Plan Stagleap Park on Highway 3 with Bridal Lake, Beargrass Trail, Ripple Ridge hiking, backcountry skiing, avalanche planning, grizzly habitat, and no hunting.
Stagleap Park sits at the summit of the highest all-weather highway pass in British Columbia, 34 kilometres west of Creston on Highway 3. BC Parks highlights subalpine forest, Bridal Lake, summer ridge hiking, and important habitat for the vulnerable Southern Selkirk grizzly bear population.
The park is also one of the region’s most accessible backcountry skiing destinations.
Why Visit Stagleap Park
Stagleap offers high-elevation scenery without a long approach. In summer, visitors can walk near Bridal Lake, follow the Beargrass Trail for Southern Selkirk Mountain views, or explore high alpine areas such as Ripple Ridge and Cornice Ridge.
In winter, Stagleap becomes a major ski and snowshoe destination because of consistently strong snow conditions. BC Parks warns that the terrain can be very hazardous, with extreme avalanche danger possible, and off-trail winter use is discouraged unless visitors have proper equipment and training.
Things To Do
Hike, paddle Bridal Lake by canoe or kayak, fish Bridal Lake for rainbow trout with the proper licence, ski mountaineer, snowshoe, toboggan where conditions allow, and use Avalanche Canada trip-planning tools before winter travel.
Planning Notes
Hunting is not permitted. Stagleap is user-maintained, so pack out all garbage. Backcountry travel should only be attempted by experienced people with suitable equipment. Winter parking is limited because snow-clearing space is constrained, and BC Parks encourages carpooling when possible. Pets must be leashed and are not suitable for backcountry areas because of wildlife concerns. Expect no track-set cross-country skiing. Check avalanche bulletins, weather, daylight, and road conditions before leaving Creston or Salmo. Travel with partners in winter and carry beacon, probe, and shovel.