Skagit Valley Provincial Park
As of May 1, 2013: The campgrounds are now open.
As of April 30, 2013: There is no water at the horse camp until further notice.
Please Note: There is active logging in the Skagit Valley. Anticipate logging truck traffic on Silver Skagit road and be prepared to yield to these trucks at any point during your drive. We strongly recommend operating your vehicle with headlights on to help make you more visible.
New for 2013: A brand new playground was installed at Ross Lake campground along with all new picnic tables. Many of the pit toilets were replaced or upgraded for this upcoming camping season!
Bear Safety Advisory
Bears are very active in this park. Read the bear safety information.Ross Lake campground is located on a reservoir. The level of the water in the reservoir fluctuates greatly. July and August are the only months when the lake is at full pool. Other times there is no water at all on the Canadian side.
About This Park
The Skagit Valley was carved by retreating glaciers and is characterized by excellent outdoor recreation opportunities in a natural, wilderness-like setting. Visitors can enjoy hiking along 50 km of trails, river fishing, camping, and picnicking.
Park Size: 27,964 hectares
Special Notes:
- Ross Lake campground is located on a reservoir. The level of the water in the reservoir fluctuates greatly. July and August are the only months when the lake is at full pool, other times there is no water at all on the Canadian side.
- For access and information on the US parks year-round, please phone North Cascades National Park at 1-360-854-7200 or visit their website.
- It is illegal to operate an uninsured/unlicenced motor vehicle in any provincial park, recreation area or campground.
- Nearest sani-station facility is located in Hope, B.C.
- The Skagit River is susceptible to extreme water level velocities during the spring and summer run-off season.
- Access is by a loose surfaced (gravel/dirt) public road. Please drive safely.
| Campground Dates of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice |
|
|---|---|
| Opening and Closing Campground Dates: (campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water, security, etc.) |
Ross Lake campground - May 1 - October 14 Silver Tip campground - May 1 - October 14 Whitworth Horse camp - May 1 - October 14 Please note: Gate is closed during the off-season. Opening date may change due to snow pack or other weather conditions. |
| Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: | Ross Lake campground – May 1 – October 14 Silver Tip campground – May 1 – October 14 Whitworth Horse camp – May 1 – October 14 Please note: Opening date may change due to snow pack or other weather conditions. |
| Campground Reservable Dates: For group site only | May 1 to October 13 |
| Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: | – Ross Lake = 88 – Silver Tip = 43 – Whitworth Horse camp = 11 |
| Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable: (all remaining sites are first-come, first-served) |
Not applicable |
| Note: The above information is for the campground only. During the off-season park users can still walk into the park if conditions such as weather permit. If the park or campground are closed for other reasons, information is noted in the "Attention Visitor Notice" at the top of this page. | |
Reservations
Reservations for individual campsites are not accepted at this park - all campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis.Group Camp/Picnic Reservations:
Group campsite reservations are accepted at this park for dates between May 1 to October 14. All reservations must be made through Discover Camping.
Location and Maps
Please note: Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation. The Silver/Skagit Road, which joins Highway #1 three kilometres west of Hope, provides access to the Park. It is 37 km from Highway #1 to the entrance portal and a further 23 km to Ross Lake Reservoir and the Canada-USA border.The Silver/Skagit Road is a well maintained, loose surface road that provides access to several active logging areas before the Park entrance. Motorists are advised to drive with extreme caution and to use headlights at all times. Watch for wildlife and be aware of logging trucks and other industrial equipment. Extra caution should be taken after rain when road surfaces can become muddy and slippery.
Note: There are no commercial facilities in the Skagit Valley that provide food, lodging, gas or any other goods or services. Visitors should be equipped with supplies and fuel before leaving Hope or Silver Creek for the Skagit Valley Provincial Park.
Maps and Brochures
Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.- Park Map [PDF 666KB]
- Park Brochure [PDF 100KB]
- Ross Lake Campground Map [PDF 2.94MB]
Management Planning
Management Planning Information- Approved Master Plan for Skagit Valley Park in pdf format. [PDF 567.77KB]
DISCLAIMER:
This is NOT the original management planning product. This document has been scanned from the original format of the plan. It may contain some formatting changes, however the content is consistent with the original.
Activities Available at this Park
Canoeing
Canoeing and kayaking is possible at Ross Lake but NOT recommended on the Skagit River.
Cycling
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing
Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
This park has hiking and/or walking trails. 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. (see Trail Details)
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is permitted on the Skagit River Trail, Centennial Trail and to the height of land on the Skyline II Trail. There is an eleven-unit horse camp near Whitworth Meadows near the Skyline II Trail head. There are approximately 50 kilometres of horse trails.
Hunting
Hunting is permitted in the park. Please confirm with the Hunting and Trapping regulations for specific details. All hunters require applicable hunting licences.
Interpretive Programs
There are interpretive programs being offered in this park. You can check the information shelters for postings or check with Park Operator.
Pets on Leash
Pets/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.
Swimming
There is swimming and a sandy beach at Ross Lake. There is no roped-off swimming area. See Important Notices for water levels. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Facilities Available at this Park
Boat Launch
There is a single wide cement boat launch at Ross Lake campground. Boats can be left in the water or beach overnight at owners risk. Waterskiing is at your own risk and not advisable because of numerous stumps and woody debris in lake. See Important Notices for water levels. Personal water craft are not allowed on Ross Lake Reservoir.
Campfires
Campfires are permitted in the campground fire rings only.
While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. 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.
Drinking Water
Cold water hand pumps are located in all the campgrounds. A cold water tap is located in the horse camp. The taps and hand pumps are shut off during the winter.
All water is tested weekly and suitable and suitable for drinking unless posted otherwise.
All water is tested weekly and suitable and suitable for drinking unless posted otherwise.
Group Camping
There is a group campsite located across from the Ross Lake campground, close to the International Point day-use area. There is one covered shelter. The site can accommodate from 15 to 50 people. Click here for reservation information.
Youth group camping charges per night are $1/person (6+), with a $50 minimum and $150 maximum.
Regular group camping charges per night are the base rate for the site, which is $70.00/group site/night, plus $4/adult (16+, minimum charge for 15 adults), plus $1/child (6-15).
Picnic Areas
This park has a day-use/picnic area at International Point located at Ross Lake Campground on Ross Lake. The day-use/picnicking area has pit toilets, new picnic tables and parking. There are no barbeque attachments on the picnic tables and no campfire rings available. There is a 1.5 ha grassy area and sandy beach. There is a 12 sided information kiosk which relates the history and natural values of the park.
Pit or Flush Toilets
Pit toilets are available in all campground and day-use areas - no flush toilets. Many of the pit toilets were replaced or upgraded for this upcoming camping season.
Playground
A brand new playground was installed at Ross Lake campground. There is also a pleasant 1 1/2 hectare grassy area.
Vehicle Accessible Camping
This park offers vehicle accessible campsites on a first-come, first-served basis - campsite reservations are not accepted. There are three separate campgrounds in this park Silvertip at 42 km (43 sites), Ross Lake at 60 km (88 sites) and a horse camp at 54 km with 11 pull-through sites (near Whitworth Meadows).
There is parking available for 2 vehicles at each site. There is no extra parking available.
If there are no staff to direct you to a campsite, choose a site with no camping receipt posted on the campsite number post; staff will come around to collect fees. Cash is the only form of payment accepted.
The closest store and pay phone is in Hope approximately 60 km away.
The gates to each campground listed above are closed and locked during the winter months only (Oct to May) yearly.
There are no winter camping opportunities offered in this park as only 5 km of the 50 km access road is maintained during the winter months.
There is parking available for 2 vehicles at each site. There is no extra parking available.
If there are no staff to direct you to a campsite, choose a site with no camping receipt posted on the campsite number post; staff will come around to collect fees. Cash is the only form of payment accepted.
The closest store and pay phone is in Hope approximately 60 km away.
The gates to each campground listed above are closed and locked during the winter months only (Oct to May) yearly.
There are no winter camping opportunities offered in this park as only 5 km of the 50 km access road is maintained during the winter months.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $16.00 per party / night
BC Senior's Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $8.00 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.
Wheelchair Access
There is a wheelchair accessible pit toilet available at the Whitworth Horse Camp.
