Coldwater River Park is a BC Parks site 50 kilometres south of Merritt on Highway 5, just north of the former tollbooths. BC Parks says it protects a representative portion of a river valley ecosystem.
The Coldwater River runs north beside the highway, with its source in the Coquihalla Lakes.
Coldwater River Park is a modest river-valley stop with conservation, fishing, and historical interpretation value rather than a developed trail or campground destination. BC Parks notes the valley has high potential for outdoor recreation opportunities, but the park page lists no developed trails.
The river is the central feature. Limited fishing opportunities are available through the park, and the conservation section identifies important riparian areas, river wildlife habitat, and steelhead spawning. Visitors interested in river corridors, highway-adjacent landscapes, and watershed connections between Coquihalla Lakes and the Merritt area will find the most context here.
The park also has cultural and transportation history. BC Parks says the area is part of Coldwater First Nation territory and a traditional fishing area, with historical significance related to the Kettle Valley Railway. The park was established as a Class A park in 1986.
Plan around river observation, limited fishing with the required licence, nature and historical interpretation, photography, riparian habitat awareness, and short exploratory stops where access and signage allow.
Bring drinking water because potable water is not available. There are no developed trails, so obey posted signs, avoid shortcutting or trampling vegetation, check fishing regulations, and treat the park as a lightly developed river-conservation area.
