Challenge Level: Easy

  • Siffleur Falls Trail Guide

    Siffleur Falls Trail Guide

    THE CLASSIC HIKE ON THE KOOTENAY PLAINS

    One of the most popular hike in the area and for good reasons, taking you right to the edge of the canyon and up close for great views of Siffleur Falls.

    The trail can be busy, especially on summer weekends. If you head out midweek, in the spring or later in the season you can often have the whole area to yourself.

    This hike is located within the Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve which encompasses approximately 34 square kilometres of the North Saskatchewan River valley south of Abraham Lake. The area is intersected by the Siffleur and North Saskatchewan rivers with open plains dominated by grasses, forbs and stands of aspen and limber pine trees. White spruce and lodgepole pines cover most of the surrounding slopes.

    The area is influenced by the surrounding mountains, the wide shape of the valley and the consistent winds. As a result, the climate is relatively dry and warm creating favourable conditions for a wide diversity of wildlife and plant species.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 7 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~805 m
    • Challenge Level: Easy
    • Trail type: There and back
    • Congestion: Busy
    • Management: Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve
    • Other Trail Uses: None
    • Trailhead: Approximately 62 km west of Nordegg and 21 km east of the Banff National Park boundary. The trail starts at the Siffleur Falls Staging Area which provides ample parking space and dry toilets.

    The Trail Guide

    SIFFLEUR FALLS ACCESS | 3.5 KM

    • 0.5 km | Suspension bridge
    • 0.7 km | Boardwalk
    • 1.2 km | Go left at the end of the boardwalk
    • 1.8 km | Siffleur River Bridge
    • 1.9 km | Go right at the junction
    • 2.4 km | Hill
    • 3.2 km | Canyon Viewpoint
    • 3.5 km | Siffleur Falls

    SIFFLEUR FALLS RETURN TRAIL | 3.5 KM

    • Retrace your steps back to the trailhead

    THE JOURNEY

    From the trailhead parking lot, follow the main Siffleur Falls trail making your way across the North Saskatchewan River on the suspension bridge. A boardwalk has been build through the next section. This area is extremely fragile, please stay on the boardwalk. At the end of the boardwalk, follow Glacier Trail on the left toward the Siffleur River.

    Shortly after the Siffleur River bridge the trails comes at a junction. The Siffleur Falls trail is the one on the right.

    The trail follows the river a short distance before reaching the only hill on this hike. It is a short uphill from there to some great views of Two O’Clock Ridge across the valley and the Siffleur River canyon.

    The trail heads into the forest for a short section before coming up to great views of the canyon and a series of viewing platforms. The falls ahead are impressive with the Siffleur River plunging 15 m through a narrow channel in the rock. Take the time to enjoy the views and make sure to stay a safe distance from the cliffs and canyon edge.

    THE RETURN

    The falls mark the end of the trail for most people. If you want to go further, the trail continues to two more sets of falls and leads to the Siffleur Wilderness Area. You can find out more about the next section in the Siffleur Falls – Third Falls and Wilderness Area Access trail guide. To head back to the trailhead, simply retrace your footsteps.

  • Shunda Mountain (Baldy) Fire Lookout Trail Guide

    Shunda Mountain (Baldy) Fire Lookout Trail Guide

    AN EASY TRAIL WITH GREAT VIEWS OF THE FRONT RANGE

    Hike up a fire road to the Shunda Mountain fire lookout overlooking Nordegg, Coliseum Mountain and the Rockies with a 360-degree panorama from the summit.

    The gated fire road makes for an easy way to reach a summit with views of the forested foothills, the Brazeau Range and the front range of the Rockies.

    For those looking for a great hiking experience, Coliseum Mountain and Eagle Mountain Ridge offer better options with similar views. This trail is shared with off-road vehicles and walking up the fire road can be tedious. It does offer the shortest distance to a summit however and is a great option with kids or when you’re a little short on time.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 5.6 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~390 m
    • Challenge Level: Easy
    • Trail type: There and back
    • Congestion: Moderate
    • Management: Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
    • Other Trail Uses: OHV
    • Trailhead: The is located a short drive north of Nordegg. From highway 11, follow Shunda Creek Road and keep right onto Baldy Mountain Road, continuing onto Baldy Tower Road. The trailhead is at the gate on the road, located approximately 6.5 km from highway 11.

    THE TRAIL GUIDE

    ACCESS TRAIL | 2.8 KM

    • 1.6 km | Junction
    • 1.9 km | Junction
    • 2.8 km | Fire Lookout

    RETURN TRAIL | 2.8 KM

    • Retrace your steps back to the trailhead

    THE JOURNEY

    Park at the gate on the Baldy Mountain Road, making sure not to obstruct access to the gate. From there, follow the fire road up the hill.

    After approximately a kilometre the views starts to improve. You’ll first notice the many logged area nearby as well as the oil and gas sites in the area. Soon after you’ll come across a great view of Coliseum Mountain.

    Once you reach a junction, there will be a viewpoint and precipitation collection station a short distance back on the left. The two options looking ahead lead to the same spot and join again 300 metres up the road.

    As you approach the summit you’ll notice fencing on the side of the road. The area is a fragile alpine environment and work is being done to reclaim damage from past use. Stay on the road, the views of Abraham Lake and the Siffleur Range ahead are worth it.

    The fire lookout is a work area and a residence. While some employees like the company and may welcome you to the lookout, keep in mind that it is a private area and stay outside the fence unless you’re invited in.

    THE RETURN TRAIL

    Head back to the trailhead following the same route as you did on the way up.

  • Thompson Creek Lower Falls Trail Guide

    Thompson Creek Lower Falls Trail Guide

    A SHORT HIKE THROUGH A PAST FOREST FIRE

    A shorter hike along Thompson Creek through the Landslide Lake Prescribed Burn area with a nice waterfall providing a great lunch spot.

    Thompson Creek is a great option for families and those travelling along the David Thompson Highway looking to stretch their legs.

    This hike is located near the Banff National Park boundary, across from the Thompson Creek Campground. The area was affected by the Landslide Lake Prescribed Burn of 2009 providing great insights on the ecological role of forest fires in the area.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 2 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~50 m
    • Challenge Level: Easy
    • Trail type: There and back
    • Congestion: Minimal
    • Management: Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
    • Other Trail Uses: None
    • Trailhead: You can start the trail at the day use area of Thompson Creek Campground which provides ample parking space, washrooms and a day use area with tables or you can park on the side of the highway at the creek. The trailhead is approximately 83 km west of Nordegg and 9 km east of the highway 93 junction at Saskatchewan Crossing.

    THE TRAIL GUIDE

    THOMPSON CREEK

    This is a straightforward trail along the right side of the creek. Follow the trail starting on the side of the highway up to the lower falls.

    THE JOURNEY

    From the day use area located within the Thompson Creek Campground, head behind the washroom facilities and cross highway 11. You will find the trail near the creek itself.

    Almost immediately you will come across sections of trails that were damaged during the flood of June 2013. A new trail is already appearing but there are still some light bushwacking along the way.

    Most of the trail is in an area that burnt in 2009 as part of the Landslide Lake Prescribed Burn. The contrast between the burnt trees still standing and the new vegetation that is growing below makes for a very enjoyable hike.

    As you walk along the creek keep an eye for some nice viewpoints of the peaks across the valley.

    Closer to the fall the landscape starts to change. The creek channel becomes narrower and the banks start to get steeper.

    The falls are a great spot for a lunch break. Head back to the trailhead following the same trail.

    For those more adventurous, cross the creek on the rough log bridge for a closer view of the falls. The trails that continues from here will take you to the upper Thompson Creek Falls, about 5 km away on a rough trail.

    THE RETURN TRAIL

    Head back to the trailhead following the same route as you did on the way up.

  • Coral Creek Canyon Trail Guide

    Coral Creek Canyon Trail Guide

    THE NARROW CANYONS OF THE CLINE RIVER AND CORAL CREEK

    Coral Canyon is probably one of the most delightful half-day hikes in the area with gorgeous views and narrow canyons along the way.

    While the hike itself is not overly long, the perfect lunch spot awaits with dramatic views of Coral Creek. Plan on spending some extra time on this hike.

    This hike is located in the Cline River Area. It is an area that includes alpine, subalpine and boreal upland ecoregions with a significant population of grizzly bears, elk, goats and mountain sheeps.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 7.7 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~190 m
    • Challenge Level: Moderate
    • Trail type: Partial Loop
    • Congestion: Moderate
    • Management: Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
    • Other Trail Uses: Horses
    • Trailhead: Coral Creek White Goat Staging Area.

    Trail Guide

    From the trailhead parking lot, head toward the trail kiosk where you will find the well defined path.

    A short walk from the parking lot (approximately 100m) you will come across a stream crossing. There are usually enough rocks and logs to make it across with dry feet but a pair of hiking poles is helpful for balance as you cross this slippery section.

    As the trail starts to climb after the stream crossing you will notice a smaller trail to the left heading into the forest. This is the trail we will follow here since it offers the best views of the Cline River and Coral Creek canyons. For those looking for an easier option, the horse trail alternative is described further down.

    The June 2013 flood washed out the trail in many sections. A new trail has formed along the river. Remember throughout the first section that although the old trail is visible, many sections are unstable. Stick with the new path.

    From there the trail follows the Cline River. The trail start to climb away from the river as you approach the Cline River canyon. From there follow along the canyon until you reach the confluence of the Cline River and Coral Creek.

    At this point you will reach a viewpoint overlooking the Coral Creek canyon and a junction with the horse trail (the horse trail veers off a short distance from the viewpoint along the cut line).

    Continue along the canyon, following the path through the forest and along the ridge until you meet the horse trail. Follow the sign for Coral Creek. From here you are approximately 500 metres from the viewpoints.

    As the trail reaches the top of the hill heading into the forest, follow the smaller trail leading down toward the canyon and a great viewpoint of the narrow canyon and broad valley above. This makes for a great lunch spot but we’d suggest heading a little further along the trail and down to the creek.

    Head back up to the horse trail and follow it into the forest and down the hill on the other side all the way to the creek.

    On the way back, follow the trail into the forest for a more relaxing adventure back to the trailhead. You will see the trail on your left shortly after the viewpoint access.

    ALTERNATE TRAIL

    The trail described above is easy with some steeper sections. Those looking for an easier option can follow the horse trail at the first junction, shortly after the creek crossing. While on the main horse trail you will come across many trails to your right, heading into the forest. Keep going straight on the main path until the well used horse path veers right into the forest. At this junction, stay on the horse trail for the easier option or continue straight ahead to join the more scenic hiking trail.

    Even if you intend to follow the horse trail at this point, we strongly encourage you to go straight ahead catch an up close view of the canyon. It is a short distance away and you can easily back track to this junction to resume your journey on the horse trail if you choose to.

Call: (403) 986-6190
Email: bookings@nordeggadventures.ca

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