Gilpin Grasslands Park is nine kilometres east of Grand Forks, protecting grassland hills north of Highway 3 and the Kettle River on the south side. BC Parks says the park became a provincial park in May 2007 to protect distinctive grassland habitat and blue-listed species at risk, including bighorn sheep.
Motorized use is restricted, except for authorized use and the Gilpin Forest Service Road main.
Gilpin Grasslands offers dry-country hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, Kettle River swimming, paddling, and grassland conservation context.
Several unmarked trails can be reached from outside the park at Gilpin Forest Service Road. All trails are open to bicycles, and Class 1 e-bikes are permitted where signed or designated under BC Parks criteria. Lower slopes can support small numbers of horseback riders, with trailers parked and unloaded on Gilpin Forest Service Road.
The Kettle River offers swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and rafting, but BC Parks warns of hazards, including Cascade Falls about five kilometres downstream. The park protects habitat for bighorn sheep, elk, deer, western rattlesnake, gopher snake, western painted turtle, canyon wren, and other red- and blue-listed species.
Plan around hiking, mountain biking, signed e-biking, horseback riding, Kettle River swimming, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, songbird and waterfowl viewing, rattlesnake awareness, grassland photography, and seasonal hunting.
Wear bright clothing during hunting season, pack out garbage, stay on established trails, keep dogs from harassing wildlife or livestock, and research Kettle River hazards and exit points before river travel.
