The Cascades Backpacking Trip
Hidden deep within Monkman Provincial Park, the Cascades are a spectacular series of 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 our guides tell the tales of the Monkman Hiway Project. 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 root covered trail and 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 and half days, offering even more opportunities to experience the raw beauty and solitude of this remarkable landscape.
Location:
Monkman Provincial Park
Dates:
July 8-12th, 2027 Women’s Backpacking Trip
Aug 12-16 2027 Co-Ed Trip
Sweat Equity: 4
Tour Type: Authentic
50-60kms round trip, plus day hikes ± 500m elevation gain
$575 per person
+$95 Food Package (optional add-on)
+$150 Fitness Prep Package (optional add-on)
5 days. 4 nights. 7 waterfalls.
Trip Itinerary
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Meet in Tumbler Ridge at 1:00 PM for a gear check, safety briefing, and trip overview before carpooling to the trailhead.
We aim to be on the trail by 3:00 PM, hiking along the historic Monkman Memorial Trail towards our first camp, Murray Camp along the river. When you arrive, you meet up with your chef for the evening who will cook the group an amazing campfire meal.
Distance: 7 KM -
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.
Spend the remainder of the day exploring the waterfalls of the Cascades or relaxing at Shire Camp.
Brook Falls is a must! With multiple viewpoints and short side trails, the day offers plenty of opportunities to experience the power and beauty of this remarkable landscape.
Distance: ~14+ KM -
Optional day hikes visit several nearby falls, including Monkman Falls, Chambers Falls, and McGinnis Falls. There is an option to hike to the lake as well!
Distance: 7 -10 KM
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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 Murray Camp, arriving just before dinner that will be waiting for you! Your chef is back and ready to provide a delicious meal. Our final night will be enjoyed witha full belly by the Murray River.
Distance: 15 kms -
Our final morning starts with stretching by the water before we return to the trailhead. Our last waterfall is the iconic and spectacular Kinuseo Falls—one last highlight before the journey home.
The Details
Getting There
Your adventure begins in Tumbler Ridge, where we meet just after lunch. We set out to the trailhead by 1:00pm for a half day into Murray Camp.
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.
We will spend our time at Murray Camp and the Shire”, where the scenery reminds one of the Hobbit movies.
Murray Camp lies along the Murray River and has a peaceful tranquility to it. Food at Murray Camp will be cooked by our chef at the campsite. Two dinners are included.
What’s Included
Meeting other hikers! Safety in numbers
Pre-trip online meeting for tips and questions
A detailed list of gear needed upon booking
Survival & safety supplies
Personal locator beacon
Tarp
Water filtration
Two diners at Murray camp on the 1st and last nights
Food options
Bear safety
Local knowledge and interpretation
Trip & rescue plan
What’s Included in Optional Add-On’s
Food Package includes all dehydrated meals uncluding breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bring your own snacks.
Fitness Package includes a detailed 3 month fitness plan and one half day hike with pack 2 weeks before the trip.
What You’ll Need - we rent gear!
A level of fitness according to the demands of the trip
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 4.5 days, 3 nights (Dinner on day 1 and day 4 are included)
Bug spray/lotion