Landowner Rights & Trail User Responsibilities

The Waskahegan Trail is a unique resource that exists only because of the generosity of landowners. Before you set foot on the trail, know the landowner rights and the trail user responsibilities.

Pipestone Creek , Middle Section

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Ten people came out on a glorious September long weekend to hike the middle section of Pipestone Creek. We started at the highway access and went east.

Beaver dam in progress

We passed by a spot where the beavers have been building a dam on the creek. It has reduced the water level somewhat, which is probably making it easier for the cows to cross back and forth. However the herons we’ve seen fishing on the creek in past years are probably not too happy.

We didn’t see herons today but we saw these creatures instead.

After walking through the old growth forest section, we came out at the bridge. Just a few hundred feet further we moved into the next section of the trail where we had our lunch high on the hill, overlooking the magnificent Pipestone Valley.

Thanks to Lee for scouting and leading the hike and to Trail Maintenance for their superb work with the mowers, clippers, and chainsaw. You can find more photos on Flickr.

Horseshoe Lake in Ministik Hike

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The Ministik Bird Sanctuary in the Beaver Hills Biosphere is one of the gems in the Waskahegan Trail system. On this hike, the group started from Spilstead Road and walked to Horseshoe Lake.

Horseshoe Lake

A perennial highlight of this hike is the muskeg patch. It’s a sensitive area that we step through very carefully as we try not to crush the rich layer of moss. A new treat this year was getting a glimpse of the striking dense pink spikes of the water smartweed (Polygonum amphibium), a plant that can grow either in land or water, as its Latin name suggests.

  • Ministik Muskeg
  • Water Smarweed

On this particular hike we were delighted to be walking with Dylan Reade, the Oscar-nominated cameraman behind some of the great IMAX films (“Fires of Kuwait”, “Flight of the Butterflies”, “Dinosaurs Alive”, to name a few). Dylan is currently producing a series of videos for the Beaver Hills Biosphere website. In an email correspondence, Dylan said, “I am particularly interested in Ministik since a portion of the sanctuary intersects with a route that Joseph Tyrell took through the Beaver Hills in 1886—which I am also covering in an upcoming episode.”

We look forward to seeing what Dylan captured on this hike!

Many thanks to Johanna for leading the hike, to Helen and Lee for scouting it, and to Trail Maintenance who cleared the way. You can find more photos on Flickr.

West Battle River (to Schnee Hill) Hike

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On Sunday, four Waskahegan Trail Association Members adventured this (approx.) 12km hike which took us along the West Battle River to the top of Schnee Hill.

It was an extremely hot and smoky day from the British Columbia wildfires.

We were sure to bring lots of water and an adventurous spirit.

Along the way we found West Battle River to be a beautiful winding creek..

Highbush Cranberry (viburnum edule)

Along the way, we admired Saskatoon, Blueberry, and Highbush Cranberry bushes close-up. We did not stop to c consume them; perhaps next time.

A highlight was the Giant Goldenrod in full bloom, that suitably attracted giant bees that seemed to enjoy them.

Giant Goldenrod (s. gigantea)

At the top of a hill along the way, we rested and admired the beautiful and expansive view of the valley (along the way to Schnee Hill). The bench was newly constructed; we were surprised to find it.

Thanks to Anita P. for being the hike leader.

If you would like to join a future Waskahegan Trail hike, please view our Waskahegan Trail Hiking Schedule and join us!

See you on the trail!

More photos can be seen on Flickr.

Photo credit: Stella Cormier