Trappers Lake (A104 to Fence) & Ross Creek (A115-A116)

This week’s hike, almost 12 km long in total, passes along the northern shore of Trappers Lake and potentially scale before scaling the fence (legally!) into Elk Island National Park and proceeding to the bridge we built from deadfall in 2014. Unfortunately we can’t make it to Oster Lake this year. After lunch we’ll driver ~20 min towards Fort Saskatchewan for an afternoon hike along a section of Ross Creek (A115-A116) that we haven’t done in a while. Refer to the Trail Conditions page which describes the issues at Oster Lake & Ross Creek/Partridge Hill.

As the pictures below illustrate, you can hope to see much wildlife along the way.

Muskrat…

How to visit Elk Island National Park for free…

Ruffed Grouse…

“Mi casa no es su casa!” You want to steer clear of these critters…

Nature comes in all sizes…

In Edmonton we will meet at the Belvedere ‘Park and Ride’ (free lot) & carpool (leaving at 9 a.m.). The hike will leave from the trail head at “A104” on Range Road 211 (just past the lake at an open field, one of the few stiles viable from the road) at about 9:40 a.m. (and after lunch we’ll drive to the Ross Creek section at “A115” on Range Road 222 (immediately after the small bridge that crosses Ross Creek). Participants may proceed there directly on their own, but should check the website prior to departure in case of a change (e.g., weather forecast, trail conditions).

If you are new to WTA hikes, then you should visit the Guided Hikes webpage for essential information. For further information specific to this hike, refer to The Waskahegan Trail Guide Book (pages 100-101 & 106-107), or contact the Hike Leader JoAnne B. & Lee S. by email or call 780-487-0645.