Eskers --long, sinuous ridges of sand and gravel that were once the beds of ancient rivers-- are found in many regions of Ontario. Two eskers form the shoals in Little Wawa Lake, and lend their name to the park. A third esker, in the shape of a bird's foot, is actually the remains of a former delta where a postglacial river drained into the edge of an ancient lake. This unusual formation is protected by the park. In all, four eskers grace the park.

The park is part of the boreal forest that stretches across Canada from Newfoundland to the Yukon. Within the park boundaries are 28 distinct plant communities, including coniferous forest, herbaceous wetland, and marsh.
Moose, timber wolf, red fox, lynx, marten, beaver, muskrat, and otter are residents of the park. It is also a haven for birds, among them osprey, bald eagle, great blue heron, and several species of hawk and owl.