Hiking
Two hikers admiring the views (Picture BC photo)
Tumbler Ridge is a hiker's paradise with well-developed routes that wind past waterfalls, river valleys, and mountain alpine areas.
Many of the area’s waterfalls, including iconic Kinuseo Falls and Bergeron Falls, are easily accessible by short hikes.
Trails range from easy day trips to advanced multi-day adventure treks. The Wolverine Nordic and Mountain Society (the local outdoors club) has developed an excellent trail system in the area.
Day Hikes near Tumbler Ridge
Choose from a number of day hikes near Tumbler Ridge, such as Cabin Pool and Flatbed Falls trails, or the Bergeron Cliffs Hiking Trail, which links to the Bergeron Falls Trail.
Looking for a quick route? Try a steep, short jaunt up to the Bald Spot on Tumbler Ridge, which provides a great view of town, or Tumbler Point Hiking Trail (Bergeron Drive at the edge of town) through the Bird Sanctuary and to a viewpoint overlooking Flatbed Creek. Quality Canyon and Quality Mouth hiking trails, 6km/3.7mi from town, offer a journey along a historic pack trail with a gorgeous river and canyon view.
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Day Hikes outside Tumbler Ridge
Bullmoose Marshes (24km/15mi along Highway 29) offers a trail network through a different landscape, including a pretty wetland area. The Stone Corral Trail located in Monkman Provincial Park, 65km/40mi from Tumbler Ridge, is a loop trail that leads past wetlands, a small lake, cliffs and caves and can be completed in a few hours. Boulder Gardens Trail, 33km/20mi from town, leads up Mount Babcock to a jumble of large rocks that make up Boulder Gardens.
Hiking to Waterfalls near Tumbler Ridge
Kinuseo Falls is one of BC’s most spectacular natural sights and, at 65m/215ft high, is actually taller than Niagara Falls. It’s located along the Murray River and has a lookout point from above and below. Driving access to the falls is via a gravel road. Take a short but extremely strenuous hike down a steep rugged trail to see the falls from the base. Daily jet boat tours (minimum four-person booking) are offered to the base of Kinuseo Falls from the bridge at the Murray River near Tumbler Ridge.
Bergeron Falls is another impressive waterfall; it’s tall (100m/328ft high), narrow, and set within a circular sandstone cliff. The trailhead is 5km/3.1mi north of Tumbler Ridge on Highway 29 and is marked by a highway hiker sign. Follow the gently climbing trail to the falls – the view is beautiful from the top of the cliff.
A well-developed trail leads to Flatbed Falls, the closest falls to Tumbler Ridge. While Flatbed Falls are just 4m/13ft high, there is a beautiful pool at the bottom great for a mid-summer dip on a hot day. Be cautious as there is no lifeguard; avoid diving and high waters.
Quality Falls is a cascading falls not far from Tumbler Ridge. Follow the easy hiking trail to the falls and watch for songbirds such as hermit and Swainson's thrushes along the way. Tepee Falls, just a short hike through the forest, is another easy hike and offers great views of the Murray River valley. Quality Canyon and Quality Mouth trails, and Barbour Falls and Nesbitt's Knee Falls trails are also well worth the trip.
Multi-day Wilderness Hikes
The historic Monkman Pass Memorial Trail is a challenging 63km/39mi route that begins at Kinuseo Falls Campground. The trail passes through lower elevation forests, along the Murray River, by cascading waterfalls, and into higher elevations of steep and rugged terrain. Spend a few days in Wapiti Lake Provincial Park and hike the 30km/19mi Wapiti Onion Hiking Trail. Discover pristine lakes, rivers, and alpine meadows. Stay at the BC Parks shelter (located at 19km/12mi) that has a lovely view of Wapiti Lake.
Additional routes worth checking out include Holzworth Meadow, Murray Canyon Overlook, Cowmoose Mountain, Pinnacle Peak, Mount Spieker and more.
Stop by the Tumbler Ridge Visitor Centre for more information about hiking trails and waterfalls.
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