SILVER RIVER (SKAGIT provincial park)

Approximately two hours from the Greater Vancouver area, Skagit Valley is part of a larger protected area complex that includes the US North Cascades National Park and the Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. This large tract of territory contains the Ross Lake Reservoir, an important source of hydro electricity for Seattle City Light. 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: 27,948 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 a recorded message on water levels and general information for Ross Lake, please phone: 604-869-7080. For access and information regarding the USA park trails, contact the Marblemount Washington US Park Ranger Station @ 1-360-873-4590. It is illegal to operate an uninsured/unlicensed 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 observe good speed.

Activities in the park

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

Open to hunting from September 10th to March 31st during a lawful game hunting season. Horses may be brought in for hunting. You will require all applicable hunting licences. However, there is no park specific hunting permit needed

There are interpretive programs being offered in this park. Check the information shelters for postings or check with Park Operator

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.

There is swimming and a sandy beach at Ross Lake. There is no roped-off swimming area. See BC parks for water levels. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.

There is a single wide cement boat launch at Ross Lake campground. There is overnight parking available for vehicles and boat trailers. 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 BC parks for water levels. Motorized vessels are NOT permitted on the Skagit River. Personal water craft are not allowed on Ross Lake Reservoir.

Campfires are permitted. Campfire pits are provided. Park Operator sells firewood from vehicle at various times of the day during the operating season.

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.

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.

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, 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 toilets are available in all campground and day-use areas - no flush toilets.

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. The gate is located at Kilometre 58 and is closed and locked during the winter months only (Oct to May) yearly. If there is 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. There are no fees during the winter closures. The closest store and pay phone is in Hope approximately 60 km away.
There are no winter camping opportunities offer in this park as only 5 km of the 50 km access road is maintained during the winter months.

Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $15.00 per party / night

BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder Season only): $7.50 per senior's couple/night

Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.

The Silver/Skagit Road, which joins Highway #1 three kilometers 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.

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/skagit/