Within a four-hour drive of my house, the Purcell region is by far the most impressive mountain range that I am aware of. Getting here is an adventure in itself. There is only one way in, via a long pothole filled dirt road that will rattle out your fillings (or in my case the hardware in my bones) and will make you question your efforts. For those that make the trek, this magnificent view is the reward at the end. For majority of visitors, this vista is only the beginning of their journey. The primary objective for many of the people visiting this park is for the world class climbing opportunities among the many spires. For others, the hiking is first class, offering access to pristine alpine lakes, or glaciers. For the outdoor enthusiast, this park is a wilderness paradise.
Departing from its headwaters in Bow Lake, the Bow River flows along the base of Castle Mountain in Banff National Park.
Tucked away a half hour drive inland on the Oregon coast, this little creek boasts eleven waterfalls in a short two-mile trail as it cascades through a lush moss covered temperate rainforest. I have had the opportunity to hike the trail twice now with my daughter. Without a doubt this has become my favourite place in the world. There is so much exceptional scenery packed into a condensed space, its beauty is unrivaled by comparison to anywhere I have ever been in my life.
