Peskett Canyon Falls

January 16, 2016

First off I could be here all day listing off some of the naming conventions of this canyon, creek and waterfall.  I will list the most common (and drop the other half dozen); Peskett Canyon, BAUTUS Canyon, End of the Line & O.D Canyon.

As the O.D. Creek flows in the opposing direction, on the other side of the mountain peak, I decided that this was not a proper naming convention of this canyon (despite the top of the waterfall starting from the O.D peak).  I also made a decision to drop BAUTUS Canyon, as this had been named by the ice climbing community.  Although this waterfall only really found recognition because of the ice climbers that climbed their ascent, one frozen winter; the name BAUTUS Canyon caused it to fall short for its presence in the summer months.

The region does however regularly speak of the creek as Peskett Creek, in both summer and winter, which causes me to continue with the name as Peskett Canyon Falls.

Mt. Elliot (Elliot's Left Hand, Kittyhawk)

January 16, 2016

In the winter this mountain becomes alive to the ice climbing community.  The most common of the ice climbs is known as "Elliot's left hand", though canyons and creeks around this mountain also have some lesser known ice climbs; the two that will be discussed on this day's adventure are Kittyhawk and the aforementioned Elliot's Left Hand.

The parking area for both of these waterfalls is on a side road off of the Highway (Hwy11) labeled Range Road 180A.  This road will veer down towards Abraham Lake, though in the winter is not completely kept plowed.  The good news is the plows apparently keep the inlet of the road clear, allowing for a slightly larger pull over off of the highway.

Note: I noticed a sign on my approach from Cline River, however did not see one on my return towards Nordegg.

Thompson Falls

August 27, 2015

I've driven past many times but have never quite attempted this creek.  Though closer to the road looks uninviting for waterfalls, there is one after a 1Km hike up the creek.  The only awkward news is the parking arrangement to access this waterfall. at the Thompson Creek Campground.

Spring Lake Falls & Entry Creek Cascades

July 23, 2015

I would return to the Pinto Lake Trail and attempt once more to venture along the many creeks in search of waterfalls.  Once again I would aim for the Entry Creek and Lake of the Falls looking for tributaries and reminisce of waterfalls.

Unlike past trips I brought a multi-day pack to attempt overnights in the area in order to cover more grounds (read my earlier write up of O.D Falls along this hike).  Over all I would achieve 12 Km from the staging area and along Entry Creek; though I would fall short of the Entry Creek Falls, I didn't come back empty handed.

O.D Falls

July 23, 2015

During the higher water flow season I set off on Pinto Lake Trail with a goal to capture as many waterfalls as possible along the various side trails.  I once again stopped at O.D creek and even found another path above the creek on a ridge.  

The water seems to create two falls below the bridge.  There appears to be a smaller upper falls (Below) and a much more prominent lower falls into the Cline River (above; as best as I could muster).

Only 2.2 Kilometers in on your hike you will cross this creek.  The sad news is there isn't a good view of the waterfall.  The reason for this is because you are standing atop the spot where the falls occur and the over growth of trees causes a great deal of coverage looking down on the creek.  I'll have to explore the view from the Coral Creek trail to see if this offers a better broad view.

Sentinel Creek Falls

October 18, 2014

Just like my last post, this is a continuation of the Pint Lake Trail from Highway 11.  As I passed through this region last month with a huge goal of Entry Creek (12-13 Km), this time I set that as a distant goal and aimed to explore the creeks that I passed on my journey there.

O.D Falls

October 18, 2014

I could never get enough of the David Thompson Country and its many trails and trail network.  Of course I realize that this was my main go-to for 2014, but this remote region gives me plenty to enjoy time and again.  On this day I would return to the Pinto Lake Trail, where I last attempted to make it to Entry Creek Falls.  Knowing that a 12-13 Kilometer hike is a bit much to do for one person in a day, I set this as my futuristic goal and for now focused on the waterfalls and the creeks I passed on my way there.

Entry Creek

August 17, 2014

I haven't yet been disappointed by the views or the endless breathtaking moments in this region.  Having started my summer off on the other side of Cline River and having completed Corall Creek for the CWF and their Walk For Wildlife; I thought this was only fitting to end my summer on the other side.

Stelfox Falls

April 18, 2014

In April this impressive ice climbing waterfall is almost completely contrasted to the rocky wall that is Mount Stelfox.  To trained ice climbers this is known as Good Luck, Bad Dreams.  The impressive length of this drop and it's vertical depth is enough to get a reputation to follow the name.  In order to climb this sheet you would be best to attempt in January or February when the ice is thicker and wider. Access to the climb is found at the staging area for Corall Creek Canyon.

Corall Creek

April 18, 2014

Having been many months removed from this area of the mountains, I had hoped I would encounter some good weather.  Although the weather outlook for the day would be a snow rain mix of 15cm/mm, I did end up with a couple partial cloudy breaks.  One thing for sure though my last minute decision of bringing my snowshoes would prove an important piece to this trail.

Coral Canyon Falls

August 3, 2013

Truth be told I expected more of a distance on this hike.  I'm approximating a 4.5 Km distance from roadside to canyon.  The actual view of the trail doesn't really pick up until you start getting closer to the canyon.  However the return hike is extremely rewarding as you're walking into the horizon with Abraham Lake and mountains in the distance.  Also there are multiple camp sites on this part of the trail.  This means if need be you can always rely on these sites the night before starting a longer hike out towards the Cline River.

Stelfox Falls

August 3, 2013

This waterfall was a surprise for me as I was not expecting anything this early on my hike towards the Coral Creek Canyon (roughly 100 meters).  What also escapes me is whether this exists on a regular basis, or if it is only found due to the high water levels this summer.  The next time I go for a trip to this area (and I will!), I will have to investigate this small 2 meter fall.  As for now, I'm going to call this Stelfox Falls; named after the mountain it descends, as the creek goes unnamed.  If anyone has a specific name for this creek or waterfall, feel free to comment and let me know.

From what my quick analysis of the trail, it didn't seem that the water naturally falls over the road regularly enough to make an actual creek bed.  Though the creek was wide enough on this day to cause me to cross on a fallen tree.

For more on my journey on this day see: Coral Canyon Falls

Little Indian Falls

August 2, 2013

On the opposite side of the road from White Goat Falls, you should be able to find these very small falls.  I'm told by the David Thompson Resort that they exist at least in this vicinity.  I never put much effort in discovering these waterfalls, as I was told that they are smaller than White Goat and less worth my effort.  After pitching my tent for the night at the White Goat camp site, I decided to take a short walk in search for these waterfalls, but to no avail.

I assume that they are located along the same creek as White Goat (Cline Creek), however until I locate them I'll have to just keep searching near and along the Abraham Lake, across from White Goat Falls.

Allstones Falls

August 2, 2013

This hike in total would take me 2 hours for a 9 Km round trip.  The actual Allstones hike (which people would refer) is the hike to the lake.  The lake hike is very rewarding as your elevation gain is staggering at the beginning, though you get a greater view of Abraham Lake and surrounding mountain peaks.  The hike to the waterfall is in the creek bed, where you will need to cross the water often, so bring a good pair of shoes, or a spare pare for your return.

White Goat Falls

Aug 2, 2013

To sum this waterfall up in a short couple of words; Small and hard to find.  Not that my summation makes me resent going to these waterfalls, but it was very hard to locate this waterfall.  The locals are somewhat aware of it's existence, however shrug it off as a worthy hike.  For one I can agree that they are given the fortune of being picky, as this highway system is littered with majestic views of the great Abraham Lake.

Crescent Falls

Aug 2, 2013

My first of many stops on this day.  I would return to this waterfall, as promised.  Crescent Falls is a roadside waterfall, however it is down a 3 Km dirt road.  There are guard rails which guide you alongside the cliff for a short walk down stream.  For this reason I would say this is a family destination, and as it was on my venture to these waterfalls.

Thompson Falls

April 29, 2013

The creek beds along the David Thompson Corridor were bone dry, which is why I never fully attempted this waterfall.  The sign of no water near the road, meant to me that the trip wasn't worth the short effort.  As a result I photographed the surroundings in hops to return to this location on a better, brighter, summer day.

The hike towards this waterfall is a mere 1 Kilometer, and is adjacent to the Thompson Creek Provincial Recreation Area.  The walk will follow the creek North towards the end where the waterfall is located.

By my estimation the creek, and the water in the region, will return in flow by June.  Over the course of May you may luck in to capture the first signs of the creek, however if this area is your goal, then I'd set your sights for June to be safe.

Ice Falls (Two O'Clock Creek)

April 28, 2013

I continued my journey through the David Thompson Highway to capture some simple waterfalls on this late April day.  However unlike the previous pictured in the Icefields, this area was a little more warmer looking.  The snow mostly was removed from the roadside, and receded to the mountain tops.  Although that did not mean it was any warmer.  In fact quite the opposite, as the wind was strong going through this area.

Siffleur Falls

Feb 2, 2013

On this unseasonably warm February I found myself in the Kootenay Plains in search of Siffleur Falls.  The hike would be quick and simple, starting on some of Alberta's prairie lands; then merging into the mountains and up alongside a canyon.

Crescent Falls

September 1, 2012

On my way back from vacation I decided to take a more scenic route back to Edmonton.  This would cause me to take the Saskatchewan Crossing (the road that intersects Jasper and Banff, near Lake Louise).  This road will eventually be labled the David Thompson Corridor, and you will be traveling through the Kootenay Plains Provincial Park.