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Rockies :: Alberta Foothills :: Siffleur Falls and Kootenay Plains Ridge

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Panoramic View of Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve from grassy Montane Ridge rising at south side of North Saskatchewan River.  Siffleur Falls trail crosses delicate meadows on wooden planks, center left

March 18, 2021

Beautiful and probably most famous easy hike along David Thompson corridor with much room for further exploration.   Visiting the end of Siffleur River that originates high on Clearwater Pass in eastern Banff National Park feels special!  Suspension bridge over North Saskatchewan River is outstanding engineering work.  Canyon below lower falls is spectacular, but also could be dangerous if staying too close to the edge of precipice - obey signs and stay behind the railings.  Beyond lower falls and end of maintained trail (reached within 50min from the parking) trail continues to second and third waterfall.  See here for good report and visuals.  This part is not hiked often, but it is very peaceful and simply beautiful;  when crowds choke the main trail in full season, you might be able to find solitude here.  Note that camping is not allowed, despite several outstanding campsites by the edge of river.  Beyond 3rd waterfall trail reaches sign at edge of Siffleur Wilderness and becomes faint.  It can be followed with lots of bushwhacking for several days till eventually entering Banff National Park, ~1.5km from Dolomite/Siffleur junction and well-known Dolomite Circuit.  This journey is long and tedious and will appeal only to dedicated back-country explorers.  Alternate and historically often used traverse is via Whiterabbit Pass, ~35km from David Thompson Highway.  This trail forks off main Siffleur Falls trail right after second bridge crossing, but is not marked.

On return it is recommended to explore gentle ridge rising above Kootenay Plains. Easiest way is to head up as planks crossing the plains end;  there is well defined switchbacking trail here.  It vanishes once you reach open montane plateau above.  Explore as much as you want.  With enough time, it is possible to traverse all the way to lower Siffleur falls.  Faint trail also exists on north side of Siffleur River;  it forks off main trail just before Siffleur River bridge.

Trailhead is on south side of David Thompson Highway.  Turnoff to large parking area with 2nd world war memorial, picnic area and dry washrooms is marked - watch for signs approximately 62 km west of Nordegg and 21 km east of the Banff National Park boundary. 

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