Churn Creek Protected Area

The 36,747-hectare protected area contains grasslands, deep canyons, and benchlands along the western bank of the Fraser River in British Columbia.

The provincial government established the protected area in 1995 following recommendations from the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land Use Plan to conserve grassland ecosystems.

Archaeological evidence indicates First Nations groups, including Tsilhqot'in and Secwepemc peoples, inhabited the region for 7,000 years with pithouse villages and stone tools.

The remote location requires several hours of driving on rough clay and gravel roads, with the nearest supplies available 45 minutes away in Dog Creek.

The protected area integrates active ranching operations with conservation efforts, maintaining the Empire Valley Ranch purchased by the government in 1998.

Location: Thompson-Nicola Regional District

Location: Cariboo Regional District

GPS coordinates: 51.44100,-122.32200

Latest update: March 7, 2025 08:12