Wigwam Lookout Trail (Fernie)

Site Description:The trailhead is on the other side of the river. Begin by fording the river. This can only be done when the water levels are low. This is the last water you will see along this trail, so be sure to carry plenty of water. Walk up the road on the east side of the river and follow it back toward the base of the mountain. The road now begins a steep and steady ascent to the lookout. As it reaches the ridge, the views open up and the low rounded mountains of the McGillivray Range can be seen to the west and the impressive Lizard Range to the northwest. The wide swatch of the Rocky Mountain Trench stretches as far as you can see. From the lookout, the views across the Wigwam Valley of Mount Broadwood, Flathead Ridge in the distance, Overfold Mountain and Soowa Mountain complete the panorama.

Driving Directions:Access: At Morrisey on Hwy #3, turn off onto the Morrisey Road. This is the same road that goes to Morrisey Provincial Park. Continue past the park and cross the Elk River. Turn right and follow Morrisey Road to the 17 km road marker. Continue straight ahead at the 17 km road marker, crossing over Morrisey Creek. Here you will see the Lodgepole Road sign. Continue straight ahead, over a low pass, to the 25 km road marker. The road forks here, with the left fork going up Lodgepole Creek and the right fork going to the Wigwam River. Stay right on the Ram Creek Road. Just after the 29 km marker, you will cross Lodgepole Creek and find yourself in a wide valley. The road passes along the edge of this wide valley and enters the much narrower valley of the Wigwam River, to the south. Continue along the Wigwam River to the 42 km road marker. Look for an old road that goes down to the Wigwam River. Follow this old road and park by the river.