The Boundary Road (aka Heritage Highway) leads southeast from Tumbler Ridge, eventually turning northeast and joining Highway 2 near the BC Alberta border.

40 km of the road is unpaved.

‍

‍

1) UPPER FLATBED CREEK (Brochure #39)

Time/Distance: 40 minute/1 km return        Rating: Easy

The Flatbed Creek Forest Recreation Site is 33 km from Tumbler Ridge, on the right side of the road just before it ascends some switchbacks.

From this site a short 300 metre trail leads south beside Flatbed Creek to a bench and viewpoint between two spruce trees. Here the upper reaches of Flatbed Creek widen to form an intriguing wetland.

The best way to explore upstream for a kilometre or more is by canoe or kayak from the campsite. There are some interesting cliffs to ascend and explore on foot.

‍

2) MOUNT CLIFFORD (Brochure #41)

Time/Distance: 3-4 hours/10 km return     Rating: Moderate

Drive 48 km from Tumbler Ridge and take the road on the right for Mt Clifford. Take the right fork at 6 km. After 9 km the road crosses Honeymoon Creek, followed by a junction. Take the left fork, which leads a further 8 km up the lower slopes of Mt Clifford. Look for an old road to the right (west), 50 metres before a gate, and park here.

Hike up this road, which climbs steadily, reaches an old gas well site, and then climbs some more via an old exploration road. The ATV route onto Mt Clifford branches sharply off this to the left after a few hundred metres, and rises above tree line. From the top of the ridge simply follow the ATV route west, along a succession of summits and ridges at or above the tree line. The views of the Rockies are magnificent, with Bone Mountain in the foreground and the Monkman and Bulley Glaciers in the distance. Below is the wide valley of Kinuseo Creek, the route of the Monkman Pass highway of the 1930s. Return the way you came.

Mt Clifford also provides a tough but rewarding mountain biking trip – please stay on the trail in the alpine areas to avoid damage to the fragile tundra.

Alpine weather can change suddenly –carry appropriate clothing and a map and compass or gps

‍

3) STONY LAKE (Brochure #42)

Time/Distance: 2 hours/4 km return         Rating: Easy

The turnoff to the Stony Lake Forest Recreation Site is 54 km from Tumbler Ridge on the right. A dirt road leads for 1.6 km to the lakeshore and Recreation Site.

Launch your canoe or kayak here, and cross the short distance to the far shore. Beware of strong winds on the lake. Proceed right, around the corner, and to the sign with the logo of the Monkman Pass Memorial Trail. Disembark and follow the well signposted trail, which soon becomes the old Monkman Pass Highway of the 1930s.

This can be followed west (right) for about two kilometres. Amazingly, the old ruts are still visible, along with stretches of corduroy at two small creek crossings, and places where the effects of pick and shovel in leveling the sidehill grades can be appreciated.

‍

4) KRUGER’S FLATS (Brochure #43)        

Time/Distance: 2 hours/6 km return        Rating: Easy

The Stony Creek Road branches off on the right 72 km from Tumbler Ridge. Follow it over the creek (300 metres), then park on the left by a large clearing another100 metres on, and follow the signs.

This is another fascinating stretch of original Monkman Pass Highway, leading for 3 kilometres to Kruger’s Flats. Here Emil Kruger had a mink ranch in the 1930s. Although it has seen subsequent owners, the Flats remains a remarkable site, with old cabins in disrepair. Please respect this site, do not disturb it or remove any items, and leave it for others to enjoy.

Caution: This flat trail is shared with ATVs. There can be a few short wet sections in wet years. This trail is also a very pleasant mountain biking trip.

‍

5) LONG LAKE (Brochure #44)                 

Time/Distance: 40 minute/1 km return        Rating: Easy

78 km from Tumbler Ridge is a major junction, with the Redwillow Forest Recreation Site on the right. Turn right here, and follow the road over the Redwillow River. The road forks after 1 km. Keep left, for another 2.6 km (3.6 km from where you left the Boundary Road). There is a parking lot on the left, built by ConocoPhillips for WNMS in 2007.

Here a short (270 metre) hiking trail leads north to a peaceful promontory on the shores of this unusual lake, which is a kilometre long but never more than 100 metres wide. It has a rocky shore, is deep in places, and is ideal for swimming and kayaking. Watch for Trumpeter Swans, which nest in the marshy area at the east end of the lake.

Caution: Watch for industrial traffic on the radio controlled access road, and park well off the road.

‍

‍

• These routes are in bear country – travel in groups and make noise
• Please pack out what you packed in

‍