Cairnes Creek

This site marks the start of the wilderness trail was used by generations of First Nations as a route east from the Columbia River Valley through the rugged Rocky Mountains. It served the First Nations as a route through the mountains to bison, and was a short-lived gateway for European traders to the interior of British Columbia from trading posts in the foothills of Alberta. Blocked by tribes east of the pass, the traders, led by explorer and fur trader David Thompson, found a more northerly route.

The trail connects the Blaeberry River, over Howse Pass, and to the Saskatchewan River. Recreation Sites and Trails manages from the Blaeberry to Howse Pass (11.6km), and Banff National Park manages from Howse Pass to the Saskatchewan River (26km).

Road access. Maintained to Recreation Sites and Trails BC standards by a partner or contractor. Facilities on file: boat launch, toilets, picnic tables, fire rings. First come, first served.

Getting there: Use road radio and caution while travelling on active resource roads. From the town of Golden, take Trans Canada Highway 1W and turn right at Moberly Branch Road. Turn left at Golden-Donald upper road, continue on to Oberg Johnson road, then turn left at Moberly school road. Take alsight right onto Blaeberry road and turn left to stay on Blaeberry road after you pass Redburn creek road. After 38.3km continue onto Baeberry FSR. In about 3.2km the recreation site will be on the right.