The Cascades

Hidden deep within Monkman Provincial Park, the Cascades are a spectacular series of ten waterfalls set among the rugged landscapes of northern British Columbia. Accessible only on foot or by helicopter flyover, this remote trail reveals the untamed beauty of the northern Rockies—towering waterfalls, lush forest, alpine peaks, quiet lakes, and marshy valley floors.

This multi-day backpacking adventure follows sections of the historic Monkman Memorial Trail, where hikers can expect basic backcountry amenities such as pit toilets and bear caches at designated campsites. While the trail is relatively flat overall, it is still considered intermediate due to sections of blowdown that require stepping over or crawling under fallen trees.

For those wanting to explore further, optional day trips to Monkman Lake and Moore Falls extend the journey to approximately 65 km over four days, offering even more opportunities to experience the raw beauty and solitude of this remarkable landscape.

Location:

Monkman Provincial Park

Dates:

July 9th - 12th, 2026

Sweat Equity: 4

Tour Type: Authentic

42kms round trip, plus day hikes ± 400m elevation gain

$449 per person

4 days. 3 nights. 10 waterfalls.

Trip Itinerary

  • Meet in Tumbler Ridge at 8:30 AM for a gear check, safety briefing, and trip overview before carpooling to the trailhead.

    We aim to be on the trail by 10:00 AM, hiking along the historic Monkman Memorial Trail toward the Cascades. Our destination is Cascades Campground, affectionately nicknamed “The Shire.” Surrounded by lush forest and dramatic waterfalls, this beautiful backcountry campsite—reminiscent of scenes from The Lord of the Rings—will be our home for the next two nights.

    Distance: 20.5 KM

  • Spend the day exploring the waterfalls of the Cascades or relaxing at Shire Camp. Optional day hikes visit several nearby falls, including Monkman Falls, Brooke Falls, Chambers Falls, and McGinnis Falls. With multiple viewpoints and short side trails, the day offers plenty of opportunities to experience the power and beauty of this remarkable landscape.

    Distance: ~10 KM

  • After breaking camp, we begin our journey back along the trail. Along the way we stop for lunch at one of the most impressive viewpoints of the trip: Moore Falls.

    From there we continue on to Trot Camp, arriving mid-afternoon to set up our final night in the backcountry and enjoy a relaxed evening by camp.

    Distance: 7 KM

  • Our final morning takes us back along the trail toward the trailhead. After returning to town, there is an optional stop to view the spectacular Kinuseo Falls—one last highlight before the journey home.

    Distance: 12 kms

The Details

Getting There

Your adventure begins in Tumbler Ridge, where we depart from the Tumbler Ridge Airport for a scenic helicopter flight into the backcountry.

Tumbler Ridge sits along the northeastern flanks of the Rocky Mountains in northern British Columbia. The closest regional airports are North Peace Regional Airport in Fort St. John and Grande Prairie Airport in Grande Prairie. If you are flying in, ask us about arranging a pickup.

For those driving, the main access route passes through Dawson Creek before continuing south into Tumbler Ridge.

Camp Life

This trip is simple, social, and immersed in the rhythms of the backcountry. Mornings begin slowly with coffee and breakfast before heading out on day hikes to nearby falls, while evenings are spent cooking shared meals, swapping stories, and unwinding beside camp after a full day on the trail.

Campsites along the route in Monkman Provincial Park offer basic backcountry amenities such as pit toilets and bear caches, but otherwise remain wonderfully rustic. Expect to carry your own gear, help with simple camp routines like meal prep and clean-up, and settle into the quiet pace of life outdoors. With dramatic waterfalls nearby and dark northern skies overhead, camp becomes a place to rest, recharge, and enjoy the wild beauty of the landscape.

What’s Included

  • The camaraderies of a women’s only trip!

  • Pre-trip online meeting for tips and questions

  • Survival & safety supplies

  • Personal locator beacon

  • Tarp

  • Water filtration

  • Evening meals (food is split among participants to carry and cooked by your guide)

  • Bear safety

  • Local knowledge and interpretation

  • Trip & rescue plan

What You’ll Need

  • 3 Season tent

  • Sleeping pad

  • Sleeping bag

  • Stove/plate/bowl/mug/cutlery

  • Survival Kit - headlamp, lighter, knife

  • Backpack - 50L+

  • Hiking boots

  • Quick-dry clothing

  • Food for 4 days, 3 nights

  • Bug spray/lotion