Dzawadi/Upper Klinaklini River Conservancy is a BC Parks conservancy about 60 kilometres southeast of Bella Coola and 150 kilometres northeast of Port Hardy. BC Parks says it includes part of the middle reach of the Klinaklini River.
The conservancy is a valley-bottom corridor surrounded by glaciers and some of the largest mountains on the coast.
Dzawadi/Upper Klinaklini is a true wilderness conservancy for experienced visitors researching remote river valleys, backcountry hazards, fish habitat, hunting, and cultural routes. BC Parks says very little is currently known about potential hazards, and there are no known developed trails.
The conservancy protects an ecologically unique trans-mountain valley that provides low-elevation connectivity between moist coastal ecosystems and dry interior ecosystems. It is also a major flyway for migratory birds and a travel corridor for grizzly bears.
The name originates from a Kwakwala word for eulachon grease, reflecting the corridor's use as a First Nations grease trail route. The Upper Klinaklini lies within the asserted traditional territories of the Da'naxda'xw/Awaetlala and Ulkatcho First Nations.
Plan around advanced wilderness research, remote hiking only with careful route knowledge, fishing where regulations allow, seasonal hunting, river-valley photography, migratory bird context, grizzly-bear corridor awareness, and cultural-route respect for grease trail history.
Gather route and hazard information from multiple sources, including local communities, BC Parks staff, SAR, or RCMP detachments. Prepare for a true wilderness area, confirm fishing and hunting regulations, and do not assume trails or facilities exist.
