Google Map

Rockies :: Kananaskis :: Wasootch Creek

GPS Track

Dried out tree at head of Wasootch Creek near the Trailhead

March 7, 2025

Long stony drainage separating popular Wasootch Ridge on north side and Wasootch Peak/Tower to the south.   I looked at during several Ridge hikes and shelved for potential exploration at some point of time.   It is listed in Daffern K-country Trial guide and has several points of interest early on - Wasootch Slabs climbing area, as well as steep gully providing climber access to Wasootch Tower.   Creek extends itself for over 6km to the Forks below Kananaskis Peak.

In early March '25 I abandoned planned revisit of Wasootch Ridge and decided to hike up the Creek because of strong winds, as well as slippery conditions in first part of Ridge trail directly above the Parking lot.   Going up the creek is easy, in particular initial bit leading to "Wasootch Slabs" climbing area.  Trail or at least obvious signs of traffic extend to drainage below Wasootch Tower.   Very few people venture beyond.  I continued to second drainage, then decided to turn back due to tiring trail breaking in wet snow.   On return I decided to explore link between Creek and Ridge, something there is virtually no information about.   Straightforward line that offers no difficulties exits; see Gallery.  Hardest part is actually climb directly above Creekbed on steep / slippery and muddy bank;  above grade moderates with only minor deadfall to navigate.  Several possible lines exist to break cliffband below the Ridge;  following GPS Track (download Top of Page) is the easiest and only steep hiking on Talus / Grass.

This variation will likely never become mainstream, but it does provide a nice loop with likely solitude.  It is possible to link creek and ridge at several points further up, but this one is likely the easiest one with least amount of elevation gain.

Gallery

Wasootch Creek Starting up well defined trail (stone markers) leading to Wasootch Slabs climbing area