| Flatbed
Falls Hiking Trail is a 1
kilometre one-way path (2 kilometres return trip) leading to a
beautiful waterfall located near the community of Tumbler Ridge,
BC, Canada. The path first explores along a high mountain ridge
and then drops into a canyon forest of Lodgepole Pine, Trembling
Aspen and White Spruce trees.. then finishes with the waterfall.
The Flatbed Falls Trail is part of a network of
trails in Flatbed Valley. The trail system is very well marked
with directional signs and there is a trail map in the parking
lot. It should take no longer than 2 hours to complete the hike.
The trail is mostly hard packed earth and gravel
with some sections of exposed tree roots and boulders to navigate.
From the parking lot the trail first climbs to a junction which
connects with the Link Trail. At the junction take a left and
follow the signs along a ridge. Continue hiking on the main trail
pass the connector trail to the Flatbed
Pools. Continue trekking pass a series of switchbacks ending
at a yellow gate (meant to keep ATVs out).
Continue hiking pass the gate down a hill into
the creek valley. The trail is wide, the hill is steep and the
path is covered with loose gravel. Be careful here.. sprained
ankles have a way of halting an adventure. From the bench at the
bottom of the hill continue walking a short distance further to
the log picnic shelter, picnic tables and an outhouse.
You can hear and see the creek from the picnic
area. Continue along the path over a trickling creek and follow
the sounds to the falls. The 4 metre falls carves a path through
the river rock creating a flat sandstone rock viewing platform
placing you at the top of the falls looking down.
There is plenty of opportunities to view bird wildlife
in the area. The Barrow's Goldeneye, Canada Goose, Yellow Warbler,
Lesser Yellowleg, Mallard Duck, Barred Owl and Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker have all been spotted on this hike. This is also bear
and moose country so be aware and be prepared.
Contact information for
the local Tumbler Ridge, BC accommodations, tours, guides,
golf courses and attractions, realtors, etc. are posted
under the links listed to your right. =) |
How to
Get to Flatbed Falls Hiking Trail: Travel
Hwy 29 south from the community of Tumbler Ridge, BC. Best access
from the village to the trailhead parking lot is via Mackenzie
Way. Just 400 metres down from where Mackenzie and Hwy 29 cross
paths is a gravel parking lot for the Flatbed Valley Trails.
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