4 Incredible Hiking Trails in David Thompson Country
Source: https://davidthompsoncountry.ca/hiking/4-incredible-hiking-trails-david-thompson-country/ So, you’re ready to escape the ordinary and hit the trails, huh? Well, you’ve come to the right place! David Thompson Country is home to beautiful hidden gems for both hiking experts and afternoon strollers alike. Having trouble picking the best trail for you? Check out this guide to discover some of our favorite trails in David Thompson Country, as well as some nearby accommodations for a little added convenience. Remember: You’re in bear country. Always be aware of your surroundings and take the appropriate safety precautions. Before heading out on your outdoor journey, always prepare for the elements, inform others of your travel plans, and take precautions to avoid getting lost.1. Siffleur Falls
We rank this hike as: Good for all skill levels A crowd favourite. Beginning at the parking lot on Highway 11 at Kootenay Plains, follow the 3.7 km trail towards the North Saskatchewan River. Cross the suspension bridge over the river then proceed to follow the long wooden boardwalk. Once you reach the end of the boardwalk, follow the gravel road for a short distance then cross the Siffleur Bridge. Remain on the trail until you reach the breathtaking falls. This area is an ecological reserve. Upon reaching the falls, please be aware of the “Dangerous Slopes” sign, and take all warning signs seriously. There are various guardrails put in place for safe viewing of the falls and gorge below. This portion of the trail takes most hikers around two to three hours to complete. While some complete their hike here, you may continue to two other sets of falls if you’re feeling adventurous. The second set of falls is 2.5 km from the first waterfall, and can only be viewed from open view points off the trail. Continue walking along the canyon trail for an additional 1.5 km to reach the final set of falls. The entirety of this trail is an all-day adventure, and is a 14-km hike.2. Allstones Creek
We rank this hike as: Good for all skill levels You might want to bring an extra pair of shoes for this adventure, because your feet may get wet. Park on the east side of the David Thompson Highway, just past the causeway over Allstones Creek. To begin your family-friendly adventure, cross the highway or hike over to the flood culvert that runs under the highway. Follow the creek upstream for 2.25 km until you reach a 6 m high waterfall. Here’s where that extra pair of shoes will come in handy. If you want to continue on this hike, you’ll have to cross Allstones Creek. Continue until you reach the magnificent falls and take in all the scenic beauty of this picture-perfect journey has to offer.3. Landslide Lake
We rank this hike as: Extreme. Recommended for experienced hikers only So, you’re ready for a challenge? We’ve got exactly that. This trail is a tough one and is recommended for experienced hikers due to its extreme elevation in the first 6 km and steep descent into Landslide Lake. The lake can be reached from the Cline River bridge on Highway 11 or from the trail head east of Thompson Creek Campground. The route from the bridge is 10 km. For a slightly shorter but steeper route, take the route from the south trail head. Although this is quite the hike, it does not go unrewarded. Come prepared, and get ready to experience this incredible journey. The trail from the bridge also has access to Lake of the Falls, Pinto Lake and Entry Creek.4. Coliseum Mountain
We rank this hike as: Moderate Access to this adventure begins near Shunda Creek Campground. The elevation on this hike gets steep, reaching 680 m. The mountain overlooking Nordegg has a distinctive crown on one side. Enjoy this enchanting winding forest and bask in the glory of this beautiful nature escape. After your steep climb, there is a steady and easy stroll to finish off this picturesque journey.More Hikes:
Vision Quest
Source: http://www.albertawow.com/hikes/Vision_Quest/Vision_Quest.htmPark at the waste transfer site just east of David Thompson Resort. This trail is steep and unrelenting all the way to the top of the ridge. Locate the trailhead on the right side of the waste site. Continue on as the trail climbs up towards Vision Quest Ridge. Approximately 1/3 of the way you’ll come upon a level bench in the rock that was once an old vision quest site. Someone has tied several strands of flag tape to a tree trying to represent the ceremonial fashion of a Stoney Indian vision quest. This is not a real representation. From this point continue working your way up until you reach the ridge and the cliff face called the buckle named after a similar looking climb in Scotland. Once there you will be rewarded with outstanding views of Abraham Lake and the knife like edge of the ridge. Abraham Lake’s blue green color is created from glacial silt. Several Limber Pines can be found growing near the ridge edge. Limber Pines can be very old. The ones found near Big Whirlpool are the oldest trees in Alberta.