Choquette Hot Springs Provincial Park

Choquette Hot Springs Provincial Park
IUCN category III (natural monument or feature)
Location	Kitimat-Stikine, British Columbia, Canada
Nearest town	Wrangell, Alaska
Coordinates	56°49′58″N 131°45′25″W
Area	52 ha (130 acres)
Established	January 25, 2001
Governing body	BC Parks
Website	Choquette Hot Springs Provincial Park

Choquette Hot Springs Provincial Park is a provincial park located in the Stikine Country region of British Columbia, Canada. It was established on January 25, 2001, to protect Stikine River Hot Springs, the largest hot springs on the Canadian side of the lower Stikine River.

The park lies in the traditional territory of the Tahltan First Nation about 120 kilometres (75 mi) south of the Tahltan community of Telegraph Creek.

Geography

The park is located on the eastern banks of the Stikine River, just north of the river's confluence with the Choquette River. Despite the park's name, the official name of the hot springs is Stikine River Hot Springs.

Geology

The Stikine River Hot Springs are a collection of over 15 individual hot springs that emerge out from the granitic rocks at the base of the valley wall, or from mud just beyond the valley floor. Many of these hot springs are within a tidally-influenced area and are underwater at high tides. At least four hot springs remain above the high tide and beaver pond flooding.

These hot springs range in temperature from 50 to 60 °C (122 to 140 °F). The water is odourless and tasteless, with a low mineral content.

Activities

Choquette Hot Springs Park features no facilities but allows backcountry or "walk-in" camping. The park is accessible by boat on the Stikine River, or by helicopter. The hot springs are difficult to access due to extensive mud areas and the absence of any developed pools.

See also

• Stikine, British Columbia
• Craig Headwaters Protected Area

References

• "Choquette Hot Springs Park". BC Geographical Names.
• "Choquette River". BC Geographical Names.
• BC Parks webpage