Nahatlatch Lake: access, camping and practical info

Nahatlatch Park lies in British Columbia's Lower Mainland. BC Parks describes it as characterized by mountain peaks and glaciers, old-growth forests and a lake and river system. Three lakes, Frances, Hannah and Nahatlatch, are linked by small streams, and their waters drain into the Nahatlatch River, which is 20 km upstream from its confluence with the Fraser. The park also protects one of the largest intact wetlands remaining in the Lower Mainland, and it lies in the traditional territory of the Nlaka'pamux Nation.

Getting there

From Highway 1, turn west on Boston Bar Station Road, then right on Chaumox Road and cross the bridge to the west side of the Fraser River. Chaumox Road turns into the Nahatlatch Forest Service Road about 10.5 km out of North Bend. BC Parks places the park entrance on Nahatlatch Road, approximately 26.5 km northwest of Boston Bar, identified with a park information shelter. Access is via an active logging road, which BC Parks says is usually busy Monday through Friday, and sections of it are narrow, hilly, rough and can be very dusty.

Trails and viewpoints

BC Parks lists backcountry hiking among the summer activities, but states that there are no designated hiking trails within the park and that visitors can hike in the area surrounding it, with caution. Its route log, with distances measured from the intersection of Chaumox Road and North Bend Station Road (km 0), lists these points:

• High Bench Lookout, 35 km.
• Gated bridge over the Nahatlatch River, with a trail to Mehatl Creek falls from the log sort, 48.8 km.
• Grizzly Falls: after crossing the bridge, turn left (2 km to the falls), 49.2 km.

Camping and park rules

BC Parks names campsites at Frances Lake, Hannah Lake, Ranger Station, Nahatlatch Lake, Salmon Beach and Squakum Creek, along with a Forest Service campsite. The lakes are very cold but offer opportunities to swim; the lake bottom is usually rocky with small areas of sand, and there are no lifeguards on duty. Kayaking and canoeing are available on all lakes, from the west end of the park on the Nahatlatch River to Nahatlatch Lake. BC Parks says it is not advisable to canoe the river below Frances Lake.

• Pets must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. Backcountry areas are described as not suitable for dogs or other pets because of wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
• Electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within the park.
• All water should be treated or boiled before consuming.
• BC Parks lists grizzly bears, black bears, lynx, cougars, wolves, coyotes and deer among the wildlife found in the park.