Ruskin Dam
Stave, Hayward and Ruskin Recreation Areas
Access
Stave Lake Reservoir, Hayward Lake Reservoir, and the Stave River are located in north central Fraser Valley between Maple Ridge and Mission, about 60 km east of Vancouver.
Driving Directions
From Vancouver Area
- Go east on Broadway, which becomes Lougheed Highway (No.7), or
- Go east on Hastings, which becomes Barnet Highway (No.7A), which turns into Lougheed Highway in Coquitlam, or
- Go east on Highway 1 and take Exit 44 before the Port Mann Bridge, following the signs to Lougheed Highway (No.7), heading east. Stay in the right lane on Lougheed Highway (about 5 km). The highway bears right at a major intersection and continues east towards Maple Ridge.
Then keep going east along Lougheed Highway over the Pitt River Bridge. Go about 6 km beyond bridge, then turn left onto Dewdney Trunk Road (note: do not take the access to Dewdney Trunk Road immediately after the bridge). Go straight east on Dewdney Trunk Road for about 18km and then turn right on to Wilson Road. When you reach the Ruskin Dam turn left and drive across the dam. Continue for several kilometres until you see signs for the Ruskin Recreation Area on your right.
From the South
- U.S.: use Sumas crossing and take Highway 11 to Abbotsford
From the East
- Take Highway 1 to Abbotsford.
From Abbotsford take Highway 11 to Mission. Go west on Lougheed Highway (No.7) towards Maple Ridge until you reach 287th, then turn right. (287th becomes Wilson Road near Ruskin Dam, which is the first dam you come to.) Turn right and drive across the dam. Continue for several kilometres until you see signs for the Ruskin Recreation Area on your right.
Note: parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. When parking lots are full, entrance gates will be closed.
Multiple Use
Today, BC Hydro's Stave Lake Reservoir, Hayward Lake Reservoir, and Stave River serve not only as a source of hydroelectric power but also as an attractive recreation area for public enjoyment. To add to your enjoyment, BC Hydro provides parking, washrooms or pit toilets, and picnic tables at all three recreation areas. Individual sites contain:
Stave Lake Reservoir
- A boat launch complete with a double- wide concrete ramp to low water and floating docks
- Beach and picnic area (sorry, no drinking water)
- 6 unit Campground and Lodge facility (available to non- profit groups through reservations only — see our Stave Lake Lodge and Campsite brochure)
- Fishing
Hayward Lake Reservoir
- Open grass play areas
- Gazebo picnic shelter
- Car- top boat reservoir access ramp to high water
- 90 m long developed beach
- Wheelchair accessible facilities
- Washroom facility complete with change rooms and beach shower
- Fishing
- Hiking and mountain biking trails
- Information displays
- Drinking water
- Pay phone
Stave River - Ruskin Picnic Site
- Beach and picnic area (sorry, no drinking water)
- Hiking trail access
- Information displays
- Fish spawning channel complete with viewing bridge
- Fishing
The Power House at Stave Falls -- Visitor Centre
- Experience an authentic 1912 generating station
- Interactive and historical displays for the whole family
History and Hydroelectric Operation
Hydroelectric developments were instrumental in shaping the history and landscape of the Stave Valley from as early as 1909 when the Western Canada Power Company Limited began the construction of a power plant at Stave Falls.
Construction of the Stave Falls Dam and Powerhouse began in 1909 and was completed by January 1, 1912.
From 1926 to 1928, the construction of an earthfill dam, tunnel and Powerhouse saw the completion of the Alouette component of the regional hydroelectric system.
In 1929, construction began on Ruskin Dam and Powerhouse at the narrow granite gorge 5.6 km downstream of Stave Falls. This development created Hayward Lake Reservoir, named after Stave Falls Dam's first Production Superintendent.
An additional generator was installed in the Ruskin Powerhouse in 1950 to meet increased electrical demand in the region. Electric power produced at the Ruskin Generating Station is used to meet short term peak electrical demand in the Lower Mainland.
In January 2000, an upgrade to the Stave Falls Dam and Powerhouse was completed to increase the Dam's efficiency while ensuring long term hydroelectric service.
The Alouette- Stave- Ruskin generation system is a source of hydroelectricity for the Lower Mainland. Water from Alouette Lake is directed by tunnel to the Alouette Powerhouse on Stave Lake Reservoir where it then passes through the Stave Falls Powerhouse, and into Hayward Lake Reservoir. From here, water flows through the Ruskin Powerhouse and eventually down into the Fraser River. Together, the three Powerhouses have a production capacity of 203.6 megawatts of electricity.
Trails Around Hayward Lake Reservoir
The Hayward Lake Reservoir Recreation Area offers a hiking trail to suit you. The 10-km Reservoir Trail connects with the 6-km Railway Trail to provide a scenic 16 km walk around Hayward Lake Reservoir. The Railway Trail, on the west side of the reservoir, was built to accommodate both hiking and biking. The Reservoir Trail on the east side is restricted to hiking only.
Please: stay on established trails. Take only photos. Leave only footprints and enjoy your hike.
Visitors
These Recreation Areas are provided for your use and enjoyment by BC Hydro. Please respect the facilities and natural environment by observing the following rules:
- Deposit all refuse in the containers provided.
- Pets must be on a leash at all times and are prohibited on the Hayward Lake Reservoir beach area.
- Firearms and hunting are prohibited in the recreation area.
- Overnight camping is permitted only at the Stave Lake Lodge and Campsite with an approved reservation.
- Vehicles left overnight on BC Hydro property may be towed at the owner's expense.
- Trails are closed to all motorized vehicles. The Reservoir Trail is closed to bicycles.
- Hayward Lake Reservoir is reserved for canoes and non-motorized boats (electric motors permitted). Stave Lake permits motorized boats.
- The consumption of liquor in public places is prohibited.
- For your own safety, avoid designated danger zones and observe all posted signs.
Aquatic Safety
Hydroelectric production creates special concerns for visitor safety. Please note the following:
Hydroelectric Operations
- Avoid the designated hazard areas above and below Stave Falls and Ruskin Dams and obey all posted signs. Water releases occur downstream and strong surface and underwater currents are created upstream. Swimming, boating or fishing in these areas is extremely dangerous.
- On Stave Lake Reservoir, fluctuating water levels may create dangerously shallow channels for boats and expose stumps that are normally hidden. Floating debris may also be encountered.
Shoreline Users
Changes to Stave River levels occur suddenly and without warning. Flooding may occur in low-lying areas and create dangerous conditions for fishers and other shoreline users. For your own safety, observe posted signs and be aware of rising water levels. All bodies of water (lakes, rivers and streams) represent a potential danger. Please note the following:
Boating/Canoeing
- An approved personal flotation device (PFD) is required by law for each person on board any boat or canoe. This includes inflatables. Remember, IT WON'T WORK IF YOU DON'T WEAR IT. A sound signalling device, such as a whistle, is also required by law. Further requirements are outlined in the Canadian Coast Guard's Safe Boating Guide.
- Don't overload your boat or canoe with people or gear.
- Watch the weather. Check the weather forecast before starting out. Be alert for the wave, wind, cloud changes that signal bad weather approaching.
- Cold water robs body heat 25 times faster than air at the same temperature. Stave Lake Reservoir, Hayward Lake Reservoir and the Stave River are cold enough to threaten your survival. Wearing your PFD increases your survival time.
- Be off the water one-half hour before posted closing times. DON'T GET LOCKED IN!
Swimming
- There are no lifeguards on duty at Hayward, Stave, and Ruskin Recreation Areas. In the event of an accident, contact the Recreation Area Staff and phone 911. Visitors are required to obey the safety directions of all onsite BC Hydro Recreation Area Staff or leave the recreation area.
- Never leave children without proper supervision while they are in or near the water. Children or non-swimmers should wear a PFD.
