Kakwa Falls - Summer 2024

[Damian]

Hey All,

For a couple of years now I've been meaning to head out to Kakwa falls in the summer/fall.  Just wondering if anyone is interested in scheduling this for 2024.

For those not familiar Kakwa is Alberta's largest waterfall, and is only accessible via 4x4.  From what I've read it's best accessed in late summer due to water levels.  Only catch is the trailhead to the 20km trail is about 9 hours away from Calgary, 7 from Edmonton.  So this would be a multi-day trip likely for most.  Thinking of bush camping near the trailhead and then 4x4ing in.  Maybe camping somewhere else offroady on the way back.  But at this point totally open for suggestion.

If interested let us know and we can float some dates and potential route options.

Some Links:
Alberta's Tallest Waterfall Is Hidden In The North & It's 10 Storeys High
Explore Kakwa Wildland


Damian

[Chris]

count me in 👍👍

[binch]

I think I was into Kakwa falls back in the early 80's.....in a two wheel drive pick me up.  The viewing point had a small rail barrier that people just couldn't stay behind.  Amazing how many people fell off.

Sounds like a good trip!

FYI....Torrens Lookout (fire lookout) is located to the west of Kakwa Falls and it's situated on mountain ridge.   There's a scree slope just past the cupola that is made of thousand of petrified clam shells....at 6500' +/-.    When I was up there last (80's) we had just finished having a look around and were back in the vehicle to head back down the mountain (300' from the lookout) when we had 3 grizzly cubs run across the track in front of us.  Hot on their tail was 'mom'....a big beautiful silver tip griz!!!    I was so impressed by what I saw I didn't even think to lift the camera (sitting between my feet) to snap a pick.   But the image is impressed in my brain forever ;-)

Two Lakes has a popular camping area for the folks around Grande Prairie too ;-)

cheers, Bill

[Gardenome]

I'd be interested.


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[Matt H]

Depending on dates and if I have at least 50% of a functioning Land Rover I'd be in!

[Chris]

Any dates for this trip? Gotta book time off soon so I can  go!

[Damian]

Hey All, sorry for the late reply, we definitely should pick a date to lock this in.  Thinking a Friday-Sunday or Friday-Monday would be ideal, but totally flexible at this point.  What do people think of a weekend in September, the summer weekends tend to fill up with activities.  I think almost any weekend in September would work OK for me, with a bit of flexibility.  Open to suggestions on the itinerary and route also.

Thougths?

Here's what I had in mind for a general 3-4 day itinerary:

• Day 1 - Drive to Two Lakes Staging Area & find bush camp - 9 Hours from Calgary / 7 from Edmonton - Camp at Two Lakes Bush Camp
• Day 2 - Offroad In/Out of Kakwa and Explore Area - Full Day - Camp at Two Lakes Bush Camp
• Day 3-4 - Return via Jasper or Ruby Falls or direct?  - 1-2 Days

Two Lakes Staging: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HXmfKU9dmGp76a537
Directions from Calgary: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bAfBpfNwQVTTU26z5
Directions from Edmonton: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SxHMRaDcV5S8JgDQA

Damian

[Chris]

I'm pretty much good for any weekend, count me in. I'd love to come back via Jasper, probably would head east home though for me instead of Ruby falls.
The first weekend in September is the big landrover event in chiliwack, so any other weekend would likely have more people attend.

[Damian]

OK, let's lock in a weekend.  Any of the weekends in Sept probably work for me, for a Friday to Monday outing.  Shall we lock in Sept 6-9 or 13-16?  Those probably would be my preferences.  I plan to bring the family, and may talk another Defender into joining.  I think that Chiliwack event is first weekend of October, but if not let me know.

Damian

[binch]

FYI

BC Roverlanders Founders Day weekend is the first weekend in October.

Oct 5th (Sat) Rover-Landers Founders Day, Heritage Park, Chilliwack
Oct 6th (Sun) Off Road Sunday Run into the local mountains

[Damian]

Perfect, thanks for the clarification.  So should we lock in Sept 6-9 then?  I'm flexible.  I should also say that the two longs weekends are also an option, Sept 28-30 or Aug 31-Sept 2, but guessing best to avoid long weekends due to other plans...

Damian

[Chris]

I can do 6-9 or 28-30. throw up the dates you want and im in. see you there.

[Damian]

OK, let's set it for Friday Sept 6 to Sunday or Monday Sept 9th (depending on return route).  We can sort out final details closer to the trip.  I will be in with my defender, plus another 2022 defender.  All are welcome of course!  If anyone has any suggestions please throw them out there.  Thanks, looking forward to it!