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Skagit Valley Provincial Park - by Marlene Graham

About 50 kilometres on a good level dirt road directly south of Hope is Skagit Valley Provincial Park.

This is a wonderful park for the fisherman, hiker, canoeist and camper alike. Within the Provincial Park are two campgrounds, Silver Tip and Ross Lake and a group campground. Ross Lake was formed as the Americans needed more power for Seattle so Skagit River was dammed. Part of this lake is on the Canadian side of the border.

Skagit Valley is situated where two different forest zones meet. The West Coast rain forest on the west and the dry forests of the Okanagan in the East. The result is an interesting mix of vegetation and wildlife, therefore many of the rarest species in Canada are found in Skagit Valley. A close observer may find a tailed frog, the rare spotted owl and the elusive mountain beaver.

Originally Skagit Valley was an ocean floor, and up from the valley you may be able to find some fossils. In more recent history, Skagit Valley was travelled by the Sto:lo Nation. It was also ventured into by gold rush seekers and fur traders. A few unsuccessful mining ventures and settlers who tried to make the Valley their home had failed miserably. Currently it is a haven for hikers, some of whom may be connecting to a trail called “Pacific Crest Trail” which runs from Manning to Mexico.

Only experienced canoeists and kayakers should attempt the Skagit River. The scenery is spectacular, a photographers dream.

And of course the campers. It’s a chance to camp in the wilderness and get a real feel of nature but to have amenities like water and toilets. Campers should be prepared to rough it and come completely self contained as there is nothing in the way of fuel or stores within 70 kilometres.

As quoted by Ted Peck in his 100 best fishing spots within two hours of Vancouver, Skagit Valley rates #1. Fly fishing is really good as there is a fair number of Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Dolly Varden and Bull Trout.

Oh, one last thing, during most of the summer, a 22 is needed to control the mosquitoes which have truly outdone the famous Prairie mosquito!!!!! BLAST THOSE SUCKERS! Actually, a good supply of repellent usually does the trick.