Ribbon Falls

Ribbon Creek trail is accessible via Highway 40 at the turn off for Nakiska Mountain Resort. From there take a left at Centennial Drive and then a right onto Ribbon Creek Road. The hike begins at the far end of the Ribbon Creek Trailhead parking lot. There is an old coal mining cart at the start. There is also washrooms available in the parking lot area before you begin.

To begin the hike follow the sign that says "Ribbon Creek Trail". You will follow this trail for the next 10km until you reach Ribbon Falls. The trail follows Ribbon Creek up the mountain to the falls. The trail follows the river bank for the most part, but also goes through the forest. As you make your way to Ribbon Falls there is a few mini waterfalls along the way to stop and admire.

Once you reach the falls you can sit and enjoy your packed lunch. There is also tenting sites available at Ribbon Falls Backcountry Campground close to the falls for those you want to stay the night and tackle the surrounding trails.Firewood is provided at the campground. For the more adventurous hikers you can continue 2km up the mountain to Ribbon Lake. This portion of the hike requires use of the chains bolted into the side of the mountain. Getting to the lake is not recommended during the spring and winter months due to the snow at high elevations.

Snowshoeing in the winter is available as well as mountain biking in the summer. However bikes are only allowed for the first 5.7km of the trail.

I would give yourself about 6 hours to complete the hike, but it is doable in a little less time than that. The roundtrip is 20km, but if you go to Ribbon Lake it is about 22km.

Permit Link for backcountry camping.