Scenic Views · Fishing · Alberta
Red Willow Waterfall
Remote falls on the Redwillow River near the BC border west of Elmworth, reached by oilfield roads and a 1.5 km walk. Clear pools for soaking, but steep sections, bugs and bears.
What visitors say
Red Willow Falls is a set of falls on the Redwillow River in the Peace Country, west of Elmworth near the Alberta–BC border. Visitors describe clear, cold water, rocky ledges and a wide riverbed with room to spread out even on a busy day. In low water you can walk across the river between the two falls.
Finding it is the challenge. Several reviewers warn not to trust Google Maps and to navigate to the Red Willow Falls trailhead instead, which sits at a gate at the end of an oilfield road off the Monkman Pass route. From there it's about 1.5 km on foot. You can take the gentler ATV track that winds down to the river, or a shortcut with a very steep, rope-assisted descent over roots.
It suits fit families and day-trippers who don't mind a rough outing. There are deeper pools and shallow areas for soaking, and people come for picnics and photos. The Redwillow River holds Arctic grayling, bull trout, northern pike and mountain whitefish; fishing falls under Alberta's sportfishing regulations, and some of these species must be released.
The dirt roads turn to mud after rain, which can trap small cars. Bring bug spray, sunscreen and sturdy shoes, be bear aware (one visitor saw a black bear), and skip strollers and wagons. Visitors have found litter here, so pack out everything you bring and more if you can.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 70 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.