Watching Creek Trail
Watching Creek drains the hills to the northeast and runs into a canyon before meeting Tranquille River. Near the confluence of the creek and river two gorges converge and a point of land juts out between the two canyons. From this point it is also possible to cross Watching Creek and follow a trail down the east side of the Tranquille River above the colored cliffs and hoodoos of the canyon.
The trailhead to this route is found just past Tranquille Crossing. Follow the Red Lake Road as it winds north and west. Just past the Watching Creek forest Service site, the road drops down and crosses the Tranquille River. Park on the left at the Tranquille Crossing Forest Service site. The double track starts on the other side of the road a little farther up the Red Lake road. Follow the road as it climbs the sidehill, then winds through the forest for 3.1 km. A fork bears off down the hill to the right to the river, but avoid this and continue on. Near Watching Creek there are more side routes, but just follow the track ahead until it ends at the two canyons.
Enjoy the view at the point or if you wish to continue downstream, look for the flagging tape dropping down to Watching Creek and up the other side.
Tranquille Crossing | N50 49.259 W120 34.853 |
Point between the two canyons | N50 48.388 W120 33.125 |