The Windfall Lake area, west of Tumbler Ridge, offers some of the best alpine hiking in the region. There is the option of returning along a different route, plus further alpine options. These options are more challenging, suitable only for experienced hikers with good route-finding skills. The alpine ridges are often windy, and fog may roll in unexpectedly. Take a GPS, map and compass, and be prepared to use them.

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The first half of the trail is through lush forest, with a few boggy sections. The trail crosses a creek and begins to ascend up a series of open draws and meadows. Keep right at the signed junction (at km 3.5) to head directly to the lake. After climbing a section with steps, the route flattens out with views of the rock wall above the lake. 

Once at the lake, which is nestled in a bowl below impressive cliffs, note the spot where the outlet stream disappears into an underground channel. There are six tent pads, food storage lockers, a dishwashing station and an outhouse. Please pack out what you pack in. Campfires are not allowed at these campsites due to the lack of available firewood in this sensitive environment. Follow the shore on the left to the south end of the lake for better, drier areas for relaxing or swimming.

In poor weather it is best to return by retracing the main route. In good conditions the circular route is highly recommended for the return trip. The rewards include great scenery through limestone terrain with small caves. Higher up there are more substantial caves but they are challenging and require advanced skills. A series of tall posts marked "Circular Route" are within line of sight of each other, starting near the campsite area at the southeast end of the lake. Follow these through meadows up beyond treeline to the high point, then northeast.

After one kilometer, the circular route comes to a view overlooking a valley, and descends to the left down into a meadow which leads into the forest and links up with the main trail. From the viewpoint, it is possible to connect to the Pinnacle Peak hiking route by heading right for the pass at the top of the valley, and then using route-finding skills up a series of ridges and summits to reach Pinnacle Peak.

West of the lake there is a steep, long climb that leads up onto the ridge above the lake, with views down into the Sukunka Valley to the west and glaciated Sentinel Peak in the distance. The best route is up the scree slopes in the bowl above the lake. Once on the ridge, you can head southeast along the crest, all the way to the summit of the ridge (2093 m). The views from here are magnificent.

Alternatively, a longer trip leads through a series of ascents and descents, and some sidehill travel, to Tunnel Mountain. The best route to ascend is along the ridge. The dark spot visible directly below the summit is the lower entrance of the tunnel. However, a steep scree slope must be crossed to get to the lower entrance. It is easier to find the upper entrance on the ridge crest, up and to the right of the lower entrance, and descend about 30 m through the tunnel to the lower entrance. From the tunnel it is a short climb to the summit.

From Tumbler Ridge, drive north towards Chetwynd on Hwy 29 for 25 km to the turnoff for the former Bullmoose Mine. Follow the Bullmoose mine road for 17 km and turn left onto the Windfall Creek Forest Service Road. Follow the Windfall Creek FSR as it heads up the valley of South Bullmoose Creek. There is a junction at the 9 km mark – do not take the turnoff to the left, but head straight, cross a small bridge, and continue up the road. This road climbs over a pass at km 14. Turn left at km 23 and follow this side road for 1.8 km until it ends at a deactivated crossing of Windfall Creek. The signed trailhead and outhouse are on the right.

• These routes are in bear country; travel in groups and make noise
• Please pack out what you packed in
• Bring an empty bag to pack out any additional garbage encountered
• Alpine weather can change suddenly – carry appropriate clothing and a map and compass or GPS
• No camp fires please, due to the sensitive environment