Short trail with a creek ford to beautiful falls in a horseshoe canyon
The Bullmoose Falls trail is a short trail that leads to a beautiful free falling waterfall, with some cascading falls below. This is an excellent trip to add on at the end of a day spent in the Cowmoose Mountain, Holzworth Meadows, Windfall Lake or Pinnacle Peak areas. It is also a popular snowshoe and ice climbing destination in winter.
The rocks here are part of the Gates Formation of Cretaceous age. The hard sandstone that forms the lip of the falls was deposited in a beach environment, along the shore of an inland sea known as the Western Interior Seaway. B
Bullmoose Falls is a popular snowshoeing and ice climbing destination in winter. The creek never freezes where the trail crosses, so wear appropriate footwear. Use extreme caution when approaching the frozen falls, as large chunks of ice can fall off at any time. This bowl is also prone to avalanches.
From the parking, follow the flagged route down a grassy slope and along the flats to the bank of Bullmoose Creek. Cross the creek. Note that at higher water levels the creek flows very quickly and is not passable. A hiking pole or walking stick is recommended to help with the creek crossing when it is safe. The water level from July through October is generally mid-calf to mid-thigh level. Follow the flagged route on the far shore of the creek through the forest. The trail climbs along the left side of the creek before it ends on the shore of the creek itself. This is the viewpoint below the falls. Use extreme caution if you venture any closer to the falls from here, as the water is cold and the rocks are very slippery.
From Tumbler Ridge, drive north towards Chetwynd on Highway 29 for 25 km to the turnoff for the former Bullmoose Mine. Follow the Bullmoose Mine Road for 19 km where the pavement ends at the reclaimed mine site. Drive 1 km along the gravel road to the trailhead sign on the right side. You will see the very top section of the falls. Park along the side of the road here, just before the top of the hill.
This trail is in bear country; travel in groups and make noise
Please pack out what you packed in
Trail is short and not particularly steep but crossing the creek requires dexterity and balance.
Be prepared for this aspect of the hike!
For more information, please contact the Tumbler Ridge Visitor Information Centre at 250-242-3123