Chipmunk Caves

Chipmunk Caves
Entrance to one of the Chipmunk Caves
Map showing the location of Chipmunk Caves
Map showing the location of Chipmunk Caves
Location of the cave in British Columbia
LocationChilliwack River Valley, British Columbia Canada
Coordinates49°06′20″N 121°38′42″W / 49.10542°N 121.64488°W / 49.10542; -121.64488
DiscoveryNatural formation
GeologyLimestone, Sedimentary rock
EntrancesMultiple

Chipmunk Caves are a group of small natural limestone cave openings located near the Chilliwack River, British Columbia, Canada.[1][2][3] The caves are located along the Chipmunk Creek Forest Service Road and lie beyond a forested area, reached through a trail.[4][5] The site comprises several shallow rock cavities and narrow passageways that have formed within sedimentary rock formations.[6]

The caves were initially visited by members of the Stó:lō First Nation as early as 1860. In the 1950s,[7] oversight of the area was reportedly transferred to the National Parks Branch of Canada.[8] The caves were primarily formed through the erosional action of subterranean water on limestone bedrock, resulting in narrow passages and shallow chambers.[9]

References

  1. ^ Gill, Meagan (2021-08-27). "Chipmunk Caves Are The Fraser Valley's Most Magical Hidden Gem". 604 Now. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  2. ^ A, Josy (2023-11-09). "Chipmunk Caves - Chilliwack". A walk and a lark. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  3. ^ "6 amazing caves to explore around BC if you're brave enough | Lifestyle". Daily Hive. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  4. ^ Way, Bonnie (2022-10-28). "Hiking Chipmunk Caves near Chiliwack, BC • The Koala Mom". The Koala Mom. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  5. ^ Geocaching. "Educational EarthCache Listing for Chipmunk Caves in Chilliwack River Valley". www.geocaching.com. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  6. ^ "Chipmunk Caves (Geographic Feature)". www.mindat.org. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  7. ^ "Caving activity at Chipmunk Caves, Trinity Western University". www.twu.ca. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  8. ^ "Display Location: Chipmunk Caves - Urban Exploration Resource". www.uer.ca. Archived from the original on 2022-09-30. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  9. ^ McGiveron, Kathleen (2024-01-28). "Expedition to Chipmunk Caves: Braving the Chill for Artistic Inspiration". Kathleen McGiveron. Retrieved 2025-06-29.