Chilako River Ecological Reserve is a BC Parks ecological reserve 54 kilometres south of Vanderhoof and two kilometres north of the Chilako River. BC Parks says it was established to protect the most southerly known stand of tamarack trees in British Columbia.
The reserve lies in the Sub-Boreal Spruce biogeoclimatic zone and Nazko Upland terrestrial ecosection.
Chilako River Ecological Reserve is a specialized tree-conservation site. Its core value is the tamarack stand identified by BC Parks, along with its role in the ecological reserve system for research and education.
The reserve is open to the public for non-destructive activities such as hiking, nature observation, and photography. It is not intended for ordinary outdoor recreation, so the best visit is quiet, slow, and focused on observing the protected tamarack and surrounding Sub-Boreal Spruce landscape without disturbing vegetation or soils.
BC Parks provides a detailed reserve description for education and research, and formal research or educational activities require a permit. Consumptive activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, and foraging are prohibited, and motorized vehicles are not allowed.
Its location near the Chilako River gives the reserve a clear regional landmark.
Plan around low-impact walking, tamarack observation, forest photography, non-destructive natural history study, and education-oriented visits using the official reserve description for context.
Use official maps for general information only, not navigation or legal boundaries. Do not camp, hunt, fish, forage, or use motorized vehicles, and apply for permits before research or education work.
