Siffleur Falls Backpacking Trip (7/9/2022)

To sign up, please add your name to the waiting list, then fill out the Google Form. I plan to cap the group size at between 4-6 people. Please note that the 7 AM start time indicated is a placeholder. I expect that the group will likely leave Edmonton at approximately that time, and that we’ll begin hiking to the campsite at approximately noon.

The group will hike approximately 8 km (one- way) along the Siffleur Falls trail, to a campsite located just past the upper waterfalls on the Siffleur River. Please note that most of the path follows the top of the Siffleur River gorge, and there are sections of very exposed cliff sides. I’ve previously hiked this trail on three occasions. The path we will hike is a safe distance away from the edge of the cliffs, however the steep drop into the gorge from these cliffs can be disconcerting.

The hiking trail begins at the Siffleur Falls Staging Area parking lot, located approximately 65 km west of Nordegg along the David Thompson Highway (Highway 11).

A few hundred meters from the trailhead we will cross a narrow suspension bridge spanning the North Saskatchewan river. After the bridge we will follow a few hundred metres of boardwalk put in place to reduce the erosion on the area due to the high winds that frequent the Kootenay Plains. After the boardwalk a widened path leads to a bridge over the Siffleur River, to another bridge crossing.

A well worn path follows the top of a gorge along the Siffleur River to the lower Siffleur Falls view point. The first (lower) waterfall is about 4 km from the trailhead. The hike to the lower falls is a very popular day hike, and day hikers typically turn around at that point. An unmarked path continues upstream alongside the river, which will lead us past the middle and upper waterfalls and to the campsite. 

Descriptions of the trail place the distance to the campsite as between 7-8 km from the trailhead. There are some ups and downs along the trail, however generally it is a moderate ascent to the upper waterfall. Net elevation gain is listed as 126 m in the “David Thompson Hiking Guide”.  Descriptions of the trail and campsite can also be found on this webpage, as well as this webpage.

Please note that we will be camping on provincial crown land at an informal campsite, and there are no amenities (e.g. outhouses, picnic tables, bear poles/lockers, etc.) nearby. Everyone will be expected to adhere to the principles of Leav e No Trace Camping.

The majority of the trail passes  through the sensitive Kootenay Plains Ecological Area, where camping isn’t permitted. The campsite is within the Siffleur Wilderness Area, where random camping is permitted.

Please NOTE:

• Food needs to be stored at the campsite either by hanging it up on a tree, or by using a bear- proof canister.
• Everyone will need to pack out their own garbage (including toilet paper, etc.)
• Campfires are not permitted within the Siffleur Wilderness Area

I am asking that everyone fills out a Google Form. The purpose is to allow me to collect information that will better help me plan the trip. I intend to also organize a group meeting a few days prior to the trip. Likely this will be a virtual meeting, and it will be an opportunity to finalize plans for the trip, including discussing arrangements for travel to the trailhead.

Everyone will need to supply their own backpack and sleeping bag, clothing and toiletries and food.

Tents: Please let me know if you do not have access to a tent and/or would prefer to share with another person participating in the trip.

Backpacking stoves and water filters: At minimum, I would like that there are at least two backpacking stoves and water filters available for the group. (I will be able to bring one of each). Please indicate in the Google form if you also own these items and are willing to share.