North Drywood Falls Trail, Castle Wildland Provincial Park

North Drywood Falls Trail

Castle Wildland Provincial Park 

The North Drywood Falls trail is located in Castle Wildland Provincial Park in southern Alberta, Canada. A 10km in and back trail through the front canyons of Castle, with amazing views of Pincher Ridge and Drywood Mountain. The hike features stunning scenery, seasonal wildflowers, cattle grazing and a 3 meter waterfall!

Finding North Drywood Falls Trailhead

While in the Castle Wildland Provincial Park, find your way to Butcher Lake. There is a road heading south on the east side of the lake. Take that down about 2km and you should easily find the small parking area and trailhead for this waterfall hike in Alberta, Canada. As you start this hike, you'll follow an old service road. Quickly you will come to a fork on the trail and you'll want to stay to the right for North Drywood Falls.

Hiking to North Drywood Waterfall

This is a 10km total trail over a relatively flat level trail with some elevation gain, 150 m. The trail is extremely easy to follow and has moderate/easy small uphill sections. You are walking through the centre of the valley between Pincher Ridge and North Drywood Mountain. There is not much tree coverage as you do this trail, the trees are all off to the sides here. You'll be exposed to the elements the whole way so dress appropriately. You'll likely notice cattle grazing the area as you hike the beginning section. We didn't see them, or evidence of them further along on the trail. The trail narrows significantly as you near the end and start to hear the waterfall.

Exploring Waterfalls in Castle Provincial Park 

At North Drywood Falls you'll find a small bench overlooking the Falls from partway up the cliff edge. Easy to get to and a wonderful spot to take in the amazing views. There is a small rocky dirt trail past the bench that would take you up and over the falls where the trails become unmaintained. There are a few viewpoints from above the falls if you're capable of some minor scrambling to get up there. This is a rugged area so know your limits and stay safe. Rock hopping across the creek brings you into a large inlet cave setting with a natural shower flowing over from above.

4 Season Waterfall Adventure in Alberta Canada

North Drywood Falls trail is open year round. Being a relatively easy hike during the summer months, it would make a lovely snowshoeing trail in the winter. Obviously the falls will have a different look and flow depending on when you visit. I visited at the end of July and found it to be perfect for exploring all around the base of the falls easily. This trail would also be great for mountain biking in the warmer months.

Explore Castle Parks in Southern Alberta

One of the many beautiful trails and waterfalls in Castle Parks, use this as a quick day trip in and out, or a start to a backcountry camping adventure in a stunning mountain setting. This area is teeming with wildlife and special rare species, so keep your eyes out for these beautiful works of nature. As always, let's keep our parks clean and be sure to pack out what you brought in. Get outside and explore Alberta!

Castle Wildland Provincial Park 

Waterfalls in Alberta Canada