Located in the northwestern region of British Columbia, Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park is the second largest park in BC, weighing in at 696,160 hectares (1.7 million acres). The park itself spreads across two broad physiographic regions: Spatsizi Plateau and the Skeena Mountains.
The two trails that lead into the park, the McEwan Creek Trail and the Eaglesnest Creek Trail, follow well-marked routes and connect to a number of other trails, some easier to folllow than others. There are well over 160 kilometres of trails in the park. Many local guides are based in Iskut, strategically, and breathtakingly placed between Mount Edziza and Spatsizi.
Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. There are several rustic campsites scattered throughout the park. These sites may or may not contain: a fire ring, a pit toilet, tenting areas, food cache.
There are no designated campsites, although there are several campsites in and around the area. In addition, there are some rustic campsites located at Tuaton Lake, Fountain Rapids Portage, Chapea Portage, Beggarly canyon Portage and the Stikine River bridge on Hwy 37. If possible, camp on a sand or gravel bar as this has the least effect on local vegetation. This allows the rivers to reclaim your sites during high water.
There are 6 cabins located at Cold Fish Lake Camp within Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park. All cabins are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Lands within Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Park support a large population of wildlife. The Spatsizi Plateau is one of the most important habitats for woodland caribou in British Columbia, while supporting a variety of wildlife, including moose, grizzly and black bears, wolves, beavers, hoary marmots, and more than 140 species of birds, including gyrfalcons. ‘Spatsizi’ means ‘red goat’ in the tongue of the original inhabitants of the area around Spatsizi Plateau, the Tahltan. The goats aren’t really red, but roll in iron-oxide dust, coating their otherwise white coats.
There is good fishing for rainbow trout, lake trout, Dolly Varden, mountain whitefish, and Arctic grayling in Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park. For less spur-of-the-moment-style fishing, there are many outfitters and guides who would be more than willing to take you into some of the more remote lakes in the park.
Paddling: Backcountry canoeing draws many, if not most, visitors to the park. There are two popular river trips. The most popular trip begins with a floatplane flight to Tuaton Lake or or Laslui Lake, at the headwaters of the Stikine River in the heart of the park. This trip is for experienced backcountry paddlers only.
A second canoe route starts in the park, and is accessible via a 5-km portage from the BC Rail grade to the Spatsizi River. There are no major rapids on the Spatsizi River, but once the Spatsizi flows into the Stikine River, expect some rough water and rapids, especially at higher water levels. Plan on 7 to 10 days for canoeing either the Stikine River (Tuaton to Hwy 37 bridge) or the Spatsizi/Stikine routes. Less experienced paddlers can still experience the wonder of the Stikine River. Dozens of riverrafting companies offer treks through this wilderness paradise.
To get to Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park, turn east off the Stewart Cassiar Hwy 37 onto the Ealue Lake Road at Tatogga Lake. Follow the road, crossing the Klappan River, where it then intersects with BC Rail grade. The grade parallels the southwestern boundary of the park for 112 km, and is rough but driveable for most vehicles. From here the park must be accessed by foot, horseback, or canoe.
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