Monkman Provincial Park

Monkman Provincial Park is a provincial park in British Columbia, Canada near the community of Tumbler Ridge and Chetwynd, British Columbia.

Introduction

If you're looking for a scenic place to camp, follow the Forest Service roads to Monkman Provincial Park. Up until a few years ago, just getting to Monkman was as big an adventure as exploring the park itself. Washed out Forest Service roads with nearly a dozen creek crossings kept access limited to four-wheel-drive vehicles, and only at certain times of the year. Though still fairly rough, the gravel road has been upgraded and bridges have been built, opening up the park to almost all vehicles.

History

Monkman Provincial Park was named after Alex Monkman, an individual who expended a considerable amount of effort attempting to build a transportation route from the Peace River farming country down to the Pacific ports. In 1922, he and a group of fur trappers discovered what is now known as Monkman Pass. It was this pass that provided him with his vision for a railroad, a direct and economical route south. Failing to get government support for his venture, Monkman focused on the alternative--building a highway. The Monkman Pass Highway Association was formed in 1936, and over the next three years, many determined volunteers laboured to blaze this new trail. Limited funding, harsh conditions, and the outbreak of the Second World War eventually brought the project to a halt. A railway was later built to the northwest over the Pine Pass, and Monkman’s "highway" slowly faded into historical obscurity. Today, only a few sections are visible along the Monkman Lake Trail, a route that follows parts of the original road. The Brooks Falls in Monkman Provincial Park, was named after Carl Brooks, one of the volunteers who worked along with Alex Monkman and the Highway Association. A cairn marking overlooking the falls has been placed in his honour.

Things to do

Kinuseo Falls

A geological fault in the course of the Murray River has created a 60 metre cascade.

One of the most outstanding features in Monkman Provincial Park is Kinuseo Falls. At 197 feet (60 metres), Kinuseo Falls is slightly taller than Niagara Falls. Though it doesn't move the same volume of water as Niagara, it also lacks the tacky tourist get-up of the latter. The falls are located a short, but challenging, stroll from any of the campsites in the wild Rocky Mountain foothills. The campground is also a departure point for people making further explorations into the park.

The Stone Corral

The Stone Corral area of Monkman park was discovered in 1999. A hike to the area takes you through amazing features such as small caves with stalactites, moonsmilk and other limestone formations, ponds and many kinds of moving water, interesting plants, fossils, and magnificent viewpoints. An interpretive brochure has been printed documenting all the areas special features.

The Cascades and Monkman Lake

To the south of the Kinuseo Falls campground lies the main body of Monkman Provincial Park. Access is via the 24-km Monkman Lake Trail, which winds through this portion of the park and provides backpackers and hikers with an opportunity to experience the unspoiled splendour of the area. Small side trails provide scenic views of some of the waterfalls along Monkman Creek. The trail, which follows the historic Monkman Pass route, ends at Monkman Lake, the largest body of water in the park. Note that mountain bikes are only allowed up to Kilometre 12 on this trail, with horse and llama use not permitted anywhere in the park.

Further reading

Helm, Charles. Tumbler Ridge: Enjoying its History, Trails, and Wilderness. MCA Publishing (2001).

Links

• Monkman Provincial Park BC Parks Website
• Tumbler Ridge Website
• BritishColumbia.com Website
• Chetwynd Website