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Alexander Henry's Trail
Hike or Bike David Thompson Country
Alexander Henry's
trailhead is located next to the
David Thompson
Highway (#11)
218km
west of
Rocky Mountain
House.
A 4.5 hour
drive
from
Edmonton,
3.5 hours from
Calgary.
If you're traveling from
Calgary
the route through the National Parks
is shorter than heading through
Rocky Mountain
House. Park at the
roadside pullout on the west side of
the Big Whirlpool. Allow 2.5 hours return
for this easy peaceful hike, total
distance
4.8km
return.
From the parking lot, walk down to
the North Saskatchewan
River then turn right and head west
along the river. The trail runs
along the Saskatchewan river disappearing in
spots over washed gravel beds then
reappearing on the banks of the
river. You'll have to hop across a couple
of small streams and Wildhorse Creek
along the way. The trail seems to
get lazy as it meanders through
several open meadows and campsites
that are used by local outfitters.
There are also a few
Vision Quest
sites used by the native Indians.
Keep walking along the river until
a large bend
in the North Saskatchewan
River and several sand dunes appear. The valley to the
west will open into a vast expanse
offering 180 degree views of the
North Saskatchewan
River and the surrounding mountains.
This is an excellent spot to have
your lunch. The open valley and the
large wide braids in the North Saskatchewan
River will entice you to continue
on. If you have the time and energy
you can follow the North Saskatchewan
River as far as you like.
There are several hiking trails
located in this area. To mention a
few,
Siffleur Falls,
Crescent Falls
Hike,
Hoodoo Creek
Hike,
Kinglet Lake
Hike,
Loudon Creek
Hike,
Two
O'clock Ridge Hike,
Tuff Puff,
Vision Quest
Hike, Windy
Point Ridge,
Allstones Creek
Hike,
Allstones Lake
Hike,
Ice Falls Two
O'clock Creek,
Coral
Ridge Hike,
Big Whirlpool
& Whirlpool Ridge,
Owen Creek, Cline and
Coral Canyons are all
located near here.
You are in
bear country.
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