwest border of Wells Gray Park. Access via the Clearwater River Road along the western shore of the Clearwater River. From the town of Clearwater, road travels north 37 km to the confluence of the Mahood and Clearwater Rivers.

Camping

Frontcountry camping

Some rustic sites available on first-come, first-served basis along Clearwater River Road. There is limited to no developed facilities at these sites.

Marine-accessible camping

Backcountry camping is allowed, with limited facilities provided.

Information about backcountry sites in Wells Gray

Backcountry Camping Fee: $5.00 per person / night for all persons 6 years of age or older.

Things to do

Hiking

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. Trail conditions and updates will be posted on the Wells Gray Park page under the Advisories and Hiking sections.

Fishing

There are fishing opportunities in this park.

Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

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.

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 Wells Gray Provincial 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

Drinking water

Cold water taps are located in developed campgrounds throughout the park. Taps are shut off during the off-season.

Picnic areas

This park has a rustic day-use/picnic area.

Pit or flush toilets

This park only has pit toilets; no flush toilets.