Coal River Springs Territorial Park

Getting there

The park's main purpose is to protect the sensitive limestone rock formations. Access is restricted due to the difficulties of wilderness travel in this isolated region.

By water

Experienced whitewater canoeists or rafters can access the park from the Coal River by starting upstream from tributary streams and lakes accessed by float plane from Watson Lake. Once on the river, boaters are committed to a week-long trip with grade III to IV rapids both above and below the springs.

By air

You can access the park by helicopter from Watson Lake, 80 km west of the park. You need a park permit to land an aircraft in the park.

By foot

It is extremely difficult to bushwack from the rough mining and logging road to the banks of the Coal River. This involves navigating a 2 km maze of large, burned deadfall. You can't cross the river by foot at any time of year. Hiking opportunities in the park are limited.

Download a 1:100,000 scale map of the park.

Facilities

A small camping area and outhouse 200 m east of the main limestone formations is provided for visitor use.

About

With its extensive limestone terraces created by cool water springs and the rich diversity of life forms associated with year-round flowing water, Coal River Springs is a unique feature of territorial and national significance.

In 1990, a 16 km2 area in the southeast Yukon encompassing Coal River Springs was officially dedicated as the Yukon's second Territorial Park and first Ecological Reserve designation.

Coal River Springs Territorial Park was created through the combined efforts of the Government of Yukon, the Liard First Nation and the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

Management plan

The park is operated by the Government of Yukon and does not have a park management plan at this time.