Flag Hill Trail Guide

Where the North Saskatchewan River meets Abraham Lake

The short hike up Flag Hill above Preacher’s Point takes you to some nice views of Abraham Lake and the Kootenay Plains.

Published on September 15, 2016 | Last updated on November 2, 2022

It’s a quick hike but there’s no reason not to bring a book along and linger for a while to enjoy the views.

Whitegoat Falls
Whitegoat Falls

At a Glance

  • Distance: 16 km return
  • Elevation gain: ~75 m
  • Challenge Level: Easy
  • Trail type: There and back
  • Congestion: Minimal
  • Management: Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
  • Other Trail Uses: None

Trailhead: Approximately 59 km west of Nordegg and 31 km east of Saskatchewan River Crossing on Highway 11. Look for an abandoned driveway with a culvert on the side of the road.

We all have our part to do to keep this place special. Planning ahead is key to ensuring that we all continue to enjoy adventures in the Nordegg & Abraham Lake region. These are a few of the things you can do to help:

  • Minimize your impact by using existing sites, fire rings and toilets instead of creating your own.
  • Know about current fire bans, make sure that your fire is completely out before you go and buy firewood instead of cutting down trees. Remember that shooting fireworks is not allowed in the region.
  • Keep your site clean and your food stored inside your vehicle to help keep our wildlife wild. Always use bear-proof garbage bins.
  • While alcohol is now permitted in some Alberta Parks day-use areas, none of those are in our region. Alcohol is only allowed at registered campsites.
  • Be mindful of your neighbours and other visitors, including keeping noise to a minimum.
  • Be prepared for adventures in a remote area. Explore within your skills to reduce the strain on our volunteer search and rescue team.
  • Remember that cell service is limited. We recommend carrying a satellite communicator, like a Zoleo, on your adventures.
  • Support local businesses and communities in Cline River, the Bighorn and Nordegg.

Information provided here may be inaccurate or outdated. Always make sure to obtain current information before going on your adventure.

The trail guide

Flag Hill Access | 0.8 km

  • 0.1 km | Look for a faint trail next to an old stream bed
  • 0.3 km | Base of the hill
  • 0.8 km | Top of Flag Hill

Flag Hill Return Trail | 0.8 km

  • Retrace your steps back to the trailhead

The Journey

From the old access where you parked, walk up along the edge of the forest along the road until you come across a dry creek bed and find a faint path. From there, make your way to the base of the ridge straight ahead. At the bottom of the ridge the trail becomes obvious, making it’s way up the hill to the makeshift flagpole.

The trail to Whitegoat Falls
The trail to Whitegoat Falls
The trail to Whitegoat Falls
The trail to Whitegoat Falls
The trail to Whitegoat Falls

The Return Trail

Head back to the trailhead following the same route as you did on the way up.

The People

All the stories we share are by locals, whether they live here or love our region and contribute to making it an amazing place.

Contributors to this Story:

Author

  • JP Fortin

    JP is the Owner + CEO at Nordegg Adventures where he oversees the development of new adventures, guide training, strategic planning, marketing and destination development partnerships.