Stay Safe:
- Persons visiting Lockhart Creek Provincial Park are reminded that the park is a wilderness area, without supplies or equipment of any kind. All arrangements for supplies and transportation must be made beforehand.
- Bring your own drinking water, as potable water is not available in the park.
- All park visitors should wear strong waterproofed, lug-soled boots and carry a daypack with raingear, extra warm clothing and food. Weather conditions can change suddenly in this area and lightning storms with hail and snow are common in summer. For overnight trips a sleeping bag, groundpad, waterproof tent or bivouac bag and lightweight stove are essential.
- Cellular phone service is not available in the park.
Lockhart Creek Provincial Park
About This Park
Lockhart Creek Provincial Park and adjacent Lockhart Beach Provincial Park extend from the sunny shores of Kootenay Lake to the headwaters of Lockhart Creek. Lockhart Creek Provincial Park, encompasses one of the few unroaded valleys in the region and protects a diverse old growth forest. A pioneer trail along Lockhart Creek leads to grand vistas of Kootenay Lake and meanders through the habitat of many species of plants and animals unique to temperate interior cedar hemlock forests. Birdwatchers and wildflower and plant identification enthusiasts will be rewarded by a visit to this area.The Baker Lake trail extends from the eastern boundary of the Lockhart Creek trail and continues onto the Redding Creek Forest Service Road. Multi-day backpackers wishing to access Kianuko Provincial Park should be equipped with strong route finding skills and appropriate equipment.
Park Size: 3,734 hectares
Click here for Trail Information [PDF] (you will need to scroll down to the Lockhart Creek entry)
Location and Maps
On the east side of Kootenay Lake, Lockhart Creek Provincial Park is located 40 km north of Creston off Highway 3A.
Nature and Culture
- History – Established in 1995, Lockhart Creek Provincial Park protects one of few unroaded drainages in the region.
- Cultural Heritage – The area includes significant First Nations trail systems, with access to traditional use areas, and areas of spiritual importance.
- Conservation – Lockhart Creek Park contains an intact watershed rising steeply from the slopes of Kootenay Lake to alpine meadows. The park protects old-growth cedar-hemlock forest communities. Fish species, such as rainbow trout, bull trout and kokanee inhabit Lockhart Creek. From the lakeshore at 500 metres elevation to the height of land at 1300 metres, the biogeoclimatic zones change from Interior cedar-hemlock, through Engleman subalpine spruce to alpine tundra. Remnant stands of an old growth cedar forest remain along Lockhart Creek and add intrigue to the varied natural habitat and diversity of this interior rain forest.
- General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information
Management Planning
Management Planning Information- Online Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan is available in pdf format.
Activities Available at this Park
Cycling
Cycling is permitted, but only on Lockhart Creek trail and by experienced mountain bike riders. The grade is steep and extreme caution must be used on blind corners and switchbacks.
Hiking
The Lockhart Creek Provincial Park has a hiking trail that follows the north side of Lockhart Creek gaining about 800 metres of elevation over a 3- hour hike. An old cabin site about two hours up is a favourite destination. Though open to wilderness recreation, the park has no facilities or marked trails and is not regularly serviced. Check our Trail Report for bear and/or safety information. Visitors should be self-sufficient and proficient in back country travel practices. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding on designated trails is permitted.
Hunting
Hunting is allowed in this park during designated hunting season. Please check the BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations for more details.
Pets on Leash
Dogs in backcountry parks must be on leash and under control at all times. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
