The Tsitika River Valley on Northern Vancouver Island, up until recently, was the largest unlogged watershed that remained untouched, which also included Catherine Creek. Old-growth logging began in 2012, and the whole watershed is now fragmented by large tracks of logged areas.
The bottom valley was home to some of the biggest old-growth trees on the eastern side of Vancouver Island. It is home to many herds of Roosevelt Elk, Black Bears, Black-Tailed Deer, Cougars, and Wolves. The elk herds that roam the valley are incredible to see. The last herd I saw was about 50 in number, and it was led by a bull with one of the biggest racks I have ever seen. There is something about the thunder of their hooves as they disappear into the forests that stirs the wunderlust in my soul. I will never tire of this.
The valley has a population of Western Screech Owls that relies on these old-growth forests to provide for its survival. The western screech owl lives year-round on Vancouver Island, with the Tsitika Valley being prime habitat for them. They are virtually non-migratory on the island. Western Screech Owls tend to live in old-growth forests, but in many other places, they prefer mixed forests. They can be heard hooting year-round in the Tsitika Valley.
The Lower Tsitika River Park was established on July 12, 1995, as part of the Vancouver Island Land Use Plan. The park protects the Tsitika Mountain Ecological Reserve, Mt. Derby Ecological Reserve and Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve. The Tsitika River Ecological Reserve and the Lower Tsitika River Park are nearby locations that offer a variety of natural environments and outdoor activities. There was a small campsite at the crossing, but it has been closed.
The Franklin Range is located on north Vancouver Island, It’s where the headwaters of the Tsitika River form. The River is a major feature of the area, with the Tsitika Mountain being located within the range.
The Park is located eastern side of northern Vancouver Island. You can reach this park via the Tsitika Main Line logging road that departs Hwy 19 approximately 20 km east of Woss. Nearby communities include Woss, Telegraph Cove, Port McNeill and Sayward. This road was paved many years ago, but is now pretty rough with major potholes in the pavement and my last trip in here we ran into several off-highway logging trucks. I suggest you drive slowly and keep an eye out for trucks.
The Tsitika River is generally open for recreational angling in 2025, but with specific regulations. Fishing upstream of Catherine Creek is closed from November 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025, according to Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Downstream of Catherine Creek, fly fishing is the only allowed method.