The trail follows along the edge of an escarpment, with expansive views of the Murray River valley. The area is a bird sanctuary, with 89 types of birds recorded so far. The Tumbler Point trail forms part of the 28-kilometer-long TR Trail, which encircles three quarters of the community of Tumbler Ridge, and there are signs along the trail to indicate this.

‍

The sign at the entrance explains the variety of bird life found along the trail. This trail is good for birdwatching as it leads through a variety of forest types and open slopes, with good views of the forest canopy. Here eastern and western species may be found at the limits of their distribution ranges. Early morning is the best time, especially in spring. Consult the Birds of Tumbler Ridge Checklist for further details.

The path along the escarpment offers good views of the dry open slopes below, which are carpeted with shrubs such as juniper and kinnikinnick. Many wildflowers are found on these slopes.

During the last ice age, the Murray River valley was blocked by ice downstream, backing up the water into a lake that occupied the whole valley. The point itself is actually a remnant of a terrace formed by sediment deposits from this lake. Use caution when walking out on the end of the point, as it is made up of an unstable sand cliff. There is a colony of Bank Swallows just below the point.

‍

From the parking area, look for a sign on the near side of a drainage ditch. This is the start of the access to the trail. Follow this as it goes along the drainage ditch, then crosses the ditch. There is a large sign at the entrance to the bird sanctuary. Alternatively, go into the open field by the parking area (the other side of the drainage ditch) and follow the road along the ditch to the large sign.

Follow an old road through mixed aspen and pine forests. After 300 m, a path on the left leads to the edge of the escarpment. This is the first view of the Flatbed Woods and the valley of the Murray River.

At 0.7 km, a junction is reached. The right branch leads to the golf course (trail described below). Continue left along the escarpment to reach Tumbler Point. A few hundred metres further, the trail reaches another junction which is the start of the loop to the point. This can be followed either clockwise or counterclockwise. The quickest way to the point is to take the left fork, staying on the escarpment.

Once at the point itself, there is a good view up and down the Murray River valley.

Continue around the loop, joining the main trail in 1 km. Then you can retrace your steps back to the start, or take the branch that leads to the golf course. This leads through spruce forests, reaching the golf course and Nathan’s Trail after 1.5 km.

To get back to the trailhead, follow the golf course road, then walk along the open field beside the road. Instead of climbing the hill beside the road, continue to the right, passing a trail sign and heading towards the trailhead. The total distance for the loop including the golf course is 5 km.

‍

The main starting point for the Tumbler Point trail is the end of Bergeron Drive, on the lower section of town. From the town center, take Bergeron Drive and follow it to its end. There is parking available at the end of the road. Many other informal trails also lead to the Tumbler Point trail; a few of these are shown on the map.

‍

Use caution at the edge of the escarpment

This route is in bear country; travel in groups and make noise

Please pack out what you packed in

‍