Highwood Panorama from Running Rain South Ridge Highpoint.  Mist Mtn and Lipsett across, Nameless and Mist Ridges in the distance

1.  South Ridge
2.  North Ridge

Crux, in both cases, is actually getting to confluence of Storm and Running Rain creeks, which is real trailhead.   While not involved, specially in late season, Storm creek ford directly below parking area is mandatory.   More problematic is swamp area directly after.   Several trails lead all over the place, but there is no easy way across.  I've seen photos of people being able to boot up across beaver dams but conditions change and you must be prepared.  At each case, do not change in boots right after fording Storm Creek.  On my South Ridge trip I tried different ways but none was straightforward - so just suck it up best you can. Pair of old sandals or crocs are best (hip waders are huge overkill and not necessary).   Walk down from the car carrying hiking boots in your hands, then after sloshing across all the water obstacles to trailhead (Waypoint "1 - Running Rain Creek", GPS Download below) change to boots and stash crossing shoes for return.

Storm Creek Descent

Trail below parking pull-out drops steep-ish bank to Storm Creek Ford site. Note Flags

Storm Creek Ford

Storm Creek Ford below parking in late September - with gaiters one could probably run directly across. Odlum Ridge behind

Beaver Swamp

Swamp area and Beaver Dams where conditions change all the time.  This is primary reason why one needs to be prepared with some sort of wading shoes

Google Map

Sep 27, 2024

Good trail initially climbs above north bank of Running Rain creek, then settles for easy - and very enjoyable - stroll for about an hour to the Lake.  After crossing the creek on log ~2km in, trail reaches clearing at base of Avalanche gully extending to saddle below South Ridge Highpoint - this is (optional) shortcut descent.   Waypoint "3, 7 - Gully",  GPS Track download above;   I also built small cairn here.  If you decide to climb this way, note that wide gully you start up does not connect all the way and you will be forced to transfer to much more narrow and bushier drainage climber left ~1/3  of the way up - just aim for the obvious saddle.  Continuing on valley trail, lake is reached in another 10 minutes.   Trail continues around the lake past Alberta Parks Fishing Kiosk, then after rock-hop across the Causeway separating lower and upper lake disappears.   Aim for obvious grass/talus gully below Running Rain Peak, but do not climb all the way.  Good animal trail can be found in the woods climber left reaching South Ridge in about half an hour from the Lake.

South Ridge is mostly forested, but there are several openings with good views south;  Odlum Ridge is directly across while Odlum Bowl Trail - normal scrambler approach for Odlum and Running Rain Peaks - could probably be accessed from here as well.  After dropping to low saddle, easily trash up to Highpoint that also has Cairn.  Shortly beyond is big clearing with million dollar view of South Highwood  - see Gallery.   Obvious lower east bump could also be hiked from here but I have not tried drop down to Running Rain Creek on far side;  it is likely steep and quite involved.

Return is the same way, but I tried Avalanche gully starting from low saddle below the Highpoint.   It is initially quite steep, but manageable.  Poles are huge help here. Lower down I had to navigate some avalanche debris, eventually transferring to wider drainage as seen from valley trail;  rest is hands-in-your-pockets. If you have scrambling experience and don't need trails I recommend this variation.