Vertical Gain: 200m to 400m

  • Whitegoat Falls

    Whitegoat Falls

    An easy hike along Abraham Lake

    One of our kids favourite trail, the Whitegoat Falls trail takes you to a double punch bowl set of waterfalls on a pretty creek.

    It seems that most of the times I’ve been to Whitegoat Falls the area was filled with smoke from wildfires in British Columbia. It might just be that the wildflowers along the trail, the close-up views of the falls and the low elevation gain make up for the hazy skies, putting it at the top of our list on those types of days.

    The Bighorn Backcountry might be close to the national parks and urban centres but it still has a remote feel to it. This includes the naming of creeks and natural features where informal names often prevail. You won’t find names on the map for places like Hoodoo Creek and others like Whitegoat Creek (official name) is signed as Cline Creek at the highway, an unofficial name (the official Cline Creek is a tributary of the Brazeau River). Historically, the Cline River was named White Goat River, further confusing places along the David Thompson Highway.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 3.4 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~155 m
    • Challenge Level: Easy | Family Friendly (no strollers)
    • Trail type: There and back (loop option)
    • Congestion: Moderate
    • Management: Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
    • Other Trail Uses: Horses

    Trailhead: Approximately 45 km west of Nordegg and 45 km east of Saskatchewan River Crossing. The trail starts at the Cline River Waste Transfer Station. Parking available, no washrooms.

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    Head Out On Your Own

    Sometimes you just want to head out on your own to explore the area. We get it. Here’s the guide for the Whitegoat Falls trail.

    The Map

    The Journey

    The Distances

    • 0.1 km | Whitegoat Creek Trail
    • 0.9 km | Whitegoat Falls Trail Junction
    • 1.2 km | Junction
    • 1.3 km | Junction
    • 1.3 km | Stream Crossing
    • 1.5 km | Stream Crossing
    • 1.5 km | Whitegoat Falls

    The Waste Transfer Station

    The trail starts at the Cline Waste Transfer Station. This might not sound like the best spot to start a hike but you’ll soon forget about it as you make your way up to the falls.

    Follow the trail on the left heading around the fenced-in area to make your way across to the other side of the transfer station. At this point, a sign marks the Whitegoat Creek Trail. Follow the wide trail up the gentle hill through the forest.

    The Whitegoat Falls Trail

    After 900 metres there is a well-marked junction on the left. This is the trail to Whitegoat Falls. Follow the narrower path into the forest, making your way down the hill toward the creek. 

    The Canyon

    At the next junction make your way 30 metres past the sign indicating Whitegoat Falls to some nice views of the V-shaped gorge. Return to the junction and follow the sign.

    Crossing the Creek

    A few metres past the junction there is another junction. The trail on the right is the one described in David Thompson Highway Hiking Guide but we recommend taking the trail on the left at this point. It leads to a somewhat steep hill down to the creek but it is a much easier option than the hill at the end of the trail on the right. At the bottom of the hill, cross the stream on the log and make your way up along the stream bed.

    The Falls

    Approximately 200 metres later you come to another stream crossing with multiple logs set up across the creek. As soon as you cross the creek you find out that you are standing at the bottom of the falls, hidden until that point by the rock wall. This makes for a great lunch spot, relaxing below the falls.

    The Return Trail

    There are a couple of options for the return to the trailhead. The easiest option is to retrace your footsteps back to the waste transfer station. Another option is to make it up the steeper hill mentioned earlier. It’s easier to go up than down and this will take you up along the bench overlooking the creek and with views of the waterfalls from above.

    To go this way, look along the trees at the bottom of the hill for signs of a trail or follow the obvious trail at the base of the falls going up. Make your way up the hill to a junction and head right. Looking back at the waterfalls makes for great views with Mount Stelfox in the background. Follow the trail to the junction from earlier and retrace your footsteps from there back to the trailhead.

    At the junction overlooking the canyon, you can either follow your tracks back to the trailhead or follow the trail along the creek. This trail is less obvious in sections but provides a nice option to return to the trailhead.

  • BATUS Canyon Trail Guide

    BATUS Canyon Trail Guide

    A short hike with great views of the Kootenay Plains

    This short hike brings you up for some great views of the Kootenay Plains and BATUS Canyon, an area that was once a popular training ground for the British Army Training Unit Suffield and nowadays with ice climbers throughout the winter.

    The trail, similar to the one described in the David Thompson Highway – A Hiking Guide, takes you to a viewpoint overlooking the entrance of the canyon.

    The first section is well-travelled thanks to ice climbers accessing the canyon during the winter months. The last section is an easy scramble to the viewpoint.

    The canyon is 200 metres deep and was a popular training area for the British Army Training Unity Suffield (BATUS) between 1979 and 1992.

    For years the soldiers spend time on a 3 weeks training course in the area, learning a variety of mountain skills. Nowadays they have moved their operations elsewhere but you will see encounter the Canadian Army training in the area from time to time.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 2.6 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~345 m
    • Challenge Level: Moderate
    • Trail type: There and back
    • Congestion: Minimal
    • Management: Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
    • Other Trail Uses: None
    • Trailhead: Approximately 55 km west of Nordegg and 35 km east of Saskatchewan River Crossing on Highway 11. Look for a larger creek bed crossing the road between Cline River and Preacher’s Point with a dirt road on the lakeside of the highway.

    The Trail Guide

    VIEWPOINT | 0.9 KM

    • 0.6 km | Junction: Keep Right to Access the Viewpoint
    • 0.9 km | Viewpoint

    CANYON ACCESS | 0.6 KM

    • 1.2 km | Junction: Keep Right to Access the Canyon
    • 1.5 km | Waterfalls in the Canyon

    RETURN TRAIL | 1.1 KM

    • Retrace your steps back to the trailhead

    THE JOURNEY

    From the highway, follow the well-established trail going up on the right side of the creek. The first section is an easy but steady climb and as you gain elevation the views of the Preacher’s Point area improve. The Survey Hill trail is the area across Abraham Lake from this hike.

    THE VIEWPOINT

    At the junction, continue straight to access the viewpoint overlooking the canyon. The trail is less travelled from here and before long turns into a short scramble up an open slope. At the top, find your way to the end of the ridge on the left for the best views of the canyon.

    THE CANYON

    Make your way back down the slope and head back to the junction you passed on the way up. Take a right to follow the well-established trail to access the canyon.

    The trail makes its way down to the creek and from there heads up toward the canyon until your reach the waterfall blocking the way.

    THE RETURN TRAIL

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

  • Siffleur River – Third Falls and Wilderness Area Access

    Siffleur River – Third Falls and Wilderness Area Access

    HIKE TO THE EDGE OF THE SIFFLEUR WILDERNESS AREA

    The trail to the first set of falls on the Siffleur River is very popular but going beyond those falls offers great views and the likelihood of hiking the rest of the day without seeing anyone else.

    Those looking for the trail guide for the easy hike to the first set of falls should have a look at the Siffleur Falls Trail Guide. This guide is for the longer hike along the river, all the way to the edge of the wilderness area.

    The Siffleur River trail takes you through two protected areas with the highest levels of protection in Alberta: the Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve and the Siffleur Wilderness Area.

    Ecological reserves are the second highest level of protection in the province, focused on preserving natural heritage in an undisturbed state for scientific research and education. This is a special place and access is limited to low impact activities. Camping and fires are prohibited in the Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve.

    The trail ends at the edge of the Siffleur Wilderness Area, one of only 3 wilderness area in the province. These areas have one of the highest level of protection in Canada with limited nature-based outdoor recreation allowed. Camping is allowed but fires are prohibited within the Siffleur Wilderness Area.

    Trails are not maintained within the wilderness area but this historical route connects with the Pipestone River trail, attracting a few backpackers each year making the journey from Abraham Lake to Lake Louise.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 14 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~245 m
    • Challenge Level: Moderate
    • Trail type: There and back
    • Congestion: Moderate
    • 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 | 7 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 left at the junction
    • 3.2 km | Canyon Viewpoint
    • 3.5 km | Siffleur Falls
    • 4.7 km | Gravel Wash
    • 5.9 km | Second Falls Viewpoint
    • 6.5 km | Third Falls
    • 7.0 km | Siffleur Wilderness Area Boundary

    SIFFLEUR FALLS RETURN TRAIL | 7 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.

    Before long you’ll be treated to great views of the canyon at 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. Unfortunately the area has seen many casualties over the year.

    The next section starts with a sign warning that trails in the area are unmarked and from our experience not always maintained. Follow the trail away from the falls and along the river. Along the way you’ll come across a number of shallow canyons with some of the best views available early and late in the season when the water levels are lower.

    At the gravel wash, head down toward the river and make your way up along the edge of the canyon. Signs of the 2013 flood are obvious here and the old trail, further away from the river, are still visible. From there the trails continues to follow the river, becoming narrow in sections as it makes its way across the slope leading down to the canyon below.

    As you go you’ll come across a number of informal campsite and fire pits. Those look like they get significant use but keep in mind that camping and fires are prohibited in this area and the entire Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve.

    The second set of falls is visible from high above along the way.

    At the next gravel wash (and sometimes creek crossing) head down to the river to a quiet spot below the third set of falls. It makes for a pleasant lunch spot and for many this is the end of the hike. This looks like another popular camping spot but if you are looking at camping legally, just head a little further along the trail to the Siffleur Wilderness Area.

    The Siffleur Wilderness Area boundary is only 0.5 km away at this point. Head back up the creek to the trail and continue along. Soon you’ll get to see some great views of the river cascading into the third set of falls before coming up to the wilderness area.

    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 footstep.

  • 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.

  • Hoodoo Creek Trail Guide

    Hoodoo Creek Trail Guide

    HOODOOS, A CAVE AND GREAT VIEWS OF ABRAHAM LAKE

    Scramble up the creek bed to a cave and great views of Abraham Lake. The popular Hoodoo Creek hike offers great views the entire way along highway 11.

    An unofficial trail takes you in and out of the creek bed, making your way up the narrowing valley pass two hoodoos on the way to the shallow cave.

    Hoodoos like the ones you’ll see on this hike are evidence of the glaciers that once covered the area. As they advanced and retreated over the region, they carried rocks of various size and deposited them along the way.

    The deposit, called till, contained a mixture of clay, sand fragments and occasionaly large rocks. In some cases like here, the calcium carbonate in the limestone cemented the deposits together.

    A the water eroded the deposits, those hardened deposits remained as pillars called hoodoos.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 3.8 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~360 m
    • Challenge Level: Moderate
    • Trail type: There and back
    • Congestion: Moderate
    • Management: Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
    • Other Trail Uses: None
    • Trailhead: The trail starts along highway 11, 2.8 km west of the Windy Point access. There is a cairn with an informal marker on the side of the road where the trail starts and Hoodoo Creek is now marked with a green highway sign. This is 52 km east of Saskatchewan Crossing and 39 km west of Nordegg.

    THE TRAIL GUIDE

    ACCESS TRAIL | 1.9 KM

    • 1.0 km | Hoodoos
    • 1.8 km | Cave Access
    • 1.9 km | Cave

    RETURN TRAIL | 1.9 KM

    • Retrace your steps back to the trailhead

    THE JOURNEY

    Unfortunately this trail can be a little hard to find at first. Alberta Transportation has now added a green highway sign for Hoodoo Creek, making it easier to find the trailhead but there is still no trailhead parking lot. On weekends it’s often easier given the number of cars parked on the side of the road, otherwise it is the first major creek after Windy Point when you’re heading west. There is a cairn on the side of the road with a stick and quite often flagging tape marking the start of the trail.

    The trail is on the right side of the creek and right from the start there are some great views of Abraham Lake and surrounding mountains.

    For the first kilometre, the trail is in good shape and stays to the right of the creek while it steadily gains elevation. The views improve as you go and before long you’ll reach the hoodoos that are the namesake for this creek.

    After the hoodoos the trail disappears and the next section is a mix of walk and scramble along the creek bed.

    The access to the cave is up a steep scree slope. It is a well used path and quite easy to find.

    EXTENDING YOUR HIKE

    If you have time after visiting the cave it is well worth continuing up the creek for 300 to 600 metres. At a fork in the creek there is a nice cascade down the side of the mountain and going further on the right fork gives some nice views of the V shaped valley, Mount Michener and Abraham Lake below.

    THE RETURN

    To head back to the trailhead, simply retrace your footstep. Walking down the creek all the way to the highway is an option but the trail is faster.

    A WORD OF CAUTION

    This is a pleasant hike usually suitable for families. Too often however we encounter unprepared groups on this hike. You will be hiking on a creek bed, over boulders and up a scree slope which all require proper footwear.

    The creek is very shallow, not much more than a stream, on most days. It is obvious however from the width of the creek bed, the size of the boulders and the signs of slides that this hike can be treacherous on a rainy day or during a storm.

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

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