The best walks and hikes in Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve

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.

Cline River flows beside Coral Creek Canyon Trail. With its clear, fast-moving water, it cuts through forest and canyon walls, forming small rapids and pools along the way. You can follow side paths to reach the riverbank for a quiet rest or to take in the contrast between the green forest and the pale limestone cliffs. It’s one of those places where the sound of water and wind makes the whole valley feel alive.

Carved deep into the limestone, Coral Creek Canyon is the highlight of this trail. The narrow gorge opens to striking rock walls streaked with shades of gray and rust, shaped by centuries of flowing water. As you follow the trail along the rim, you’ll find several viewpoints looking down into the canyon’s twists and pools below.

Coral Creek Trail leads into a scenic valley, passing through open meadows and forest toward the Front Ranges. The trail climbs steadily, offering wide views of the surrounding peaks. It’s less traveled than nearby routes, making it a good choice for a quieter day hike in the Nordegg area.

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.