Forest approach reaches exposed slopes above the Murray River and follows the valley rim to a turnaround bench.
Sources reviewed . This is a research date, not a trail inspection.
Mapped portion · walking direction unconfirmed · 2.61 km
This chart covers only part of the route. It does not establish the full hike or a return journey.
2.61 km along source section 1 of 1, in its mapped direction. Approximate 90 m terrain model along this mapped section. Separate sections are not joined. This chart does not measure total trail ascent or establish current access; use the guide’s published outing measurements.
Copernicus GLO-90 terrain elevations via Open-Meteo (CC BY4.0); linework: Open Database License (ODbL) 1.0 · checked 2026-10-18 · CC BY4.0 elevation data; Open Database License (ODbL) 1.0 linework. Copernicus DEM 2021 GLO-90 via Open-Meteo. Linework source: https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/293388565. Sampled and rounded for display.
Published alongside the named trail guide; check the file’s start, endpoint and branches against your selected outing.
Publisher’s source page · checked 2026-10-17http://assets.wnms.ca/brochures/murray-canyon-overlook-feb-2025.pdf
Published alongside the named trail guide; check the file’s start, endpoint and branches against your selected outing.
Publisher’s source page · checked 2026-10-17http://assets.wnms.ca/gpx-files/murray-canyon-overlook.gpx
Mapped named trail. Only separately mapped upper overlook sections are shown. The source approach way has an undated comment saying it was closed after logging and is omitted; this reference does not establish a currently open connection from the highway. Confirm current access before planning the hike. Line source (opens original source).
From Tumbler Ridge, follow Highway 52 north toward Dawson Creek for about 30 km. Park in the highway pullout on the left and locate the trail at its southern, Tumbler Ridge end. From Dawson Creek, use Highway 97 west to Highway 52, then continue about 70 km south to the pullout on the right.
Map position: 55.29047, -120.89556 · trailhead. WNMS publishes this exact coordinate pair in its Directions to Trailhead link. The RSTBC management point lies about 1 km west along the route and must not be presented as parking.
Walk the original path for about 250 m, then join the old logging road.
Near kilometre 1, leave the road for the forest path. Reach the first rim bench and staircase around kilometre 1.75.
Continue about 1.5 km along the open valley rim to the final bench and viewpoint.
Follow the forest path for approximately 250 m, then the old logging-road section until the trail leaves it again near kilometre 1. Around 1.75 km, reach the valley rim and a rustic staircase leading to the first bench. Continue along the open slope for roughly another 1.5 km to the natural turnaround bench, with the Murray River more than 300 m below. The return follows the same line. The open traverse gives views of river terraces, side canyons and the surrounding foothills, but it also leaves the shelter of the forest; stay on the improved trail rather than descending the steep valley slopes.
Retrace the approach. The two outward stages total about 3.25 km, giving the published 6.5 km return; the river’s 300 m drop below the viewpoint is not hiking ascent.
Terrain: exposure · gravel.
The south-facing slopes are warmer and drier than nearby forest but are exposed to strong winds. Summer wildflowers and spring/autumn raptor migration are seasonal features. Snow or ice can make the open traverse more difficult despite modest total climbing.
These are dated research notes. Open the trip planner for current available weather and advisory feeds; no alert found does not establish that a trail or road is open.
On-route camping permission has not been established for this outing. Check the relevant land manager before planning an overnight stay; a mapped lake, cabin or previous tent location does not confirm permission.
A photograph with confirmed reuse permission has not yet been added to this guide.
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Choose a trip pack or an available individual sheet for your map case.
Descriptions are written for this guide from the linked evidence. Source review dates, published reports and field observations can differ. Photographs and route lines retain their own attribution and reuse terms.
These contributor-mapped features support the map geometry. They are separate from the written access and route sources.
Creekside forest approach finishes with a viewpoint loop above the canyon.
Easy / 6 km loopRead guide →
Photo: Miles Green · CC BY 2.0Waterfalls · Tumbler Ridge & MonkmanUpper views and a longer circuit explore different parts of the canyon. Water crossings and cliff exposure make the circuit more demanding.
12 km loop / 450 m gainRead guide →Forest walk to upper Quality Creek waterfall, with a steeper final descent.
Easy / 2.5 km round trip / 75 m gainRead guide →Follow the TR Trail from Flatbed Falls toward creekside rock exposures and dinosaur tracks near Cabin Pool. The creek spur and same-path return are distinct from the other…
3 km round tripRead guide →A long trail around three sides of Tumbler Ridge, divided into four legs by five signed access points.
28 km point to pointRead guide →Old exploration roads reach an alpine saddle with north, southwest and summit-ridge choices.
Moderate / 6 km round trip / 330 m gainRead guide →