Owen Creek Hike

Trailhead: Located in Banff National Park next to the David Thompson #11 highway. 228km west of Rocky Mountain House.

Description: Park at the roadside pullout on the north side of the David Thompson Highway in sight of Banff National Park toll gate. Head down towards Owen Creek and waterfall. Find the trail on your right of the waterfall leading up a short steep slope. Follow the trail up the slope to the top of the waterfall and a small lookout.

While looking down the waterfall it’s interesting to note a few large boulders that are wedged into the top of the canyon forming a natural bridge. Continue on the trail as it heads upstream past several beautiful turquoise colored pools eroded into the bed rock. In a short distance you’ll climb higher above the creek as it flows down into a deep narrow canyon.

You can follow the trail another 9.5kms or so to Michele Lakes . If you’re planning to climb Mount Wilson expect the worst bushwhack of your life. We tried this approach for a summit attempt on Mount Wilson. Once you reach the confluence of Owen Creek and the Wilson Glacier drainage the bushwhack to Mount Wilson begins. Our plan was to stay as close to the outflow as possible however the steep cliffs above the creek forced us back into thick bush.

There are a few flag tapes found along the way from previous parties however these flags were showing no trail and only marking their way in and out. Steep slopes covered in thick bush along with huge tangled deadfall made this approach absolutely miserable. Upon our return I understood why Mount Wilson is approached by the Notch near Saskatchewan Crossing. You are in bear country

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