MONKMAN PROVINCIAL PARK, BC
KINUSEO FALLS

Monkman Provincial Park is located in the north east corner of British Columbia, 60 km south of Tumbler Ridge B.C. It is the location of Kinuseo Falls the most recognizable feature in the Tumbler Ridge area. It is 60 meters tall which is taller than Niagara Falls.

Monkman Provincial Park was named after Alex Monkman, who in 1922 discovered the Monkman Pass. He first hoped a railway would be built here. The project was eventually stopped with lack of funding and the Second World War. Later a railway was built through the Pine Pass. Brooks Falls in Monkman Provincial Park was named after Carl Brooks, a volunteer who worked with Alex Monkman in building the highway.

The weather is usually unstable and is usually cool, wet and windy at Monkman Provincial Park. Activities include camping and fishing, as well as hiking.

Getting to Monkman Provincial Park: First take Highway 52 south of Tumbler Ridge to the Quintette Mine Site. From Highway 52 it is 51km to Kinuseo Falls. The road is paved to the mine but from then on the road is gravel and takes on 3 different stages. The first few kilometres is a fine crushed rock and the travel is good and interesting as the road goes under tunnels as it winds around the mine. The next part of the road, has very loose gravel and one can expect to travel between 50-55km an hour. (slower if pulling an RV) About half ways the loose gravel road becomes more challenging with many potholes, ruts,and a number of one way bridges.

Located in Monkman Provincial Park is also a series of ten waterfalls known as the Cascades. Three of the falls are named Moore, Monkman and Brooks Falls located along 3 km of Monkman Creek.

There are 3 backcountry camping spots. One is at the Murray Crossing, at Kilometre 13 of the Monkman Trail and at Monkman Lake. Each campsite is equipped with a bear cache to store food and gear, a fire pit and pit toilet.

The Monkman Lake Trail is a 7km hike that takes you to the Murray River Crossing where a suspension bridge is located. In the southeast section of the Park there are several aquamarine lakes.

Be prepared for the possibility of an encounter with wildlife. A whistle and an air-horn didn't frighten this black bear. The park is home to the black bear, grizzly, mountain goats, caribou and moose as well as deer, wolves, wolverines, hares, squirrels as many bird species including owls, grouse, geese and loons.

Information on how to get to the many falls and lakes can be found at the Tourist Booth in Tumbler Ridge.