Cache Creek Fossil Hunting
 McAbee Fossil Beds, Toshi photo
McAbee Fossil Beds Located 13 km/8m east of Cache Creek, just off the Trans Canada Highway and marked by a sign on the entrance gate, the McAbee Fossil Beds are made up of shallow lake sediments dating from about 50.2 million years ago. At that time, the entire valley was a large lake and what is now the valley floor was the lake bottom. The fossil beds rise up from the highway, so reaching them requires a 5-8 minute walk from the parking lot up a moderately inclined dirt road. The fossils beds allow access to a 364m/400yd long outcropping of 50.2 million year old lake sediment. Guides are available in July/August. However, tours are usually cancelled during heavy rainfall.
Diverse Fossils The fossil site is the most diverse in British Columbia with a wide variety of plants and insects from the Eocene age (36-56 million years ago). Fossils include more than 50 plant varieties, countless insect and fish species, and even a few feathers, often preserved intact. The larger leaves and insects are often spread out, the leaves perfectly flat and the insects with legs and wings spread. The fossil beds are part of an ongoing study at Thompson Rivers University, so all fossils found are examined before visitors leave. (Significant fossils must be taken to the university.)
Digging for Fossils Visitors are can of course dig for fossils, and rock hammers, bags, hard hats, and goggles are provided. Wear closed toed shoes, a sun hat and sun block, and carry a water bottle since temperatures in July/August can sometimes reach 38˚C/100˚F. Remember, all fossils found must be examined by on-site professionals before being taken home. For more information about fossil hunting at McAbee Fossil Beds, stop by the Visitor Centre.
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