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Red
Rock Canyon and Tamarack Trail
Backpacking in Waterton Lakes National Park
©
Outdoor Adventure Canada
 Located
in south western Alberta, Waterton Lakes National Park has been
part of the world's first International Peace Park since 1932.
In 1995 this area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site
and is where the prairies meet the mountains. Historically this
area was a bison hunting ground for aboriginal people and the
oldest campsite, in Red Rock Canyon, dates back 8400 years. Today
the bison are found only in protected areas but backcountry camping
still remains.
Combining
the trail from Red Rock Canyon to Twin Lakes with the Tamarack
Trail makes a great multi-day hike for the experienced backpacker.
The journey is about 32 kilometers long and it is recommended
that you take at least two days to complete it. You will need
to arrange transportation back to the trailhead. My suggestion
would be to use the services of the Tamarack Hiker Shuttle which
has been in operation for 80 years.
The hike takes
you from the spectacular and unusual Red Rock Canyon along the
Bauerman Creek to the campsite at Snowshoe. You then travel from
Snowshoe to Twin Lakes. There is another campsite at Upper Twin
Lake. A low ridge separates the two lakes. You will continue along
the trail and see the Kishinena Peak to your right. Beautiful
alpine meadows encircle a small lake. As you travel toward Lone
Lake you will see the aftermath of broken timbers left by an avalanche.
Lone Lake has a campsite with a pole for hanging your food out
of the reach of hungry bears. There are several stream crossings
along the route and many breathtaking vistas. You will parallel
Rowe Creek and eventually reach the end of the trail but only
after you take in the awesome view of Mt. Linehan.
The Tamarack
Trail is spectacular in late September and early October, not
only because of the stunning topography, but also because of the
tree it is named for. Tamaracks, also referred to as the Alpine
Larch, are a deciduous tree that shows bright hues of yellow during
the fall. This tree sheds its needles; a strange occurrence for
a conifer. 
Waterton is
biologically diverse and boasts over 900 species of wildflowers.
One such species is Bear Grass which does not grow anywhere else
in Canada. Wildlife is abundant but special care must be taken
as this regions hosts mountain lions, black bears and grizzlies.
The long toed salamander is also a resident of the park. Fish
are prevalent in Waterton's lakes including the Bull Trout, an
endangered species.
You will see
alpine meadows, glades, moraines, crags and cliffs. You will travel
through forest and along scree slopes. The varied geology and
abundant wildlife make this an interesting trip. A camping permit
is required and if you plan to fish you must purchase a special
license.
More information
is available through Waterton National Park's website at
http://parkscanada.pch.gc.ca/Parks/Alberta/Waterton_lakes/Waterton_lakes_e.htm
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