20. FLOWING WATER TRAIL

An easy and varied hike for kids of any age. Good water scenery, good mountain views and a beaver pond will keep the kids entertained.

LOCATION

Driving west on Highway 1, take the Highway 1X turnoff (Exit 114) towards Exshaw, follow that road for a short distance and turn right, into Willow Rock Campground. Drive past the washroom building to the signed trailhead on the left; park.

DISTANCE

2.4 km return

ELEVATION GAIN

Minimal

DIFFICULTY

Easy, recommended for all; good trail throughout.

SEASON

Late spring, summer and early fall.

OF SPECIAL INTEREST FOR CHILDREN

The trail is quite short, so take your time and enjoy the variety of terrain. Combine this trip with some or all the Bow Valley Provincial Park hikes (see previous trip, 19. Bow Valley Provincial Park Loop) for a full and interesting day.

1.From the trailhead sign, hike 500 m (passing an amphitheatre right near the trailhead) to the official start of the loop.

2.Hike the loop in either direction (counter clockwise may be preferable, as the views downstream are slightly better than those upstream), stopping at each interpretive panel if desired. Early on, if you hike the loop counter clockwise, there is a beautiful viewpoint above the Kananaskis River. Hold onto small children here, as the drop down to the river is significant. Enjoy good views of Mount Yamnuska farther along the trail, as well as the beaver pond.

Almost immediately after starting the hike, there is an opportunity to access the Kananaskis River.

There are certain perks associated with being 12 kg, as Skye Nugara, 2, finds out.

Great viewpoint over the river.

Checking out the beaver ponds.

On the boardwalk, with Mount Yamnuska behind.

The Nugara kids (my brother Mark’s, not mine) decide they are close enough to the edge (Courtesy Mark Nugara).