#191 July 2018 Tumbler Ridge and Dinosaur Tracks

In the early 80s we heard about a new town being created in BC – Tumbler Ridge. 

In the 1950s steel-making coal was found in large quantities in the area. Not until 1981 was a massive project undertaken with three industrial partners and the BC Government. To support the project a brand new town was planned. When Tumbler Ridge was incorporated in 1981 the area was completely forested.

Today it is a vibrant community with residents who have worked hard to attract businesses and visitors.

In a new area our first stop is always the visitor centre. This time we got more visiting than expected. As we walked into the centre, Manfred and Brigit from our church in Surrey were there. We have often chatted with them about RVing and where we have all traveled. 

This time they were in the same RV Park and parked right across the road from us. We shared our explorations in the Tumbler Ridge area and our summer plans. Two evenings together were a special treat.

The community of Tumbler Ridge grew and prospered when Quintette and Bullmoose Coal Mines opened in 1983.

Falling coal prices and high production costs forced the closure of Quintette in 2000 and Bullmoose in 2003. Now an empty parking lot says it all.

Also in 2000, Tumbler Ridge received an unexpected boost to the community and area. Two boys, aged 9 and 11, were tubing down Flathead Creek when they fell off their tube. When they reached the creek bank they saw a series of large footprints in the rocks. They wondered if they might be dinosaur footprints? Yes, they are dinosaur tracks!

Many, many more tracks have been found as well as BCs first dinosaur bones such as this mammoth tusk.

 

A trackway of three tyrannosaurs has been found confirming that the animals travelled in groups at least some of the time.

The Dinosaur Discovery Centre has a great display showing the animals belonging to the footprints.

These finds put Tumbler Ridge on the worldwide paleontological map.

Nature has outdone herself in the Tumbler Ridge area. 

Kinuseo Falls is the star attraction as the Murray River cascades over rocky ridges.

A dramatic display of Rock Folding is visible across from the falls. 250 million years ago these layers were level and formed the ocean floor off the super-continent of Pangea. During the building of the Rocky Mountains immense forces tilted and contorted the rocks into this S curve.

Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark was formed in 2014. It is one of only three Global Geoparks in North America.

A Geopark is a designated area with sites and landscapes of international geological significance. They are different from federal and provincial parks in that there are no restrictions, outside of established guidelines and laws, on motorized activity or resource extraction.

Tumbler Ridge is becoming known for its spectacular scenery, dinosaur finds and well marked and planned outdoor activities during all seasons.

Getting to Tumbler Ridge is an intentional trip as shown on this map. The only roads into the town are from Chetwynd or Dawson Creek - and they are the same roads out!

A trip to Tumbler Ridge is worth the planning. You will find much more than you expect.