Harrison Hot Springs is globally renowned as a resort area, featuring large mineral hot springs, sandy beaches and world-class accommodations with conference facilities. In addition to the world championship sand sculpturing contest held here every summer, Harrison Hot Springs also supports a variety of recreational pursuits, including swimming, water skiing, wind surfing, sailing, hiking, horseback riding and fishing, to name a few. If camping is your preference, RV rentals and campgrounds are located on the eastern side of the lake and in the nearby Harrison Mills area.
The entire region surrounding Harrison Lake area is breathtaking. Picturesque freshwater coves lead to pristine beaches, rock cliffs and waterfalls. The Cascade Mountains ring the entire valley, and centuries-old coniferous forests provide a haven for the region’s wildlife and birds. This region is an excellent choice for a family vacation or business retreat: travelers and anglers come from around the world to soak in the springs, fish in the rivers and relax in the lakeside hotels.
Practically hidden along the north end of Harrison Lake is a world-class trout fishery that is as secluded as it is difficult to access. The Lillooet River is one of the few rivers in the area offering quality trout fishing for three distinct species of trout and char – Dolly Varden (actually, Vic, Dollies are char, aren’t they?), cutthroat and rainbow trout. The average catch size in this productive river is between 18 and 22 inches, with many fish in the three- to five-lb. range.
The Lillooet, which also boasts solid returns of Chinook, Coho and steelhead, can also be difficult to access, since Harrison Lake can get rough very quickly, especially on windy days. It is strongly recommended that the long, often dangerous trip across the lake should be left to the area’s experienced guides, who are familiar with the lake and its hazards. Individuals are warned not to cross the lake alone.
Harrison Mills, located along Highway 7 at the confluence of the Fraser, Harrison and Chehalis Rivers, is a quiet, picturesque community, widely known as the “Home of the Bald Eagle”, as hundreds of these majestic birds frequent the area from November to April. During spring and summer, the Harrison River is an angler’s paradise, producing large runs of Chinook, Coho, sockeye and chum salmon. History buffs will love the Kilby General Store Museum on the south side of the Harrison River. The restored 1920s general store is fully operational, complete with staff wearing period costumes, who offer a nostalgic look back at rural life at the turn of the century.
From mid-October to mid- November, the Weaver Creek Spawning Channel, situated 13 km north of Harrison Mills, is swollen with fish resplendent in their brilliant spawning colors. Full interpretation signs explain the salmon’s life cycle in great detail, so pack a lunch and bring the whole family to experience this remarkable natural phenomenon.
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