The best walks and hikes in Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve

The route starts from the day-use area at Two O’Clock Creek Campground beside Highway 11, around 61 kilometres west of Nordegg. The trail begins behind the outhouse at the north end of the campground and soon crosses the creek. The surrounding Kiska/Willson Public Land Use Zone covers more than 1,000 square kilometres of Alberta’s eastern Rockies, with hiking permitted throughout designated areas. No general hiking pass is required, although a Public Lands Camping Pass is needed for dispersed camping.

Two O’Clock Ridge Route starts gently, crossing Two O’Clock Creek before reaching an open escarpment with an early glimpse of the surrounding mountains. From there, the route heads back into the forest and becomes much steeper, gaining more than 1,100 metres overall. Above roughly 2,250 metres, the trees finally give way to open alpine terrain and a clearer line along the ridge towards the high point.

At around 2,503 metres, the high point of Two O’Clock Ridge has a huge outlook over this part of David Thompson Country. Elliott Peak and its colourful rock bands stand out to the north, while Siffleur Mountain, Mount Loudon and Mount Peskett rise to the south. Looking west, Two O’Clock Peak, Landslide Peak and the Whitegoat Peaks fill the horizon. A large cairn marks the high point.

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.

Cline River Canyon is a striking natural feature in David Thompson Country, Alberta, where turquoise water cuts deep through layers of limestone. The short trail to the canyon offers dramatic views from the rim, with safe access points to look down into the narrow gorge below. The surrounding area is quiet and lightly trafficked, making it a great stop for hikers looking to explore the rugged scenery around Cline River and nearby Whitegoat Falls.