Swift Creek Lookout

Swift Creek Lookout (1.85km turnaround) (#6 on hiking map)

1. Difficulty: Easy/Medium
2. Warnings: Check social media feeds below for current trail status updates
3. Wheelchair accessible: No
4. High-clearance 4×4 advised to access trailhead? No
5. Best seasons: Spring, summer, fall
6. Distance (return): 3.6 km/2.2 mi
7. Approx. time: 1–1.5 hr
8. Elevation gain: 120 ft/37 m
9. Steepest grade: approx. 25%
10. Viewpoints: 180 degree views from the top of the hill where there is a picnic table to enjoy your lunch and the view of Canoe Mtn, the Premier Range, and the Village of Valemount.
11. Geocache points: Unknown
12. Closest bathroom/outhouse: Valemount Hotel or Centennial Park
13. Cell service? Yes, however not all cell service providers cover the Valemount area
14. Gear to bring: Bring 0.5L water per person and mosquito spray
15. How to access/where to park: Travel down 5th Ave through downtown Valemount, and cross the railway tracks, then turn left onto Main St and follow for 1 km. Parking is available on the west side of the road just before the bridge (across from the Golden Years Lodge). The trail starts immediately after the bridge on the right.
    Click here for Google Map Directions.
16. Best Parts: The views are wonderful for this relatively short hike. Walking along the creek is incredibly peaceful. You can ski or snowshoe the trail in winter.
17. Worst Parts: The last .8 km to the lookout is  a steady uphill climb. The mosquitoes are bad during the early part of summer – but nothing a little mosquito spray or net shirt can’t handle!

Trail Description:

A popular trail among locals, this trail begins as a wide flat gravel trail that follows Swift Creek for 1 km, then veers left into the woods and works its way steeply to a viewpoint. You can continue on this trail for a 10 km loop (Swift Creek Loop) or turn around at the viewpoint. The views are excellent for the shortness of the hike – More than 180 degrees with views of Canoe Mtn, The Village, and the Premier Range. You may sometimes spot Chinook salmon  spawning  beyond the bridge as this is one of their final nesting spots, however, they are more commonly seen closer to the Info Centre in Swift Creek and usually begin spawning in mid-August.

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Elevation change profile (metres and km). Click to expand.

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