The Cascades Women’s Backpacking Trip
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
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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 meet the night before to check. gear. We set out to the trailhead the next morning.
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.
Camp Life
Monkman Provincial Park offes front country camping including bear cache, pit toilets and tent pads.
Our first two nights are spent at Shire Camp, where the scenery reminds one of the Hobbit movies.
The third night we camp at Trot, deep in the valley before we head home on our final hikeout.
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
Food options
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