The area boasts a truly unique landscapes of ancient geological formations, rolling hills and valleys, old-growth forests, rare plant life, and extensive lake systems. Families can fish, hike, and camp at Big Bar Lake Provincial Park, while experienced hikers can discover the unusual geology of Chasm and Marble Range provincial parks.
Chasm Provincial Park
Be sure to pack a camera to capture the incredible geology of Chasm Provincial Park. The park's Painted Chasm – rock layers of red, brown, yellow, and purple, created by ancient lava flows and revealed through continuous erosion – illustrate the rich geological history of the Chasm Creek Valley and the Bonaparte River Valley. As well, an esker, or ridge of gravel molded by glaciers stretches 40km/25mi upstream. Chasm Provincial Park was enlarged in 1995 to 3,067ha/7,700ac to protect more of the Painted Chasm and surrounding ponderosa pine forests.
There is no camping at the park, but hiking and horseback riding are available. Follow old roads on an informal hiking trail through the park's spectacular setting. Exercise caution: Chasm has many steep cliffs and fences are provided only near the parking area and lookout. Look for bighorn sheep along the canyon walls, along with moose, mule deer, black bears and coyotes.
Marble Range Provincial Park
Marble Range Provincial Park, at 17,920ha/44,800ac, is renowned for wildlife, as it protects populations of California bighorn sheep and mule deer. The park features alpine and sub-alpine regions with caves, sinkholes, and disappearing streams, as well as cliffs, chasms, and crenellated ridges.
Marble Range Provincial Park received its name because of its unusual limestone karst topography, which can be viewed from high in the alpine, where rare plants, old-growth Douglas-fir, spruce, lodgepole pine, and whitebark pine thrive. Hiking Marble Range requires an advanced level of experience, and hikers are advised to carry a topographic map, and a compass or GPS unit. Binoculars and telephoto lenses are a good idea for wildlife viewing.
Check with the Visitor Centre for more information on provincial parks, as well as detailed maps of Clinton and the surrounding area.
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