Homathko River-Tatlayoko Protected Area covers 34,109 hectares about 175 kilometres west of Williams Lake and 30 kilometres south of Tatla Lake. BC Parks describes coastal rainforests, wetlands, Waddington Canyon, extensive icefields, aquamarine Tatlayoko Lake, and mountain scenery.
The protected area was designated through the Cariboo Chilcotin Land Use Plan.
Homathko River-Tatlayoko Protected Area is for experienced backcountry visitors drawn to a rare transition from wet coastal climate to drier Chilcotin Plateau conditions. It protects low-elevation wildlife corridors through the Coast Range, Mosley Creek wetlands, valley migration routes, old forests, lakes, creeks, rivers, and extensive wetlands.
Recreation is remote and conditions are serious. BC Parks lists hiking, kayaking, mountaineering, photography, wildlife viewing, fishing, windsurfing, horseback riding, and hunting during open seasons, but also states that there are no roads or trails within the protected area.
Tatlayoko Lake is accessible by boat, with a road and forestry recreation site along its eastern shore. Afternoon thermal winds can make the lake hazardous for small boats and good for windsurfing. The Homathko River is considered too dangerous for canoeists, kayakers, or rafters.
Plan around Tatlayoko Lake boating, experienced paddling close to shore, windsurfing, fishing for bull trout, Dolly Varden, and rainbow trout, mountaineering, photography, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing from a distance.
Bring drinking water because potable water is not available. Campfires are not permitted. Expect no developed trails, avoid paddling the Homathko River, and treat high winds on Tatlayoko Lake as a major safety issue.
