Kwasitchewan Falls overnight hike

by Harvey 09:16 0 comments Kwasitchewan Pisew Falls Manitoba Thompson Hike

Kwasitchewan Falls

This is a moderately challenging hike to Manitoba's highest waterfall, Kwasitchewan Falls. If you leave early enough it can be done comfortably in a single day, and I have done it before. However, this time we chose to stay overnight so we would have more time to at Kwastichewan falls. We actually had time to just relax and do some fishing. Assess is from the across the Rotary suspension bridge in the Pisew Falls Provincial park about a 40 minute drive from Thompson.

The Rotary Suspension Bridge

The trail itself is very rugged and not very well marked in places. There are a lot of hills, rocks, roots, and fallen trees along the way. There is also a swampy section that can be very muddy if it has rained recently. The final section of the trail has amazing natural beauty. There are a series of rapids upstream of the falls that connect the grass river to Philips Lake. Make sure to wear good shoes, synthetic socks, and bring plenty of water. The one downside to staying overnight is that you will need to bring a lot more gear. Back when we did this we did not have the new lightweight gear that we have now and it was still very manageable.

All of the pictures are from June 2010. Unfortunately, last time we tried to hike this trail in the Spring of 2014 there was an excessive number of downed trees and due to the shorter timeline involved in hiking the trail in a day we decided not to continue. Canoe or Kayak is now our preferred way to access Philips lake and Kwastichewan Falls, however the trail will always have a soft spot in my heart.

The Official Trail Map:
http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/parks/pdf/park_maps/trail_rec_maps/pisew_falls_trails.pdf

Backcountry campsites are available.

The Upper Track Trail

This trail follows the Grass River, the key waterway in the late 1700's fur trade route known as the Upper Track. Aboriginal people, who had travelled this route for thousands of years, showed traders from Hudson Bay, that they could reach the Saskatchewan River and the interior of western Canada by this route. Along the Grass, competition between the "Bay' men and North West Company traders was intense during 1790's and early 1800's as both companies vied for the bulk of the furs.

The trail leads the adventurer down the river to Kwasitchewan Falls, Manitoba's highest, and two rapids above the falls. For most of the trail the waters of the Grass River are within sight and stands of spruce, pine, tamarack and poplar provide shade and habitat for the many birds and animals that live in the area.

• This is a difficult backcountry trail, recommended only for those who are prepared for a rugged hike or with an experienced hiker. Hikers should be in good physical condition.
• When visiting the Pisew Falls - Kwasitchewan Falls area, stay on the designated trails, bridge and boardwalks for your own saftey. Do not approach the waterfall. Falls from height, slippery rocks and strong current poses real danger. Fatalities have occurred at Pisew Falls.
• Rock surfaces are slippery when wet and there are a few wet, boggy stretches, especially in spring and after heavy rains. Wear proper footwear and clothing.
• Camp only at one of the designated campsites above Kwasitchewan Falls.
• Please use a portable stove or one of the firepits provided at each campsite because open fires are prohibited.
• Open air backcountry toilets are provided near the campsite for your use, so you may avoid contaminating the waters and spoiling the aesthetics of this beautiful area. Carry in your own toilet paper.
• Please carry out any garbage you produce while on the trail for disposal back at the parking lot garbage cage.
• Pick up any other litter you find and bring it back with you to help preserve this beautiful area.

Our campfire for the night.

First Steps

This hike holds many rewards for those prepared to meet its challenges. It is recommended that hikers take time to plan their trip and carry only essential items on the trail. Pay attention to the following:

1. Advise a responsible person where you are going, when to expect you back and who to contact in an emergency.
2. Do not hike alone in a wilderness area.
3. Do not stray far from the marked trail.
4. Carry enough food and water for overnight, even if you're not planning on staying. Don't rely on catching fish for dinner.
5. Black bears are common in the area. Take precautions to lessen the chances of an encounter. Don't leave food scraps or litter behind, it could lead to problems for the next group. If you do catch fish throw the guts back into deep water, don't leave them along the trail or in the shallows.
6. If you can't use the outdoor toilets provided, dispose of human waste in a shallow trench (10 cm. deep) at least 100 metres from water and well away from the trail.

The dusk sky was beautiful.