Park overview
This park is situated in the Dezaiko Range of the Rocky Mountains, approximately 160 km northeast of Prince George.
Close-To-The-Edge Park protects the internationally significant Close-To-The-Edge cave, which has the deepest shaft and is the third deepest overall cave (472m) in Canada. The cave was bottomed in 2001. The primary shaft drops 255 m straight down, and its diameter varies considerably (up to 30 m). There are also additional, smaller caves in the park.
Advisories
Safety info
- Close-To-The-Edge cave is particularly dangerous because of its depth and vertical shaft. It is suitable only for very experienced cavers. Access requires crossing Hedrick Creek via a hand-operated cable car.
- Please bring your own drinking water, as potable water is not available in the park. Drinking out of any streams or lakes is not recommended, unless the water has been filtered or treated. There are limited water resources in the eastern half of the park near the cave.
Activities
For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure. There is a very rough trail following Hedrick Creek and then a route to Close-To-The-Edge cave location. Hedrick Creek must be crossed via a hand operated cable car.
There are spelunking opportunities in the various caves in the park. Only experienced spelunkers should attempt these caves.
This park is open to hunting. Please consult the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information.
This park is located approximately 160 km northeast of Prince George, which is the closest community. The Pass Lake Forest Service Road leads to this park, but it is currently blocked at the McGregor River bridge, which is about 20 km from the park.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: June 29, 2000
- Size: 414 hectares
Nature and culture
History
The cave was discovered in 1983, but the bottom was not reached until 2001.
Conservation
Important habitat for caribou, moose, black and grizzly bears. Internationally significant cave features include the deepest shaft and the third deepest cave (472 m) overall in Canada. The cave has multiple pitches.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.