The best walks and hikes in Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve

This rocky ledge provides one of the first big viewpoints along the Pinto Lake Trail, opening up views across the Cline River valley and the surrounding peaks of David Thompson Country.

One of David Thompson Country's classic backcountry routes, the Landslide Lake Trail follows the Cline River valley through forests, gravel flats, and dramatic mountain scenery on its way to the turquoise waters of Landslide Lake. In this section, the trail leaves the forest and crosses the broad riverbed of Entry Creek, where you'll be walking directly across gravel and cobbles deposited by seasonal flows. The wide-open views and rugged terrain offer a glimpse of the remote wilderness that defines this hike.

This historic trail follows the Cline River valley through a mix of forest, open meadows, and mountain scenery on its way into Alberta's backcountry. Originally established as a horse trail, it remains the main access route to destinations such as Landslide Lake, Lake of the Falls, and sections of the Great Divide Trail. While the path is generally straightforward to follow, the area is remote and out of cell service, giving the journey a true wilderness feel from the outset. Downloading the komoot map ahead of time is recommended.

Hidden deep in the backcountry of David Thompson Country, Landslide Lake is one of Alberta's most rewarding wilderness destinations. The lake's vivid turquoise colour comes from glacial sediment carried down from the surrounding peaks, creating a striking contrast against the rugged mountain landscape. Reached only by a long hike, and horseback, the lake feels wonderfully remote, with sweeping alpine views and excellent opportunities for backcountry camping along its shoreline.

The trail up Mount Ernest Ross wastes no time—within the first kilometre you’re already grinding up a brutally steep slope that touches a 37% incline, one of the sharpest starts in the David Thompson region. A short elevation break of about a kilometre or so gives your legs a chance to reset before the real climb begins. From here, the route launches into its steepest and longest ascent, pushing toward gradients of roughly 48% as it carries you onto the exposed ridge. It’s a demanding approach from the very first step, but the payoff arrives quickly in the form of wide-open views over Abraham Lake and the Kootenay Plains.

Mount Ernest Ross rises sharply above the Kootenay Plains, offering a steady ridge climb with big views long before you reach the top. The route gains elevation quickly from the Bridge Creek area, pulling you out of the forest and onto an open, rocky ridge with Abraham Lake glowing below. The upper section turns into loose, hands-on scrambling, and most hikers stop at the high point on the ridge rather than pushing to the true summit, which is more technical than it appears.

Stretching across the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies near Abraham Lake, the Kiska/Willson PLUZ is a vast multi-use backcountry area open to hikers, equestrians, and OHVs on designated trails. Dispersed camping is allowed with a Public Lands Camping Pass. With open foothills, forested valleys, and access to rugged mountain terrain, it’s an excellent base for exploring the David Thompson region.

The Kiska/Willson Public Land Use Zone sits west of Nordegg in Alberta’s David Thompson Country and offers a mix of rugged backcountry terrain, forested valleys, and open ridgelines. It’s a multi-use area popular for hiking, camping, and off-highway exploring, with plenty of unmarked routes and wild viewpoints. Hikers can follow old forestry roads and game trails to reach quiet creeks, waterfalls, and alpine meadows, making it a good destination for those looking for a more remote and less developed wilderness experience.