18. CAT CREEK FALLS

Kids and adults alike love this one. Not too long, not too short, with a scenic reward at the end.

LOCATION

Drive west on Highway 1 and then go south on Highway 40 (Exit 118) to the Cat Creek parking lot, or, from Longview, drive west and north on Highway 541 (then Highway 40) to the parking lot. Note that from many areas in south Calgary, the drive via Longview is shorter.

DISTANCE

2.6 km return

ELEVATION GAIN

150 m

DIFFICULTY

Moderate, recommended for children aged three and older; good trail all the way.

SEASON

Summer and early fall; inaccessible from December 1 to June 15.

OF SPECIAL INTEREST FOR CHILDREN

Do not let children run ahead, as a road crossing is required. Makes for a great bike-and-hike trip before the road opens on June 15, as there is about 6 km of biking trail one way from the closed gate. Note that both bridges were washed out in 2018. Check the Alberta Parks website for their status before you go.

1.From the trailhead sign, hike up the trail to Highway 40. Carefully cross the highway and continue along the rising trail, up to a fine viewpoint.

2.Follow the trail along the ridge and eventually down to Cat Creek. You will reach the waterfall after crossing two bridges. Return the same way you came in. Alternatively, if the creek is low and you and the kids are not averse to rock hopping, simply follow the creek out to the road and then back to your vehicle.

Leah and Stacey Jones descend open slopes above Cat Creek (Courtesy Greg Jones).

Cat Creek Falls.

When the water is this low, hiking out via the creek provides a scenic and easy variation for the return.

Marl Lake Interpretive Trail, page 38, picture-perfect Marl Lake and the beautiful mountains that frame it.

Prairie View Trail, page 27, the Stavric family at the viewpoint (Courtesy Artur Opalinski).

Rawson Lake, page 42, clear skies are awesome for photos, but Marko Stavric takes great advantage of some blustery weather (Courtesy Marko Stavric).