Ministry of Environment

Parks Listed Alphabetically: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Attention Visitors - Important Notice!

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Park Info:

An interesting area on the west bank of the Thompson River, north of Spences Bridge. The park provides access to the river and includes both river and upland habitats. Note that no camping or day use facilities are provided in this park.

Special Feature: Epsom is one of the few areas along this section of river that provides access for the public to the river.

Access Info: The bottom third of the road has degraded and is accessible by four wheel drive vehicles with good clearance only. The road is impassable to two wheel drive vehicles below the last bench. One can descend but getting back up the hill would be impossible in a two wheel drive vehicle. It is a short walk to the river shore from here.

Park Size: 102 ha

Special Notes:

Management Planning:

Management Planning Information - Management Direction Statement 2001

Location:

Location Map

The park is located on the Thompson River approximately 15 km south of the town of Ashcroft. It is accessed off Highway 1. There is road access to within 200 metres of the river, although the final section of road is steep and not suitable for all vehicles. The remaining distance is by foot. The closest communities, towns and cities are Ashcroft, Cache Creek and Kamloops.

Map/Brochure:

Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

There are no digital maps or brochures for this park.
Location Map

Nature & Culture:

History - The park was created as a result of recommendations made in the Kamloops Land and Resources Management Plan. It was established July 23, 1997.
Cultural Heritage - Reserves belonging to the Nlaka'pamux ("people of the canyon") First Nations are north of the park and across the river. The river is the site of activities that are very important to the First Nations' culture.
Conservation - The park contains cottonwood, willow and underbrush which provides valuable wildlife habitat. The rivers edge and shallow side channel provide valuable riparian habitat. The park also contains sage/grassland terraces above the river.
General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

Visitor Safety:

The waters of the Thompson river are very swift, especially in June and July during high water. Use caution in and around the waters edge.
Wood ticks are most prevalent between March and June. These parasites reside in tall grass and low shrubbery and seek out warm-blooded hosts. Although they are potential carriers of disease, they are a natural part of the environment and can be easily avoided. Your legs should be protected by wearing trousers tucked into socks or gaiters. After outdoor activity, thoroughly examine yourself. Check your pets for ticks as well.

Visitor Safety Information (park safety, hazards, wildlife safety information, health risks)

Reservations:For parks that accept reservations, all vehicle accessible campsites (with the exception of
group sites) must be reserved through Discover Camping. No camping at this park.

Explore Parks: Fees, park listings, what you should know before you go and other useful links.

	No vehicle accessible camping facilities at this park.
	No wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping.
	No group campsites.
	No day-use or picnic facilities.
	There are no wheelchair accessible facilities at this park.
	Visitors should bring their own drinking water. Water can be taken from the Thompson River but should be boiled or treated before consuming.
	There are no toilet facilities provided. Visitors should exercise proper backcountry sanitation procedures when no facilities are available. Deposit human waste in cat holes. Cat holes are 6 to 8 inches deep and should be located at least 100 feet from any water source. Thoroughly cover and disguise cat holes when finished. Bury toilet paper as well. Do not burn it.
	No showers.
	No sani-station/dump facilities.
	No firewood is available and no fire rings are installed. The gathering of firewood in a Park is illegal, so fires should only be used for emergency drying and warming. If a fire is used for an emergency, please keep it small, and ensure it is completely out before you leave. Use a camp stove for cooking.
	There are no electrical hook-ups in this park
	There are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at this park.
	There are no designated trails. Visitors may park by the bench overlooking the river and hike the remainder of the road to the railway tracks to access the river. This road is short in length but quite steep.
	This park does not have a playground.
	At low water levels in late July and August, there is a pebble beach area but visitors must use caution in and around the swift flowing river. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
	There are canoeing or kayaking opportunities on the river but visitors need to make themselves aware of the river’s gradient before attempting navigation. If launching from the park, the boat must be portaged over the railway tracks.
	This park does not have a boat launch.
	The Thompson River provides opportunity to fish for trout, salmon and steelhead. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
	Cycling is not permitted.
	No horseback riding.
	Backcountry areas are rarely suited for dogs due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears. Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
	No wildlife viewing opportunities.
	No winter recreation opportunities.
	No SCUBA diving or snorkelling opportunities.
	No windsurfing opportunities.
	No waterskiing opportunities.
	Hunting is permitted only during lawful game hunting season. Please check the BC Hunting and Trapping regulations for more information.
	No climbing or rock climbing opportunities.
	No spelunking or caving opportunities.
	No cabins, yurts or lodges for public use.