Once in a while, you come across a random hike exploring a random dirt road. This is how I came across the Northwood Drywood Falls hike, and I am so glad I did.
It is located in Castle Wildland Provincial Park, on the seldom-visited side, but it is absolutely stunning. If you’re coming to this area, you might as well take the detour.
Getting There
The hike is located in the Southwest portion of Alberta, past the town of Pincher Creek, on the road to the beautiful Waterton Park, which is why you would most likely be going that way to begin with. From Pincher Creek, you will take Highway 6 to Waterton Park, but will turn right to the Shell Waterton Complex, which is Township Road 43. Continue past the plant, and soon you will see Butcher Lake on your left, along with a road that leads to the left; take it. This road will go up over a little hill and back down to a gate with parking next to it. This is the start of the hike.
Keep in mind that when you leave Highway 6, the road turns into a gravel road, but it is in good condition. This area has some internet connection spots, and the hike is correct on Google Maps.
The Hike
On the gate there will be a sign for the hike so just get around it and get started. The path is a wide old gravel road for most of the way but rather quick you will have a split in the road with the left going to a small industrial facility and right will take you the Northwood Drywood Falls. The views will be incredible right away.
There will be a beautiful beaver pond on your way just off the road that is pretty fun to explore with submerged trees. Great little bonus for photographers, and hikers with kids. The trail continues in between a smaller wooded area but the road is so wide and the mountains around are so grand that it is hard to even notice. The hike is in the valley in between towering mountains making it a stunning scenery.
During melt off season there are more waterfalls cascading down the mountains, and the creek along side part of the hike is flowing stronger. There are even fish in there. The Autumn season is a beautiful time to visit as well. Wildlife and bears and commonly reported in this area, and is a favourite spot during hunting season for sheep. On our hike we didn’t see any bears of signs or widlife but one of the hunters we spoke to said he seen moose in the morning.
The wide road part of the hike will soon finish with the final trail to the waterfalls.
You will see a rocky formation in the distance that almost looks like a cave and that is where the North Drywood Falls are. The waterfalls are below the small hill you hike onto but very reachable. There is a bench right at the end of the trail to take in the views and relax.
The best part of this hike is how accessible it is to everyone. If you can do the distance it is essentially just a nice walk outdoors as elevation is minimal.
Distance: 8.1 km.
Elevation: 170 m.
Time: 4 hours.
Difficulty: Easy.
Season: All year round.
Dog Friendly: Yes.