|
 You know this is a special place the minute your vehicle leaves the flat toplands and begins to descend into the mysterious Milk River Valley. Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park is nestled among the rock cliffs and hoodoos along the winding Milk River. This is a sacred place to the Aboriginal
people of the area.
Watch for the many resident cottontails grazing on cool sweet grass under huge cottonwood trees. This park is a haven for wildlife, and many birds as well. You’ve heard about the place where the deer and the antelope play-you may see both here. Another resident of this region, the rattlesnake, is usually out of sight, snoozing among rocks or under the brush. Keep an eye out while hiking, for occasionally they like to sunbathe on rocks and pathways.
Not only is this a hidden gem of natural history and ancient Aboriginal culture, but the North-West Mounted Police built an outpost here, which has been restored on the south side of the Milk River. This region saw a lot of action around the turn of the century with the north and south movement of the various plains tribes. Many coulees that end up at the Milk River go as far south as Montana, and provided cover for outlaws and illegal whiskey traders to escape the law in Montana-only to end up in the back yard of the Mounties. The Provincial Park offers guided walks that explore some of this history, as well as the Aboriginal pictographs and interesting geological features.
The Milk River is an oasis on hot, dry prairie days, providing an intriguing route for canoe trippers. In the park, a swimmer’s beach just begs you to jump in the water to cool off. At night listen for the coyote choir and the sound of Alberta’s provincial bird, the great horned owl.
Open year round. Office hours: Mon-Fri 8:15-4:30. Park staff are also available evenings and weekends in summer. Located 42 km (26 miles) SE of Milk River on Hwy 501; 350 km (217 miles) SE of Calgary. .
New Search
|
