In 1865, with the Gold Rush in full swing, Governor James Douglas ordered the construction of the Dewdney Trail which runs past from Hope through to Fort Steele to keep up with surge of saddle trains. Today, visitors can discover just how it was to pan for gold along Rock Creek!
The Boundary Country and Rock Creek area is abundant with trails, woodland of fir and ponderosa pine, and lakes that seem to provide bottomless trout stocks. Close by, travelers will find golf courses, short ski hills and great areas to set up camp in true wilderness fashion. Rock Creek is still an unincorporated community that offers little in the ways of shopping or major amenities. However, visitors can find a convenient store, fuel, a good night’s stay, a pub and local restaurant. The towns gift shop and fruit markets fill the gaps with local fare.
If you are attempting to get your bearings you will find Rock Creek is just north of the US border, and just west of Grand Forks (or 57 kilometers east of Osoyoos).
Population: 300
Highlights:
Labour day in September, the Annual Rock Creek & District Fall Fair, "The best little Country Fair in BC" showcases local artist works and agricultural products from the area (population increases to nearly 12,000)
Sky High Blues Fest the long weekend in August
Writer's Rodeo held in November
History:
Though most of British Columbia’s first inhabitants were First Nations bands rivers (such as Rock Creek) were mostly for summer fishing.
Rock Creek began as a bustling area when the European gold and silver miners passed through the area by saddle train and the Kettle Valley Railways. During the late 1800’s, the Gold Rush of British Columbia developed and the area became known as a supply center for the Boundary Country (which includes Kettle River, West Kettle River, Boundary Creek, Granby River, Christina Lake, Rock Creek and all tributaries draining from the Monashee Mountains to Columbia River Basin).
The economies which followed the boom developed when gold ran low and were created to sustain the few residents that remained. Today, agriculture, forestry, and ranching (including some blue ribbon livestock) still keep the community open to host fresh foods to passer bys and supply produce and meats to parts of British Columbia and the US.
Climate:
Summer average 28 degrees Celsius
Winter average -1 degrees Celsius
Rock Creek Accommodations
Rock Creek Things to Do
British Columbia
