Damdochax Protected Area is a wilderness BC Parks protected area about 140 kilometres northeast of Hazelton. BC Parks says there is no road access and access is by air only.
The area is internationally significant for recreational fishing and provides habitat for a wide range of wildlife and fish species.
Damdochax is for experienced wilderness visitors planning around air access, paddling, fishing, hunting, and major watershed values. BC Parks says the protected area helps protect a main passage between the Nass and Skeena watersheds, with a variety of ecosystems and old-growth values.
The area lies within the asserted traditional territory of the Gitxsan First Nation. Damdochax is based on the Gitxsan word for "black water," and the area is often called "The Blackwater." The Telegraph Trail runs through the protected area, following the Damdochax River toward the headwaters of the Nass.
Wildlife values are extensive. Flooded willow swamps between Damdochax and Wiminasik Lakes are used by calving moose, the valley is moose winter range, grizzly bears live and den in the area, and the Damdochax River supports steelhead, coho, sockeye, and chum spawning.
Plan around fly-in wilderness access, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, seasonal hunting, Telegraph Trail history, moose and waterfowl habitat awareness, river scenery, wildlife observation, and old-growth ecosystem study.
Confirm air logistics, weather, fishing and hunting regulations, emergency communication, and cultural-site respect before travelling. This is a remote protected area near New Hazelton and Old Hazelton, with no road access.
