Gilnockie Park is a 2,842 hectare park southeast of Cranbrook and just north of the U.S. border. It includes the upper portion of Gilnockie Creek and protects some of the region's oldest fir and larch stands.
BC Parks says the park has low recreation values but important habitat diversity and north-south connectivity for wildlife.
Gilnockie is a steep, densely wooded, small wet valley for self-sufficient backcountry visitors interested in old forest, wildlife habitat, fishing, hunting, and rough route-finding.
There are no facilities, no designated camping, and no picnic facilities. Visitors must arrange supplies and transportation beforehand, and public communications are not available. Access is by seasonal logging roads from Highway 3 near Moyie Lake or from Lake Koocanusa via forest roads. Loaded logging trucks and industrial traffic may be encountered.
Hiking access is by game trails from the north or south end of the park; BC Parks describes these as routes only. Gilnockie Creek provides cutthroat trout fishing opportunities. Wildlife and habitat values include elk, white-tailed deer, mule deer, moose, grizzly bear, cutthroat trout, threatened northern leopard frog, and Columbia red-tailed chipmunk.
Plan around wilderness route-finding, old fir and larch forest study, Gilnockie Creek fishing, wildlife habitat awareness, roadway cycling, remote access research, and seasonal hunting in lawful game seasons.
Bring drinking water or treat water, carry a portable stove, prepare for sudden weather, yield to industrial traffic, and avoid relying on pets in backcountry areas because of wildlife concerns.
