Established on July 12, 1995, Goat Range PP extends over 79,124 hectares and much of the Lardeau and Goat Groups, south from Mobbs Creek to Whitewater Mountain. The park is situated in the Selkirk Mountains, between large lakes, the Slocan and Kootenay lakes at the south end, and between Arrow Lakes and Duncan Lake at the north end. West of the Goat Range Provincial Park is Hamling Lakes Wildlife Management Area. It encompasses a wide range of ecosystems, from lush interior wet belt old growth valley bottom to open alpine with sparkling lakes, untamed rivers and fast flowing creeks.
The park protects the only natural spawning site of the unique “Gerrard” rainbow trout. This wilderness area is critical in maintaining the natural habitat for species such as grizzly bear, mountain goat and mountain caribou. Visitors are asked to employ low impact techniques. It serves partly as a conservancy for the grizzly bear, and roads and trails into the park will be allowed to deteriorate.
NATURE & CULTURE
History: The park has an important mining and logging history including a historic townsite and railway station, although no trace of these remain.
The area was originally proposed for protection under the name of White Grizzly, by the Valhalla Society in the mid-1980s. Wayne McCrory, a bear biologist, was an especially strong advocate for this issue, as was his sister Colleen McCrory. Wayne, based in nearby New Denver, had undertaken some of the original grizzly research in the area and had been the first person to inform the public about the existence of the uniquely coloured race of bears found in the Goat Range. Subsequently, following the suggestions of citizens involved in the West Kootenay Commission on Resources and the Environment (CORE) negotiations, Goat Range Provincial Park was recommended for protection in 1995. Shortly thereafter the area was formally designated a Class A park by the BC government.
Cultural Heritage: The area within the park is significant to the Okanagan, Shuswap and Ktunaxa-Kinbasket First Nations. The park has an important mining and logging history including a historic townsite and railway terminus at the south end of Trout Lake.
Conservation: The park contains old-growth forests, extensive alpine meadows and lakes, and numerous rivers and creeks. It protects a mix of low, mid and high-elevation forests including mid to high-elevation wet belt forests. The park’s Interior Cedar Hemlock forests, with their heavy underbrush and abundance of ferns and shrubs, are particularly interesting, as they are very reminiscent of the coastal rainforest. At the highest elevations, there are expansive alpine meadows.
It provides a spawning and rearing habitat for the internationally important Gerrard rainbow trout and an important spawning channel for Kootenay Lake and Kokanee in the Meadow Creek watershed. Flowers, trees and shrubs are part of the park’s natural heritage, please do not damage or remove them.
Wildlife: Goat Range Park is an important area because it contains critical habitat for several species of large mammals. The park is home to a unique variety of grizzly bears, which exhibit a distinctly white coloration to their fur. The Goat Range is the only place in BC where grizzlies with this unusual coloration are found. Elk, mountain goat and woodland caribou all depend on the park’s habitat to ensure their survival.
ACTIVITIES
Bicycling. Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia. No mountain biking trails.
Fishing. This park protects the only natural spawning site of the unique “Gerrard” rainbow trout and is an important spawning channel for Kootenay Lake Kokanee in the Meadow Creek watershed. These important habitats are closed for fishing due to conservation reasons. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate license. The use of motorized boats and other motorized watercraft is prohibited along that portion of the Lardeau River contained within Goat Range Park – from the outlet of the Lardeau River on Trout Lake at Gerrard to the park boundary approximately 14 km downstream near the confluence of Poplar Creek.
Hiking. This park has some rugged possibilities but few developed trails. There is one short but awesome old-growth cedar walking trail and one short hike to a spectacular waterfall. Goat Range Provincial Park is an excellent place for backcountry hiking. While there are no facilities in the park, there are plenty of beautiful opportunities for backcountry camping. The excellent subalpine flower meadows and vistas into the Selkirk Mountains make the high-altitude hiking in the park particularly stunning.
Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at 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.
Facilities Available at this Park. Walk-in, Backcountry, and Wilderness Camping are provided, but no facilities are provided. There are no user fees charged at this time. Bring your drinking water as potable water is not available in the park. Campfires are not allowed except in emergencies.
Management Planning. The approved Goat Range Provincial Park Management Plan is available online in pdf format.