| Flatbed
Pools Hiking Trail is a 2 kilometre one-way
path (4 kilometres return trip) leading to a series of river pools
and dinosaur tracks located near the community of Tumbler Ridge,
BC, Canada. The hike follows a pine needle cushioned trail along
a ridge, into a forest and out to three pools - The Cabin, Overehanging
Rock and Top Pools.
The trail begins from the same parking lot as the
Flatbed Falls Hiking Trail. From
the trailhead the path enters the forest and soon climbs up to
a ridge. The route continues along the ridge known as the Razorback.
Very cool section of the hike, as it drops down on both sides
plus provides some great views of the valley.
The trail soon enters the forest again. A forest
of Lodgepole Pine, Trembling Aspen and White
Spruce trees. Continue along the trail keeping an eye out on your
left for a dilapidated cabin. A cabin referred to as the Nominister
Abbey that was once used as a hideout for a bad guy in the early
history of the town .
Continue pass the cabin to a junction of directional
signs at about the 1 kilometre mark. From here take the trail
heading right to the Cabin Pool and dinosaur tracks. Or proceed
hiking left down the trail to the Overhanging Rock and Top Pools.
Cabin Pool is the closest pool from the trailhead.
It is also the location of the dinosaur footprints discovered
in the rocks by the locals. There is reportedly 170 dino tracks
from 5 different species located in the area. Near the picnic
tables is a set of tracks and downstream across the creek is where
the first tracks were discovered. Here is an opportunity to imagine
yourself following the same routes once traveled by the Ankylosaurs,
Ornithopods and Theropods.
Back track from the Cabin Pools back to the junction
and go left this time. About 1/2 a kilometre after the first trail
junction another trail junction. Hikers need to take a right at
this junction so to connect with the small loop trail that leads
to both the Overhanging Rock and Top Pools. If hikers continue
left at the junction they will continue down Kevin's Trail ending
up near the rifle range.
The Overhanging Rock and Top Pools are more popular
for picnics, birdwatching and swimming. There is plenty of opportunities
to view bird wildlife on this hike. 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 Pools: 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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