1) Turtle Mountain – North Peak
6.2 km return, 900 m elevation gain
“Turtle Mountain is an all time favorite… that most people want to do,” Heather Davis says. Known to First Nations as “the mountain that moves,” Turtle looms over the pass and is responsible for Canada’s deadliest rockslide. Over 80 million tons of rock came crashing down on the town of Frank in 1903.
While the summit offers a spectacular bird’s eye view of Frank Slide and the surrounding peaks, the view must be earned. This scramble is extremely steep with considerable exposure and loose rock, so wear good hiking boots and stay back from the edge.
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| View from Turtle Mountain Image Credit: Pam Drover |
2) Frank Slide Interpretive Trail & Leitch Collieries
1.5 km and 800 m respectively.
A 1.5 km interpretive gravel trail meanders through boulders left in the wake of Frank Slide. Allow time to explore the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre ($) adjacent to the trailhead to learn more about life before, during, and after Canada’s deadliest rockslide.
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| Exploring the boulders deposited by Frank Slide in 1903. Image Credit: Karen Ung |
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| Leitch Collieries Image Credit: Karen Ung |
3) Window Mountain Lake
4.4 km round trip, 218 m elevation gain
Window Mountain Lake is a local’s favorite. The pretty, alpine lake is accessed via Alison Creek Road and offers great fishing and views. There’s a small island near shore that is fun to explore, and adventurous souls seeking a longer hike, may scramble to the top of Mount Ward (add 1.6 km one way and 470 m elevation gain). Access to this spot is tricky, and there is no signage on the logging road, so write down directions before you head out.
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| Window Mountain Lake Image Credit: Jonathan Fearns |
4) Star Creek Falls Loop
1.6 km loop, 114 m elevation gain
Star Creek Falls is a hidden gem in West Coleman. The cool features of this short, but scenic hike include two bridges, two viewpoints of the falls, and a 75-metre deep canyon.
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| Star Creek Falls Image Credit: Stacy Head |
5) Crowsnest Mountain
10.8 km return, 1100 m elevation gain
The pre-eminent peak in the area is Crowsnest Mountain, known locally as ”The Crow”. Visible throughout the Crowsnest Pass, this distinctive mountain offers fun, but challenging scrambling, and epic views of the Seven Sisters. Route finding and intermediate scrambling skills are required.
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| Sweeping views of the Seven Sisters from Crowsnest Mountain Image Credit:Anna Kroupina |
For more information on the top 5 hikes in The Pass (driving directions, route descriptions), check out my story on ZenSeekers.
To discover more things to do in the Crowsnest Pass, visit gocrowsnest.ca.
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2 comments
Is the forest open for hiking after the fire ban?
It sounds like the Forest Area Closure for the Crowsnest Pass has been lifted as of September 21, but I would check in at a local Visitor Centre before heading out just in case. https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1671815979537563&id=454421064610400
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