Plan Rearguard Falls Park on Highway 16 with a short falls viewpoint trail, Chinook salmon viewing, fishing, steep river-edge cautions, and winter snowshoeing.
Rearguard Falls Park is on Highway 16, about 285 kilometres east of Prince George. The closest communities listed by BC Parks are Tete Jaune Cache, Valemount, and McBride.
The park is known for a viewpoint over Rearguard Falls on the Fraser River.
BC Parks lists Quartz Contracting as the park operator.
Why Visit Rearguard Falls Park
Rearguard Falls gives travellers a chance to see a dramatic point in the Chinook salmon migration. BC Parks explains that these salmon travel more than 1,200 kilometres upstream from the lower mainland to this point on the Fraser River. Some may get over the falls to reach gravel above, but for most, Rearguard Falls marks the end of the journey.
The park is compact and focused. One walking trail leads to the viewing area, where visitors can watch the waterfall and, in autumn, look for Chinook salmon runs. The falls are usually too high for salmon to jump, making the viewing area a powerful place to understand the scale of the migration.
Things To Do
Walk the designated trail to the viewpoint, watch the waterfall, look for autumn Chinook salmon, fish with the proper licence, keep pets leashed, and snowshoe the walking trail in winter.
Planning Notes
The viewing area drops steeply to the river, so stay behind safe edges and obey posted signs. Keep to the designated trail because shortcutting damages plants and soils. There are no beach-style activities listed on the page. Check winter conditions before snowshoeing, and use extra caution around snow, ice, and river edges.