This rewarding hike leads through aspen and pine forests to Bergeron Cliffs, a Tumbler Ridge landmark. It provides panoramic views of the Murray River valley, Tumbler Ridge, and the Hart Ranges of the Rocky Mountains. The trail is 6 km return and takes 3 to 4 hours. The cliffs hike is rated moderate, with a steady uphill section. For a full day, this trail may be combined with the Bergeron Falls trail (see map; Bergeron Falls hike is listed as a separate hike.

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The views from the cliffs are the highlight of this hike. Also looking along the cliffs from the multiple viewpoints provide some spectacular views.

From the parking lot, the trail climbs gently through mixed aspen and spruce forests. At 0.6 km there is a fork. A sign here directs the hiker to the left for the cliffs trail (the right fork leads to Bergeron Falls). The trail ascends steadily until it levels out on a bench, then resumes climbing until it intersects a cutline. The cutline is followed for about 300 metres then heads uphill to the right, climbing through aspen forests. Soon the first low cliffs are reached. The trail passes along a small overhang, and the rock wall here is covered in moss, lichens and ferns. The trail mostly follows the cliff edge through the forest from here. Soon it breaks into the open as the cliff becomes higher. Small pine trees grow in cracks in the top of the cliff, and the rock is covered in reindeer lichen and mosses. Please stick to the marked path to avoid trampling this sensitive vegetation. The rock forming the cliff is made of sand that was deposited in an ancient river channel, then hardened into a strong sandstone which is resistant to erosion. After a short stretch through small closely spaced pine, the result of a past forest fire, the trail breaks into the open again at the main cliffs. A large sign warns not to approach the cliff edge, as it slopes toward the edge here. Excellent views of the Murray and Wolverine river valleys and the mountains to the west, as well as the Tumbler Ridge townsite, can be enjoyed from the safety of a spot set back from the dropoff. The line of the cliff can be followed for a further 500 metres to even better viewpoints. The trail enters the forest through a more recent burn, then maintains a safe but airy distance from the dropoff as it makes its way along to the trail’s end. Looking back on the main viewpoint, it is very apparent why caution is needed – the cliff is overhung, and a fall would be fatal. This is also a good spot to head up the steep grassy slope to the top of Bergeron Ridge. From the trail’s end, a long narrow lake can be seen in the forest below. On the return trip, you can link up with the Bergeron Falls route by continuing along the cutline, following this connector trail to meet up with the trail to the falls.

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From Tumbler Ridge, drive north towards Chetwynd on Hwy 29 for 6.5 km to the signed right turn onto a gravel road. Follow this road for 8 km to its end beside a large gravel pit. There is a sign at the trailhead.

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Use extreme caution near cliff edges

This trail is in bear country; travel in groups and make noise

Please pack out what you pack in

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