Hiking

Glacier Lake is the gateway to the mountains of the Ragged Range and the Cirque of the Unclimbables. Depart from the snye approximately 500m upstream of the mouth of Britnell Creek on the Nahʔą Dehé (South Nahanni River). There is a hiking route marker here N 62° 03.366 W 127° 22.378”. The route continues over rolling hills until close to Britnell Creek, then head to the west and follow the north bank of the creek to Glacier Lake. There may be plenty of occasions when the faint trail will be temporarily lost or confused with game trails. There are small square blue hiker signs nailed to trees to help keep you on the route to the lake. This route has many downed trees, swamps and tripping hazards.

To access Fairy Meadows, you must complete a strenuous hike from Glacier Lake that typically takes between 4-7 hours to complete. This trail includes uneven terrain, switchbacks, and steep inclines. If accessing this trail via the Nahʔą Dehé (South Nahanni River) you will need to paddle 5km across Glacier Lake.

Gahnįhthah is a place of creation and a place of great significance to the Dene. Access to the tufa mound is only permitted with staff. If staff are not available for a guided hike when you arrive, you can still hike the trail for a view of the tufa mound – just don’t cross the Gahnįhthah River.

The Secret Lakes are a series of small, deep lakes nestled in a steep-sided mountain valley. There are two routes of access described below:

1) Depart from the high, northwestern bank of the Nahʔą Dehé (South Nahanni River) immediately below the mouth of the Gahnįhthah (Rabbitkettle) River. Travel east through muskeg, creek beds and game trails, then over a low pass into the Secret Lakes Valley (6 km one-way).

2) Hike up the creek bed joining the Nahʔą Dehé. The creek bed will take you into the Secret Lakes valley on a gradual incline, making a longer but less strenuous trip than the above route. Most of the creek bed consists of gravel and small boulders (10 km one-way).

This route begins directly across the river from the Náįlįcho (Virginia Falls) campground. You should canoe upstream a sufficient distance before ferrying to the other side of the river to ensure a safe crossing and remember to haul your canoe clear of the water and tie it to the willows! Several ‘trails’ fan through the woods towards the base of Sunblood Mountain, but eventually they all come together. Hike northeast through a mature spruce forest until you reach the open scree slope angling across the lower slope of Sunblood Mountain. A steep hike through open pine forest is next, after which you will come to the long ridge that dominates the skyline from Náįlįcho. Hike up the ridge and continue to the peak of Sunblood Mountain, utilizing sheep trails and open slopes, but be careful on the treacherous scree. This is a demanding hike with 990 m elevation gain and requiring plenty of water.

This short, steep route gains 200 m and features outstanding views of Pulpit Rock from above. Begin at Tthetaehtłų́ah (The Gate) campground, hike south, and cross the stream. Be very cautious as rocks are extremely slippery along the stream bed. There is a well-worn path leading up the rocky slope to the top of the canyon wall. You will need to route-find a little as there are many spur paths to choose from. Where possible, stick to the main path. The route up and down passes through a boulder field and there are numerous loose rocks. Hikers should be very aware of the potential for rocks to become dislodged and tumble downhill into the path of other hikers. There are many sheer cliff edges, and much of the rock near the cliff edge is fractured and unstable, so hike slowly and choose your route carefully. Once atop the canyon wall you can admire the landscape you paddled through upstream and glimpse the downstream water yet to come. Return the same way.

An unnamed creek joins the South Nahanni River just after Big Bend at km 430; this is the entrance to Painted Rock Canyon. This 5 km return trip hike on relatively flat terrain journeys up a spectacular canyon named for the ancient sea creatures found in its canyon walls.

Start from the gravel bar downstream of the creek and begin hiking toward the west where you will find the entrance to the canyon. Be prepared to cross the creek several times along the way. The terrain is generally flat but rocky and the creek flow varies depending on the season. After approximately 2 km the canyon suddenly ends and opens up to a wide valley ahead with views of the Funeral Range. Return the way you came.

Stunning vistas across Dahtaehtth’į (Deadmen Valley) towards Ala Tthe Zhıhgoįʔa (First ́ Canyon) and the Tł’ogotsho (Tlogotsho Plateau) are the reward for people who complete this hike. The view is truly spectacular. This strenuous route begins at the confluence of Scow Creek and the South Nahanni River near km 438. Hike west and southwest up the gravel and boulders of the usually dry creek bed. A fork in the creek bed will be reached after 1.7 km; continue up the right hand or west fork. After a further 1.5 km a smaller creek bed on the left can be used, along with open ridges, to climb the range. A more gradual route is to continue along the original channel that climbs a low saddle leading onto the range. Once on top and above the tree line, sheep trails lead northeast along the ridges through small plateaus of rock and stunted alpine vegetation. Several small ledges and waterfalls in the creek beds will have to be climbed or detoured. Depending on the time of year, there may be little water available, so be sure to take plenty with you.

The Tł’o Dehé (Prairie Creek) alluvial fan is a major feature of Dahtaehtth’į (Deadmen Valley). Hiking upstream is possible on either side of Tł’o Dehé, but be prepared to cross some of its many channels or scramble up to avoid undercut banks. As the fan narrows, you will come to a steep, narrow gap where Tł’o Dehé exits the mountains. A steep climb on game trails west of the gap allows access to a small floodplain bordered by the almost vertical canyon walls. Return the way you came.

The Tł’ogotsho (Tlogotsho Plateau) provides a panoramic view of Dahtaehtth’į (Deadmen Valley) below, but this route is not a simple ‘walk in the park’. Start your hike at the mouth of Sheaf Creek in Dahtaehtth’į near km 454. You should stay on or near the creek bed and will have to cross the creek many times. A major forest fire in the early 1980s caused lots of deadfall, which makes this portion of the route a slow and difficult bushwhack. Follow the creek up to where it just about disappears at the base of the plateau. Go to your right (west), up the steep ridge leading to the plateau. This steep, mossy ridge gives way to a scree slope and extra care should be taken if hiking in wet weather. Near the top there is a small bench and fairly steep cliff. To the right of the cliff, a sheep trail leads you to the top of Tå’ogotsho. Water is not always available at higher elevations in summer, so carry along a good supply..

This route may require more than one day to complete. Be prepared for extremes of weather and low cloud, which can occur suddenly, making travel and orientation very difficult.

This route begins at the mouth of Ram Creek in Deadmen Valley, along the South Nahanni River. Ram Creek is an alternative route to the Tł’ogotsho Plateau, with less bushwhacking. Steep, eroded banks and the occasional mudslide along the way will make several creek crossings necessary. A small stream enters Ram Creek after 6 km that might be your last opportunity to fill your water bottles until you reach Boundary Lake. After hiking south for approximately 8 km, the valley begins to narrow. Hike up the north (right) slope for 150 m or more until you find a sheep trail. Following this trail through an old burn will lead you to an area with open terraces. At this point Ram Creek bends to the west. Descend to the creek bed approximately 50 m downstream of a small waterfall. Ascend the opposite (south) side of the creek and follow another sheep trail along a scree slope that will lead you up to Boundary Lake. Gain access to the top of the Tł’ogotsho Plateau by hiking north up a scree slope. The availability of clean drinking water is limited so plenty should be taken along. This route may require several days along with proper equipment and preparation.

The dry gravel fan of Dry Canyon Creek is located at the far eastern end of Dahtaehtth’į (Deadmen Valley) near km 458. Hike up the impressive, steep walled canyon on the gravel beds for the first short distance. As the canyon narrows, large boulders will have to be climbed around, over and sometimes under, where years of ancient water flow have smoothed the canyon walls and floors. Dry Canyon is most often hiked as a day trip, but accessing the alpine areas above may be possible with more time. Be aware that Dry Canyon is prone to flash flooding. Avoid this hike when rain seems likely to occur.

Lafferty Creek joins the South Nahanni River near the bottom of Ala Tthe Zhıhgoįʔa (First ́ Canyon) at km 483. The terrain and canyon are very similar to Dry Canyon, although Lafferty Creek usually flows above ground over most of its length, and some nice swimming holes can be found. Hike up the creek bed for the first 1 km or so; from there the canyon becomes increasingly narrow. Some boulder walking and steep scrambling will be necessary to get through a few tight areas. The creek will have to be crossed in several spots; usually it is low enough that you can cross on the rocks. Lafferty Creek is recommended as a day hike.