The best walks and hikes around Clearwater County

The trail up Mount Ernest Ross wastes no time—within the first kilometre you’re already grinding up a brutally steep slope that touches a 37% incline, one of the sharpest starts in the David Thompson region. A short elevation break of about a kilometre or so gives your legs a chance to reset before the real climb begins. From here, the route launches into its steepest and longest ascent, pushing toward gradients of roughly 48% as it carries you onto the exposed ridge. It’s a demanding approach from the very first step, but the payoff arrives quickly in the form of wide-open views over Abraham Lake and the Kootenay Plains.

Mount Ernest Ross rises sharply above the Kootenay Plains, offering a steady ridge climb with big views long before you reach the top. The route gains elevation quickly from the Bridge Creek area, pulling you out of the forest and onto an open, rocky ridge with Abraham Lake glowing below. The upper section turns into loose, hands-on scrambling, and most hikers stop at the high point on the ridge rather than pushing to the true summit, which is more technical than it appears.

Stretching across the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies near Abraham Lake, the Kiska/Willson PLUZ is a vast multi-use backcountry area open to hikers, equestrians, and OHVs on designated trails. Dispersed camping is allowed with a Public Lands Camping Pass. With open foothills, forested valleys, and access to rugged mountain terrain, it’s an excellent base for exploring the David Thompson region.

This small dock extends into the lake and gives a close, unobstructed view of the water and surrounding treeline. It’s one of the nicest spots on the loop for photos or a short break, with calm reflections and easy access right off the shoreline path. A simple but scenic highlight on the Fish Lake circuit.

This lakeside viewpoint offers a wide, quiet look across the water toward dense forest on the far shore. It’s an easy stop along the Fish Lake loop, giving you one of the clearest open views on the route. A good place to pause, take in the reflections, or photograph the still water before continuing around the shoreline.

The Fish Lake Trail is an easy loop around Fish Lake (Shunda Lake), following a mostly flat shoreline path through dense forest with frequent openings toward the water. It’s well-marked and suitable for a relaxed walk, offering steady lake views and a quiet atmosphere away from the busier parts of the recreation area. It’s a simple add-on when exploring the Fish Lake Provincial Recreation Area.

Eagle Lake sits within the Eagle Creek Natural Area and offers a quiet break surrounded by forest and open water views. The shoreline paths are informal but easy to follow, giving this spot a calm, secluded feel compared to the busier lakes in the region. It’s a simple, scenic stop for anyone exploring the Eagle Creek trail network.

James Lake is a quiet, tree-lined lake within the Eagle Creek Natural Area, offering a peaceful stop away from busier Rocky Mountain routes. The paths around the lake are informal but easy to follow, with calm water views and thick forest creating a secluded atmosphere. It’s a simple, scenic waypoint for anyone exploring this corner of Alberta.