Description: The park is a 27,948 hectare unspoiled wilderness but has a number of well developed trails for hiking and nature viewing. There are two front country campsites, a separate equestrian campsite, a group campsite and wilderness camping. There are icefields in the parks mountains to the north and south.

Camping - Front Country: Silver Tip is the closest campground to the park entrance and has 43 sites. Ross Lake Reservoir has an additional 88 front country sites in the south of the park.

Camping - Group: Group camping is available in the Ross Lake area. Contact the park for details.

Camping - Backcountry: Sites are available along the Skyline II Trail (Manning) and the Skagit River Trail.

Backpacking and Hiking:

• Skagit River Trail - 14.5km Intermediate, 6 hours one way.An extended hike which follows the Skagit River into Manning Provincial Park. You can connect to the Silver Daisy Trail.The trail head is accessible from 26 mile bridge south of the Silvertip Campground turnoff. The wilderness campsite is about 10.5km from the trailhead. The trail can be accessed from the Manning side from a trailhead off highway 3. Skagit Valley Provincial Park, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Coast and Mountains
• Centennial Trial - The trail connects the Skagit River Trail and the Skyline II trail. It essentially runs parallel to the Silver/Skagit Road which is the parks main road. Access is available from 26 mile bridge, south of the Silvertip Campground turnoff, Shawatum Bar parking lot further south or the Skyline II parking lot to the north of the Ross Lake Reservoir. Skagit Valley Provincial Park, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Coast and Mountains
• Silver Daisy Trail - Difficult. Starts in the park following along side Silver Daisy Creek it then branches to the summit of Silver Daisy Mountain for a one way trip of 10km. The trails other branch continues on into Manning Provincial Park. Access is easiest from the Manning side of the Skagit River Trail, from the trailhead on highway 3. See the Skagit River Trail description. Skagit Valley Provincial Park, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Coast and Mountains
• Skyline ll Trail - 12.5km (one way), Difficult. This is considered by many to be the areas most beautiful trail. It's easily accessible from the parking lot trailhead just north of the Ross Lake Reservoir. A short distance in the trail connects to the Centennial Trail which you make take north into the park. If you continue on the Skyline you'll head into Manning Provincial Park where you'll find backcountry camping at Mowich. Skagit Valley Provincial Park, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Coast and Mountains

Hiking: The park has a self guided interpretive trail called the Chittenden Meadow Trail. The Skagit River Trail can be hiked one way if you have transportation at the other end of the trail.

Horse Packing: The park has a horse camp which can be used for staging and overnight stays. Horses are permitted on the Centennial, Skagit River and a section of the Skyline II Trail.

Mountain Bikering: Cycling is restricted to the roads within the park.

Note: It is now mandatory to wear a helmet when riding a mountain bike (any bicycle for that matter).

Nature: The park has a self guided interpretive trail in the form of the Chittenden Meadow. The trail is an easy one hour jaunt. Over two hundred species of birds can be found in the park including mountain blue birds,owls and eagles. Mammals include Elk, Moose, Black Bears and Cougars along with Black Tailed Deer and Mule Deer. There is a birding checklist available from British Columbia Wildlife Watch.

Paddle Sports: Paddling the Skagit River is heavily discouraged but if your interested in some lake canoeing you can put in at the Ross Lake Reservoir. If you're canoeing, the lake is big enough to be dangerous in bad conditions so stay close to a shoreline you can land on.

Note: Ross Lake Reservoir is exactly that, a reservoir. Water levels fluctuate to the point that the Canadain side of the reservoir may be completely empty. Phone ahead so as not to be disappointed.

Maps: Use Topographic Series Maps, Scale, 1:50,000, sheets 92H/02 (Manning Park) and 92H/03 (Skagit River) ) and 92H/07 (Princeton). These will cover most of the park and recreation areas that you'll need if you hike this area.

Literature: A brochure which includes a park map is available from the park. Contact the
Skagit Valley Provincial Park / Vancouver Coast & Mountains
Cultus Lake Sub-Office, Box 3010, 2950 Columbia Valley Hwy, Cultus Lake,BC
Postal Code: V2R 5H6
Phone: 604-824-2300 / Fax: 604-858-4905

Additional Information: Official Skagit Valley site online from BC Parks.

Note: The park has no facilities, ensure that you have fuel, food and shelter before you leave Hope or Princeton.