Porcupine Meadows Provincial Park

Porcupine Meadows Provincial Park
A map showing the location of the park in British Columbia
A map showing the location of the park in British Columbia
LocationBritish Columbia, Canada
Nearest cityKamloops
Coordinates50°59′01″N 120°32′10″W / 50.98361°N 120.53611°W / 50.98361; -120.53611
Area27.04 km2 (10.44 sq mi)
EstablishedApril 30, 1996 (1996-04-30)
Governing bodyBC Parks

Porcupine Meadows Provincial Park is a 2,704 hectare[1] provincial park in British Columbia, Canada, located north of Tranquille Lake to the northwest of Kamloops. Its name is a direct translation of the Shuswap word for this area, "pisitsoolsia", named so for the numerous porcupine in the area.[2]

Region[edit]

The park is on the southern end of the Bonaparte Plateau. It contains extensive sub-alpine wetlands, meadows and old growth forests. It is the highest elevation between Kamloops and 100 Mile House on the west side of the North Thompson River.

History[edit]

The park was established on April 30, 1996. The area was previously a pack-trail connecting Pass Lake and Porcupine Ridge, though the area is now unsettled.

Wildlife[edit]

Wildlife in the area includes many bird species including sandhill cranes, as well as moose and mule deer.

Recreational access and facilities[edit]

Park access is from the southeast off of Watching Creek Forest Service Road. There is no motorized access through the park itself, other than snowmobile access in the winter.[3] Passing through the park is the Masters Sub-alpine Trek hiking trail, which is currently in a state of disrepair due to surrounding logging.[4] The park can also be accessed by snowshoe and via horseback on designated trails.

The park is considered a wilderness area with limited patrols. There are no formal facilities within the park. An old forestry lookout is present and can serve as an emergency lookout.[5]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Porcupine Meadows Provincial Park – British Columbia Travel and Adventure Vacations". britishcolumbia.com. Retrieved 2018-02-13.
  2. ^ Balf, Mary (1978). Why That Name? Place names of Kamloops district. Kamloops, BC: Kamloops Museum. p. 37.
  3. ^ "Trails". KAMLOOPS SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION. Retrieved 2018-02-13.
  4. ^ "Porcupine Ridge - Kamloops Trails". Kamloops Trails. 2010-10-21. Retrieved 2018-02-13.
  5. ^ Environment, Ministry of. "Porcupine Meadows Provincial Park - BC Parks". www.env.gov.bc.ca. Retrieved 2018-02-13.

50°59′00″N 120°32′00″W / 50.98333°N 120.53333°W / 50.98333; -120.53333