The undeveloped 102-hectare Epsom Provincial Park encompasses sage and grassland terraces above the North Thompson River. The surrounding areas and the river are very important to the Nlaka’pamux First Nations people, who have reservations north of the park and across the river. Nlaka’pamux, means ‘people of the canyon.’ There world is the Y where the earth-brown Fraser River receives the sky-blue Thompson River, then thunders through chasm after narrow chasm.
The Nahatlatch, Fraser, and Thompson Rivers are all justifiably well known for their river-rafting experiences. Of the three, the Fraser and Thompson are more prominent, though not necessarily more challenging than the Nahatlatch. Both the Thompson and the Nahatlatch flow into the Fraser within a short distance of each other.
If canoeing or kayaking on the river visitors need to make themselves aware of the river’s gradient before attempting navigation. If launching from the park, the boat must be portaged over the railway tracks.
Epsom Provincial Park is located on the Thompson River, 15km south of Ashcroft, British Columbia, off Trans-Canada Highway 1. There is road access to within 200 metres of the river, although the final section of road is steep and not suitable for all vehicles. Railway tracks prevent road access to the river, requiring visitors to take a short walk.
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