Riske Creek
Riske Creek is a small community situated amidst sweeping grasslands on the western border of
the Central Cariboo and the East Chilcotin, 47 kilometers west of Williams Lake, on the Bella
Coola Highway.
The town is named after Polish pioneer and settler L.W. Riske who set up a sawmill and a
flourmill during the 1860’s from which he sent supplies and produce to the once booming gold
rush town of Barkerville.
Riske Creek is one of the stops of interest along the famous Coast Cariboo Circle Route from
Victoria to Bella Coola, east to Williams Lake, then southwest to Vancouver via Lillooet and
Whistler. It is also the doorway to the vast Chilcotin region and a point from which to explore
some unparalleled attractions such as Junction Sheep Range Provincial Park, Deer Park Wildlife
Reserve and Farwell Canyon with its hoodoos, shifting sand dune and ancient pictographs.
There are lodges, cabins and campsites with full service RV hook-ups for you to stay at while
embarking on your hiking, biking, horseback riding, or fishing adventures.
The wildlife viewing is extraordinary with a variety of indigenous species including bears,
coyotes, mule deer and the main attraction, the herds of California Bighorn Sheep that take up
residence in the areas surrounding Riske Creek. The opportunities for bird-watchers are
incredible, with an amazing abundance of birdlife to choose from, so be sure to take your
binoculars and cameras with you on your excursions.
Needless to say, the fishing is phenomenal around Riske Creek, just as it is in every corner of the
Central Cariboo. There are charters and guide services available to take you to the finest fishing
spots and whether you hike, ride horseback or fly-in to these secluded and unspoiled lakes, rivers
and streams, the experience will prove well worth the trip.
There is much to see and do in Riske Creek, so make sure to include it in your travel itinerary
because you won’t want to miss the memorable sights and experiences offered in this unique and
breathtaking landscape.
