Lac du Bois Grasslands Provincial Park

Lac du Bois Grasslands

In the rain-shadowed interior of southern British Columbia, minimal precipitation and very hot clear summers result in desert like conditions, but in unique pockets, sagebrush and cactus give way to lovely grasslands. Furthermore, available moisture increases rapidly as the land rises from the arid valley bottoms, through the grasslands, to pine forests at higher elevations. Lac du Bois Provincial Park (15,000 hectares) protects three grassland zones and a variety of soil types, and is thereby extremely important to the Thompson Uplands ecosystem. The forest floor is covered with bluebunch wheatgrass, and stands of fir and trembling aspen mix with the ancient ponderosa pines. The Thompson and Fraser Rivers have carved the land into a fascinating topography. Small ponds and lakes dot the area, while spectacular cliffs, canyons and vistas round out the park’s notable features.

Activities include hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing and snowshoeing. There are wonderful views of the Thompson valley, Kamloops Lake and distant high peaks to the east and west. Most trails are not well marked and maps are needed, with the exception of a designated route that follows the edge of Dewdrop Range in the western section of the park. Other suggested routes are:

Mara Trail - Interpretive 3.5 km loop trail overlooks Kamloops Lake and Thompson River.
Cinnamon Ridge Trail - 4.25 km semi-loop/linear trail features include hoodoos.
Dewdrop Trail - 5.7 km linear trail offers spectacular views overlooking Kamloops Lake and the underlying valley; and the
Grasslands Community Trail - 13 km linear trail through all grassland types (lower, middle, upper).

The soils in this park are extremely fragile and take decades to recover from disturbance. Mountain bikes must stay to roadways and ATV use is prohibited.

Wildlife in the park is often easily seen as a result of the relatively open landscape. Mammal species include California bighorn sheep, mule deer and moose. Other wildlife species include sharp-tailed grouse, flammulated owl, various migratory and resident waterfowl, trout, and the blue-listed western rattlesnake.

Location and access:
Lac de Bois is situated northwest of Kamloops. There are two main access points:

Using Lac de Bois Road in the east: from the intersection of Fortune Drive and Tranquille Road, take 8th Street north through two sets of traffic lights. At the overpass, move into the left-hand lane and proceed straight ahead up the hill between the subdivisions. At the cattle guard the surface changes to a good but narrow gravel road.

In the west, Tranquille-Criss Creek Forest Service Road (also known as Red Lake Road) rises steeply to the Dewdrop Range and the deep canyon of Tranquille Valley. From the intersection of Fortune Drive and Tranquille Road, follow Tranquille Road past the airport towards Tranquille. Turn right over the railway tracks and around the fields before crossing the Tranquille River and going up the long, gradual hill. At the sharp blind 180 degree turn, there are two choices: go straight ahead to Dewdrop Flats and the red lava cliffs of Dewdrop Range; or go around the corner and up the hill to follow the spectacular Tranquille canyon.

Special notes:
-Expect to meet logging traffic on roadways into the park.
-Take great care of the fragile soils by staying on established roads and trails.
-BC Parks is looking to the local community and other users for their support in managing this fragile area.