Exchamsiks
River
Exchamsiks River Provincial Park is located 56 km (35 miles) west
of Terrace
and 90 km (56 miles) east of Prince
Rupert on Hwy 16.
Travelling
Here
To get here you have to travel along one of the most scenic stretches
of highway in British Columbia. Coming either way from Terrace or
Prince Rupert Hwy 16 follows the Skeena River which has carved a
path through the Coastal Mountains. You will be amazed at the spectacular
beauty of these mountains and the panoramic views of the Skeena
River.
Park
Highlights
The park's main attraction is a walk from one of the parks day-use
area through old-growth giant Sitka spruce rainforest eventually
to a 1,219 metre (4,000 feet) high rock gorge next to the Exchamsiks
River. The self-guided nature trail features many examples of west
coast plants and offers opportunities for viewing wildlife including
mountain goats, bears and bald eagles especially during March to
April when large numbers accumulate for feeding on the annual Ollichan
run in the Skeena River.
Boat
Launch Day-Use Area
The other day-use area has picnic tables, fire pits, boat launch
and is next to the confluence of the Exchamsiks River into the Skeena
River. The concrete boat launch is very handy if you want to explore
the Exchamsiks River, the Skeena River or across the Skeena up the
Gitnadoix River. Just remember all the rivers in the area have dangerous
currents present so watch your children and play things safe.
Facilities
Although there is signs of a very nice campsite at the boat launch
day-use area the park has no official campground present and is
not recommended. There is no fresh water available but there are
pit toilets available in either of the day-use parking lots. For
boaters there is a large area for parking your vehicle and boat
trailer right next the boat launch. Officially overnight parking
is not allowed.
Exploring
the Upper Exchamsiks River
Lots of people make the day-use area of the park as a starting point
for exploring the calm waters of the upper Exchamsiks River. This
can easily be done by using kayaks, canoes or jet-boats. Fishing
is also very popular in the Skeena and Exchamsiks Rivers, both having
excellent opportunity for salmon and trout. Please obtain the proper
licence requirements before attempting to fish.
Campgrounds
Nearby
If you would like to camp out near the Exchamsiks River there is
a provincial campground 16 km (10 miles) east of Prince Rupert on
Hwy 16 at Prudhomme Lake.
Kasiks
Wilderness Resort
There is also the privately owned Kasiks Wilderness Resort only
5 km (3 miles) away from Exchamsiks River Provincial Park. Here
you can find a full service resort next to another large tributary
of the Skeena River the Kasiks River.
Nearest
Supplies
For fuel or other supplies the closest place to get some from Exchamsiks
River Provincial Park is either back at the Kitsumkalum Tempo Gas
Bar on the west side of Terrace or the general store in Port
Edward.
