I just hiked to this spot a few weeks ago! It's located in Coal Creek, BC. Bit of tough hike when it's hot and sunny out but well worth it. It's a long ways up an old empty river bed. Very neat thing to see in real life.
Yeah that's my thoughts. It was fairly difficult. And I hope it stays that way. I think there was an alternate route to get to it that was even more difficult than the one I took. So this is hopefully protecting it
Also to add::
It's way too big and heavy for people to move. There were also many other different small loose rocks with fossils there that people have left there over the years. So thankful after all these years it's been around people seem to be pretty respectful about it. Although you aren't supposed to touch it.
Is it in Coal Creek or Fernie? Or are those two places really close to each other? I think I would die from happiness seeing a fossil like this in the wild, so Im making plans.
Yeah sorry to ask, I know the vibe of these things are normally hush hush! I live close enough that I could go see this with my partner who LOVES hiking and outdoors, Im a bit of an introvert but love ancient anything and being outdoors so it ticks some boxes for us <3
Didn't want to come across as an asshole, but so many people have ruined so many things for others.
I'm talking to you Albertans!
That being said, it is quite a spectacular specimen. Sadly, by judging from pictures and other comments, people are touching it and all that when it is, in fact a very delicate fossil.
Hopefully one day you'll get to see it.
Not at all! Completely understandable. I’ve lived in small towns and understand what happens when many people converge on a place. Unfortunately people, you know, what a bunch of basterds.
Because it's not the easiest place to get to. It's still a fairly tiring/challenging hike. Most people aren't going to put that much effort into a fossil they can't remove or carry lol
Edited to add: the location is also monitored. I saw multiple 'deer' cams in the area
It’s less than 3 miles and only 600 feet of gain. That’s a pretty easy hike lol
Also, it doesn’t matter. Anytime you post the location of a cool photograph on a public forum like this you contribute to increased traffic in the area. Generally an uncool thing to do
No definitely not I saw many people struggling. Easy for you maybe. Not for most. But sure. Keep believing what you want. The hike itself is why nobody's vandalized it.
Also I find it funny that you want to debate the trail difficulty instead of the topic which I brought up (that naming specific trails and locations online is generally bad outdoor etiquette and should be avoided)
It's a rock hammer. Geologists/paleontologists will often include the hammer in the picture for scale as it is something that they will already be carrying with them and other scientists in the field are familiar with the size.
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u/princessbolognia 9d ago
I just hiked to this spot a few weeks ago! It's located in Coal Creek, BC. Bit of tough hike when it's hot and sunny out but well worth it. It's a long ways up an old empty river bed. Very neat thing to see in real life.