Tunnel Mountain Overnight Backpacking Trip

Tunnel Mountain Overnight Backpacking Trip

A 2 night backpacking trip that explores the peak and ridgelines of Tunnel Mountain, Brown Peak and Mount Crum. Expect to hike 8-12km per day with up to 1100m of elevation gain on off trail terrain.

3-5 August, 2 nights, 2.5 days

Tumbler Ridge, BC

Difficulty: Level 3 -4

$195pp

Itinerary:

This trip is 8-12km/day with up to 1100m in elevation over two days of off trail travel

Tunnel Mountain, in the Tumbler Ridge Geopark, has been described as seeing one of the wonders of the world! This unique phenomenon where a true natural tunnel is formed within the mountain, is a sight worth working for.

This is not an easy hike. The terrain is varied, with the majority being off trail travel. This will include a little bit of bush, high stepping over logs and blow down, rocks, scree slopes and steep terrain. It also lincludes some easy enjoyable hiking through meadows, along ridgelines and across alpine slopes.  

Saturday and Sunday we will hike between 8-12 km each day based on the goals of the group, time and weather conditions. There is a lot of exploring to do in this range! Options for each day are flexible, and will be chosen carefully with each client in mind. Saturday you will be carrying a heavy pack into our camp spot. Sunday we leave the tents behind and travel with a light day pack.

 

Day 1

We will meet on the middle bench in the morning for a gear check then leave for the trailhead around 10am. we arrive at the trailhead around 11am and then hike into camp spot, arrive 1pm

Set up camp, have lunch

2:30 explore the ridgeline of Crum and Brown peak – depending on the group goals, there is an option to summit Mount Crum.

Dinner 6pm

Camp games

Day 2

Hike to the infamous Tunnel and take time for photos. Then head to the summit  of the mountain and walk the ridgeline. There are options to find tiny alpine tarns along this path.

Return to camp and spend the night in a dark sky looking at the stars. (hopefully!)

Day 3

Pack up Monday morning and hike out, returning to your vehicle for noonish.

The Details

Getting there:

Getting to Tumbler Ridge from Grande Prairie

All routes have limited cell service in some areas so please download your route before leaving town. 

  1. Through Dawson Creek: Paved highway, 252km, 3 hours. Amenities along the way. 

  2. Through Kelly Lake: 50+km of gravel, 209km, 2.75 hours. The last amenities are in Beaverlodge. 

  3. Through Elmsworth: 50+km of gravel, winding road on the Hiding Creek road, some single lane over bridges. 196km, 2.5 hours. Some active logging over the winter season. No amenities to count on. 

  4. Using the Hour Glass: we don’t recommend this route as there is active logging, windy roads with sharp turns and low points that can be icy or wet. Please note: Google will sometimes offer this as an option, use caution. No amenities.

Tumbler Ridge from Fort Saint John

  1. Through Farmington, onto Highway 52, 170km, 2 hours. Limited amenities. 

Flying into Tumbler Ridge

  1. Fly into Grande Prairie, rent a car at the airport and drive to Tumbler Ridge. 

  2. Fly into Fort Saint John, rent a car at the airport and drive to Tumbler Ridge. 

What’s Included

  • Certified ACMG Apprentice Hiking Guide

  • Trip plan and emergency action plan

  • Camp meal Saturday night and Sunday morning

  • Backpacking consultations

  • Car pooling to the trialhead

What’s not included:

  • Gear (rentals available)

  • transportation to Tumbler Ridge