monkman cascades & Monkman Lake

The BC Parks-maintained trail starts at Kinuseo Falls campground and is mostly flat for the first 7 km along the Murray River. The suspension bridge marks the Murray River Camp, located on a short side trail downstream. Trot Camp is the second campsite located near km 14. The Monkman Cascades, separated by serene pools, can be accessed at km 18, km 21, and Devil's Creek crossing at km 22. Two campsites have been built; one opposite Shire Falls and the other where Devil’s Creek joins the river. From here, hikers will reach the beautiful Monkman Lake after 2.5 km, a welcome sight after 25 km of trekking.

Monkman Provincial Park was named after Alex Monkman, who dedicated significant effort attempting to build a transportation route from the Peace River farming country 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. Cascades Two through Five are officially named for the members of the Monkman Trailblazer Crew: Chambers Falls, McGinnis Falls, Monkman Falls and Brooks Falls (cover photo). Downstream are Upper and Lower Moore Falls, named after another dedicated pioneer, Guy Moore. Cascades One and Eight are unnamed.

Backcountry camping spots are locate at kilometre 7 (Murray River crossing), at kilometre 13, at kilometre 20 (Cascades), at kilometre 22 (Devils Creek), and at kilometre 25 (Monkman Lake). There are two tent pads at the Murray river Crossing and eight at the Monkman Lake sites. The km 13 campsite provides access to water, a fire pit, a bear cache, and a few tent spots. Each campsite is equipped with a bear cache (to store foodstuffs and gear), a fire ring, and pit toilet. Please use these designated areas.

Camping at backcountry campsites is on a first-come first-served basis. Campfires are permitted only in designated backcountry campsites. Firewood is in short supply, so please keep fires small for safety and to conserve firewood for the next hiker.

The Stone Corral trail, a 4 km (round trip, 2 hrs) hike, passes by limestone formations, small caves, ponds, interesting plants, fossils, and spectacular viewpoints. Don't forget to bring a flashlight for the caves. The Lake Joan trail is a moderately strenuous 2 km (round trip) hike to a picturesque lake. The hike offers views of Canary Falls, limestone cliffs, and a densely forested gorge. At the north end of the park, Kinuseo Falls is a highlight of Monkan Park, where the Murray River drops 60 m, higher than Niagara Falls. The thunderous cascade can be viewed from a wheelchair-accessible platform.

Monkman Park is home to a variety of animals, including black bears, mountain goats, caribou, and moose. In the warmer seasons, visitors may spot deer, mountain sheep, grey wolves, martens, wolverines, marmots, hares, red squirrels, and many bird species such as owls, ptarmigan, grouse, geese, and loons. However, during the harsh winter climate, most of the larger animals migrate to more hospitable areas.

This trail is only suitable for experienced hikers with good route-finding skills.

No winter access. The road to the park is not plowed and conditions are dangerous in the winter months.

Weather conditions in Monkman Park tend to be unstable year-round. In summer, the weather is usually cool, wet and often windy, as the Rocky Mountains effectively block the westward movement of moist Pacific air. Hikers should be prepared for all weather conditions in this changeable climate.

The Monkman Pass Memorial Hiking Trail, past Monkman Lake, is not maintained and is for experienced hikers only with advanced navigation skills. View the backcountry campgrounds map for more information about this trail.