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 cavel.
Close To The Edge Provincial Park and Protected Area
- White-Nose Syndrome
White-nose Syndrome is a fungal disease that has been linked to the mass die-off of hibernating bats in Eastern North America - it poses a significant threat to bats of the west and British Columbia. There is evidence that humans have accelerated the spread through entering caves with contaminated clothing, gear or equipment. Therefore, prevention strategies are focussed on public education/awareness to prevent the introduction of the fungus through human activities. There are currently (JUNE 2011) no reported cases of WNS west of the Rockies.
To ensure the protection of bats and their habitat in this park, B.C. Parks strongly advises that personal caving gear that has been used anywhere east of the Rockies not be used in BC and that cavers and visitors read the following fact sheet on decontamination before entering caves in BC.
Supporting Supporting Decontamination Documentation for Cavers [pdf]
Biosecurity Protocol For Research Visits To Bat Hibernacula In Ontario [pdf]
About This Park
This 702 hectare park and protected area is located approximately 160 km northeast of Prince George. There is logging road access within 5 km of the park/protected area.
The park/protected area is situated in the Dezaiko Range of the Rocky Mountains. This 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 30m).There are also additional, smaller caves in the park.
Park Size: 702 hectares
Location and Maps
This park/protected area is located approximately 160 km northeast of Prince George, and is accessible via the Pass Lake forest service road to Gleason creek. The closest community, town or city is Prince George.
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: the deepest shaft and the third deepest cave (472m) overall in Canada; the cave has multiple pitches.
- General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information
Activities Available at this Park
Caving
Hiking
